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Showing posts with the label Tampa Bay Air Fest

Photo of the Day: Fly on the Wild Side

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John Klatt speeds past the flight line in the Jack Links Screamin’ Sasquatch.  The Screamin' Sasquatch is one wild beast, mixing one half prop plane and the other half jet engine resulting in one fast moving, adrenaline packed performance.  It's only fitting that is act is sponsored by Jack Links because this aircraft is a wild ride.  (Photo: May 12, 2018)

Photo of the Day: Flying Frogs

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They may be forged by the sea, but the US Navy can also go airborne as seen here during a demonstration by the US Navy Leap Frogs.  The Leap Frogs are an aerial demonstration team consisting of Navy Seals and their primary mission is to aid in recruitment for the US Navy.  Performing at air shows across the country, the Leap Frogs demonstrate their ability to work as a team as they jump from an aircraft 6,000 feet above the ground.  Jumpers spend three years on tour with the Leap Frogs before returning to their normal operational unit.  (Photo: May 12, 2018)

Photo of the Day: Ready Break

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The Geico Skytypers break across the sky, simulating a technique used by fighter pilots to confuse enemy attackers.  The Geico Skytypers perform across the country using the SNJ-2, a US Navy trainer used to train allied pilots during World War II.  Today the Skytypers routine mixes sky typing with training maneuvers used by pilots during allied training.  (Photo: May 12, 2018)

Photo of the Day: The Little RV That Wanted to be a Fighter Jet

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Jerry "Jive" Kirby waves to the crowd at MacDill Air Force Base after his performance at the 2018 Tampa Bay AirFest.  Flying Wild Blue, the little RV-8 that wants to be a fighter jet, Kirby puts on an aerial performance that rivals Wild Blue's role models.  (Photo: May 12, 2018)

Photo of the Day: Close Air Support

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The distinct sound if the A-10 Thunderbolt can be a blessing to ground troops or a curse to enemy combatants as it roars overhead of a ground conflict.  Built by Fairchild Republic and entered into service in 1977, the A-10 commonly known as the Warthog is the only aircraft built specifically for close air support of ground troops and equipment.  (Photo: May 12, 2018)

Photo of the Day: No Need to Adjust Your Screen

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No, the picture isn't upside down, the pilot is.  Jim Tobul pilots the F4U-4 Corsair "Korean War Hero" upside down across the flight line at the 2018 Tampa Bay AirFest at MacDill AirFest.  The Korean War Hero has a distinguished career, plying over 200 combat missions while serving on two tours of duty with two carrier groups.  After being retired from the US Navy, the Korean War Hero served an additional ten years with the Honduran Air Force.  In 1981, it was purchased by Tobul and following an extensive restoration returned to the skies in 1991.  (Photo: May 12, 2018)

Photo of the Day: The Resurrected Veteran

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Scott "Scooter" Yoak pilots the P-51 Mustang Quicksilver in front of the crowds at the 2018 Tampa Bay AirFest at MacDill Air Force Base.  The paint job on Quicksilver tells a story and pays tribute to those who defended our nation.  The black cape covering the front of the P-51 represents the veil of protection provided by our armed services.  The black paint features tiny sparkling start that are for the American Veteran that served our nation.  The silver ring behind the spinners is a halo of the guardian angel who guide our armed forces.  The stripes on the wings are for heritage as the stripes were common for allied aircraft during World War II, the war in which the P-51 fought.  The bare metal provides a reflection of those who look at the aircraft and a reminder of who all the veterans have found for.  Quicksilver travels the air show circuit to pay tribute to the men and woman who serve our nation.  (Photo: May 12, 2018)

Photo of the Day: I Was Inverted

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Mike Goulian flies inverted in the Extra 330 over top of Rob Holland in the MXS to kick of Tampa Bay AirFest at MacDill Air Force Base in South Tampa. The high flying aerial acrobatics of Goulian and Holland were just some of the avation acts that dazzled the crowds over Mother's Day weekend. (Photo: May 12, 2018)

Photo of the Day: Fueling the Friendly Skies

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The KC-135 Stratotanker flies across the flight line during the 2018 Tampa Bay Air Fest at MacDill Air Force Base.  MacDill is home to a squadron of flying gas stations aka the KC-135. The KC-135 is used to extend the range of bombers and fighters by provide mid-air refueling services.   Introduced in 1957, is one of six military aircraft with over 50 years of continuous service.  (Photo: May 12, 2018)