Ghost Squadron Preparations: Finishing Touches For the 2024 Air Show Season (PDF)

A unique air display team arrived at Lakeland, Florida from Bozeman, Montana in early March for a final series of practice sessions ahead of its 2024 air show season. Known as the Polaris Ghost Squadron, the team flies four single-engine Aero Vodochody L-39 Albatros trainers, three twin-engine Dassault/Dornier Alpha Jet A trainers, and a two-seat Mikoyan-Gurevich MiG-29UB 'Fulcrum' fighter.

However, air show work is the Ghost Squadron's secondary mission. The first order of business is to provide critical flight support for Polaris Program astronaut training. Led by entrepreneur/pilot/astronaut Jared "Rook" Isaacman, the program's goal is to send three missions to space with commercial astronaut crews. The first mission, Polaris Dawn planned for the last half of 2024, will use a SpaceX Falcon 9 rocket to take the crew of four up for five days of technical and biological research experiments and activities. Along the way, the team plans to put the SpaceX Dragon spacecraft, or capsule, in the highest Earth orbit yet attained and step outside for the first spacewalk, or extravehicular activity, by a commercial astronaut.

Such activities in the demanding environment of space call for sharpness of mind and body and, above all, teamwork and that's where the Ghost Squadron comes in. Developing and maintaining skills at the highest levels is best done in the cockpits of jets at high speeds, unusual attitudes, and more than the Earth's gravity that we all experience every day. The folks at the National Aeronautics and Space Administration recognized this and have had a robust program, using supersonic Northrop T-38 Talon trainers, since the first crewed space missions in the early 1960s. All of the aircraft flown by the Ghost Squadron are used for such astronaut training. Unlike a ride in a simulator, the pressure to be sharp is very real with the possibility of no second chances.

The images in this eight-page e-booklet were taken on 30 March during a practice flight by the team's four L-39s and the MiG-29.

This PDF e-publication is, as always, free to view at the PlanePixelBooks Publications blog linked below.

While there, take a look at "Check Six: An Eye to The Past - A NASA Classic", posted on 9 October 2023, for images and information about a preserved NASA T-38 and the type's use in astronaut training.

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US Airpower Over Lakeland 2023 (PDF)

The Sun 'n Fun Aerospace Expo can usually be counted on to have more than a few aircraft of interest in the daily air shows offered to those attending the annual event. This e-publication focuses on the performances by aircraft of the United States Navy, US Marine Corps, and US Air Force on Day Four of the nearly week-long aerospace event. The Lockheed Martin F-35 Lightning II was prominent with the arrival of two USAF F-35As for static display before the air show began as well as flying demonstrations by another USAF F-35A and a USMC F-35B. The Navy's Blue Angels aerobatic team, with its F/A-18 Super Hornets, flew its usual outstanding air show preceded by the team's Lockheed Martin C-130J Super Hercules. The arrival of a Lockheed C-5M Super Galaxy in fine fashion for ground display rounded out the current types in the air that day.

The changing weather on Day Four, typical of Florida, and unique subjects made for interesting photographic conditions and this publication is a considerably expanded volume. With that came more room for information in captions as well as other text. As usual, such information touches on aircraft histories and technical notes as well as related backgrounds of US military flying units.

This PDF e-publication is free to view at the PlanePixelBooks Publications blog linked below.

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(PDF Archives) Check Six: An Eye to The Past - A NASA Classic

 

There are a great many aircraft that, over time, come to be known as classic designs. It may be rooted in a contribution to technological advancement in aviation or a pivotal role in conflict. A classic aircraft is often eclipsed by newer types in a span of a decade or two and relegated to memory and the history books. Occasionally a design is recognized as a "classic" for its ability to defy the odds and remain in service in its intended role for many decades. In the world of military aviation, dominated by combat types, the Northrop T-38 Talon is just such an aircraft. Flying for the first time in 1959, the T-38 was the world's first supersonic trainer and entered United States Air Force service with Air Training Command in 1961. The type continues in the same role today, over 60 years later.

Although the USAF has employed the vast majority of Talons, the T-38 has made, and continues to make, a major contribution to aviation research and space exploration through its use by the National Aeronautics and Space Administration. That US government organization received its first T-38 in 1964 and the type is most often associated with NASA's crewed space programs since that time. Here, we take a look at a NASA T-38N preserved at the Kennedy Space Center Visitor Complex in Florida. Included is T-38 background information, including NASA use, as well as airframe, engine, and NASA-specific T-38 details.

This e-booklet was published in 2013 and was the final portion of the Aviation Miscellany No. 3 volume. It is free to view at the PlanePixelBooks Publications blog linked below.

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(PDF Archives) Behind the Scenes: 2012 Canadian International Air Show, Part Two - Billy Bishop Toronto City Airport

We looked at participating aircraft and activities at Toronto Pearson International Airport in Part One of the 2012 Canadian International Air Show behind-the-scenes review. Aircraft flying in the air show from Billy Bishop Toronto City Airport are presented here in the 13-page Part Two along with a good amount of information as usual. They include the solo aerobatic aircraft, more Harvard trainers, and supporting types. As in Part One, images recording activities around the aircraft and apron are also included.

This e-booklet, originally published in 2013 and forming part of Aviation Miscellany No. 3, is free to view at the PlanePixelBooks Publications blog linked below.

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(PDF Archives) Behind the Scenes: 2012 Canadian International Air Show, Part One - Toronto Pearson International Airport

For those who have attended air shows for more than a decade, the 2013 season across the United States and Canada was, to say the least, interesting. Budget battles in Washington, DC triggered sequestration capping spending across the Federal Government of the United States. Originally scheduled to take effect on 2 January 2013, the effects were felt ahead of that date with the cancellation of most United States Air Force demonstration teams. The Thunderbirds aerobatic team and F-22 demo team were given reprieves but the Canadian International Air Show's plans were affected when its scheduled F-16 demo team was stood down. However, a good mix of Canadian Armed Forces types, civilian aerobatic aircraft, and warbirds in the form of Second World War and postwar Harvard trainers took to the sky.

In this 14-page publication, we look behind the scenes at Toronto Pearson International Airport, one of two staging locations for the air show that takes place over Lake Ontario. As usual, a fair amount of information can be found in the captions.

Published in 2013, this e-booklet was originally contained in Aviation Miscellany No. 3 and is free to view at the PlanePixelBooks Publications blog linked below.

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(PDF Archives) 2011 Canadian Forces CF-18 Demo Bird Details

It is not uncommon for the air arms of many countries to allow, or even encourage, the celebration or commemoration of important unit or service achievements with the application of special markings to aircraft. Canada is one of those nations and the Canadian Armed Forces has long supported the practice. The Canadian Forces' CF-188 multi-role combat aircraft, known unofficially as the CF-18 Hornet, has been the subject of such artwork for most of its 41 years in service.

Usually of some military significance, an official theme for the CF-18 Demonstration Team is selected each year. A special design and paint scheme is created and then applied. The aircraft then carries the message to the public through air shows and displays across Canada, and often outside the borders, throughout the demonstration season that follows.

The 2011 theme for the CF-18 Demonstration Team deviated from the usual recognition of national, air force, or squadron anniversaries but it could not have been more appropriate. The theme chosen for the 2011 air show season was a tribute to military families. Family support for service members is always of great importance at any time but during combat operations takes on even greater significance. As part of the North Atlantic Treaty Organization, Canada deployed army, air force, and navy personnel to Afghanistan and the Central Asia region in support of the United States following the attacks against New York City and Washington, DC on 11 September 2001. Although recognition of the importance of military families was long overdue, a spotlight on their contribution to successful combat operations was very welcome.

This 11-page e-booklet takes a look at the 2011 CF-18 Demo Team aircraft. General views and marking details are presented for those with an interest in the subject. Information concerning the CF-18 and 409 Tactical Fighter Squadron is also provided.

Published in 2013, this e-booklet was a part of Aviation Miscellany No. 3 and is free to view at the PlanePixelBooks Publications blog linked below.

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US Airpower Over Lakeland (PDF)

With spring around the corner, thoughts of aviation in Florida turn to the Sun 'n Fun Aerospace Expo held at Lakeland Linder International Airport. This year's event, attracting pilots with aircraft of all types from across North America, takes place from 28 March to 2 April. Military participants scheduled for flying displays include the United States Navy's Blue Angels aerobatic team with their Boeing F/A-18E Hornets. Uniquely, the event has also managed to snag two Lockheed Martin F-35 demonstration teams. The US Air Force will be there with the F-35A Lightning II as will the US Marine Corps with its F-35B variant. 

This 11-page booklet presents images of the US Navy's Rhino Demonstration Team and their F/A-18F, the USAF's Air Combat Command A-10 Demonstration Team and their "Warthog", and the USAF's famous Thunderbirds aerobatic team at the 2022 Sun 'n Fun air show. As usual, information concerning the aircraft and associated flying units accompanies the photos.

This PDF booklet is free to view at the PlanePixelBooks Publications blog linked below.

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(PDF Archives) Check Six: An Eye to The Past - Borden's Sword

In the early years of the Cold War, including a hot war on and around the Korean Peninsula, the North American F-86 Sabre was, arguably, the most recognizable American fighter aircraft to patrol the skies. Flown by the vast majority of nations allied with the United States, the F-86 was built under license in Canada for use by the Royal Canadian Air Force and for supply to several other nations by the US. In this 6-page booklet, a preserved example of a Canadair Sabre Mk. 5 at Canadian Forces Base Borden is presented. Additionally, a bit of background information including the Sabre in Canadian service, markings, armament, and the RCAF's Sabre Transition Unit can be found in the captions.

Originally published in 2013, it formed part of the Aviation Miscellany No. 2 volume and is free to view at the PlanePixelBooks Publications blog linked below.

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(PDF Archives) 2011 Thunder of Niagara Air Show

Located close to the famous international landmark found in its name, Niagara Falls Air Reserve Station has a lengthy association with military aviation activities. Dating to 1928, the civil airport became home to the manufacture of military aircraft even before the United States entered the Second World War. In the postwar period a portion of the airport became home to military flying. Initially a naval air station, the facility later became an air force base and then an air reserve station. Along the way, many open houses and air shows have been hosted there attracting large crowds from the local area and nearby Canada. As the only air base in western New York, the air show usually attracts a good assortment of aircraft from all of the armed services.

The 2011 event was no exception and coincided with the 10th anniversary of the terrorist attacks against the United States on 9 September 2001. This publication focuses on the flying portion of that open house and was prepared ahead of the 2013 Thunder of Niagara. As fate would have it, a federal government budget sequestration came into effect earlier in the year severely limiting Department of Defense spending. Thus, operational efforts were prioritized. Military open houses were cancelled and DoD support for civilian air shows ended. Nevertheless, it was decided to publish this 18-page booklet. It was included in Aviation Miscellany No. 2 and is free to view at the PlanePixelBooks Publications blog linked below.

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(PDF Archives) Teutonic 340s: Lufthansa's Airbus A340s

There is no doubt that the Airbus manufacturing consortium is best known for its twin-engine airliner designs. Indeed, from the A300, which first appeared in 1972, to the A220 and A350 today, eight of the 11 types offered to airlines have been twins. The firm's first foray into the four-engine market was with the A340 and, although relatively popular everywhere but North America, fewer than 400 were built. Lufthansa has flown more of them than any other airline and we look at the A340 in that airline's service in this 16-page booklet. Information, found in the main text and many captions, includes a brief background of Airbus and the A340, details of Lufthansa's A340 fleet, and general technical information concerning the type.

Published in 2013, it was included in the Aviation Miscellany No. 2 volume and is free to view at the PlanePixelBooks Publications blog linked below.

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(PDF Archives) USN Blue Angels: Behind the Scenes - Morning Maintenance

Following on Behind the Scenes, Part One in which arrival day activities were documented, Part Two looks at the team's maintenance personnel in action. Preparation of the F/A-18 Hornets for the day's show is highlighted here. It is essential work, to be sure, and critical to the safe operation of any aircraft. On top of that, the pre-show activities are undertaken regardless of weather conditions at the time. From cockpit checks to engine runs, the scenes are presented in this 14-page booklet.

Revised in 2012, it was published as part of the Aviation Miscellany No. 2 and is free to view at the PlanePixelBooks Publications blog linked below.

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(PDF Archives) A Tribute to 10,000: North America's Only Flying Lancaster Bomber

Among the British bombers that took to the skies on operations during the Second World War, the best known is undoubtedly the Avro Lancaster. Of the 7,377 built, only two are airworthy today. One is maintained and flown by the Royal Air Force Battle of Britain Memorial Flight and the other, across the pond, is the flagship of the Canadian Warplane Heritage Museum. This 16-page booklet looks at the CWHM Lancaster and provides information concerning the Lancaster itself, Canadians in RAF Bomber Command, Royal Canadian Air Force bomber squadrons and 'Lanc' squadrons, postwar RCAF use, and events surrounding the heroic actions of RCAF Pilot Officer A.C. Mynarski for which he was awarded the Victoria Cross.

Originally published in 2012 as an article in the Aviation Miscellany No. 2 volume, this publication is free to view at the PlanePixelBooks Publications blog linked below.

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