Yesterday I took a day out of the studio to go to the air show in Atlantic City. Unlike the unusual air shows, this one is held over the beach. I didn’t know about the show, but while watching the local news around 7 AM, they mentioned it. Decision made! We’re going! Then I called fellow photographer and good friend, Eric Weeks to see if he wanted to go too. Eric was way ahead of me. Not only were he and partner, Karen Michaels going, but they had VIP passes to one of the center-line sponsor tents. Eric said he’d try to get two more for Pat and I…….Our last minute decision was to take the NJ Transit train from Atco rather than drive. Good call. I suspect that there were about a half million people in attendance when we got there about 10:30 AM. Eric and I communicated by cell and were able to link up close to the VIP area. He asked his friend from Glenn Insurance, Inc. if there was room for two more. We were in! Not only were there plenty of chairs, a tent to get out the sun (did I mention that it was HOT?), they also had lunch and cold beverages for us, inlcuding soda, water and micro brew beer on tap. Nice.
I think everyone who goes, enjoys an air show. I think pilots have even more appreciation when watching the maneuvers performed as we understand not only the percision and talent involved, but the incredible stresses on the body. It’s not unusual for performers to experience gravity forces up to 8 to 9 times what is normal. Many years ago, when I used to occasionally fly a Citabria, which is Airbatic spelled backwards, I never experienced more than about 5 Gs. That was close to the max that the plane was designed for. Oh, and after about 15 minutes of yanking and banking, I got nauseous and had to go straight and level. It was fun though, so I’m always envious of the pilots that can play until they go bingo on fuel and have to land. Anyway, I still manage to have fun with a camera and did get a few photos that you might enjoy viewing…
USAF Thunderbird F-16 Demonstation Team performing over the beach
What it looks like when an F-22 Raptor goes balistic
2 WWII era P-51 Mustangs flying wing on a modern F-16. An A-10 Warthog in tail
Flying wing to wing, an F-16 Falcon and a P-51 Mustang
The Thunderbirds also fly the F-16 Falcons
These guys (actually one is a lady!) are doing about 450 knots and are about 3' apart!
My friend, Eric. What a patriot!
Eric's partner, Karen. Ah, camera and a beer. Perfect.
Decided to have some fun with the image above of Karen. What do ya think?
Eric will do whatever it takes to get the shot! Yo, Dude, they're behind you!
The Citabria that I used to fly. A little lower tech, don'cha think?