The above WWII Army Air Corps’ Pilot Training Film is courtesy of Zero’s Drive in Videos, and it is 35:41 in length. Remember to click on the full-screen view button of the video in the lower right hand corner of the film’s start up screen, if you’d enjoy seeing the larger screen version displayed.
The Flying Tiger’s shark mouthed P-40 is one of the most iconic aircraft of WWII. Here, above, you can watch the film used to actually train P-40 pilots. It was produced by P-40 manufacturer Curtiss-Wright (remember Curtiss? They produced the First Aero’s Jenny in 1916 & 17), and it is in rare WWII color. One of our long-standing active members, Roger Nichols’s (the current Flight Captain of the Order of Daedalians Flight 24, of El Paso, Texas) own father, Major General Frank Nichols, was stationed at Pearl Harbor on the day it was attacked by the Japanese Imperial Air Forces on December 7, 1941. The then young Lieutenant took off to fight the overwhelming enemy forces in his P-40 Warhawk, which he continued to fly on other missions in the South Pacific War Theater, before transferring to other types of aircraft, such as the P-38 Lightening. Claire Chenault’sFlying Tiger’s (see above photo of Flying Tiger version with its unique paint job) deadly weapon in China was the P-40. It was the Army Air Corp’s main front-line fighter at the outbreak of the War. Not as agile as a Japanese Zero, the P-40 nevertheless made up for that with speed, especially in a dive – – – and firepower. This rugged Curtiss-Wright built plane served the Allies around the world, from the deserts of North Africa to the jungles of SE Asia.
The aircraft featured in the above manufacturer’s film is a P-40F or L, both models of which were powered by Packard built British Rolls Royce Merlins for better high altitude performance. Other P-40 versions were powered by American Allison engines. P-40s supplied to Commonwealth countries were known as “Kittyhawks.”The other variant of the Curtiss Fighter was known as the Tomahawk.
The above short (only 30 seconds long) video gives you an idea of what’s in store for those lucky enough visitors to our long-time business member’s War Eagles Air Museum (WEAM) this coming April. For only two days, from the 4th through the 6th of that month, the acclaimed Collings Wings of Freedom collection of WWII Warbirds will be giving rides and conducting walk-through tours of the historic aircraft from their famous flying collection. Below is their advertisement for this upcoming nearby event.Below, you will see a short (4:11) video by the Collings Foundation about the “Last Liberator” (B-24 Bomber of WWII). This heavy WWII bomber is the only one still flying, which is remarkable considering the fact that more of these bombers (over 18,000) were produced by the United States than any other military aircraft in our nation’s history. And, almost half of these Liberator’s were produced under contract to Consolidated Aircraft Corporation, the warship’s designer, by the Ford Motor Company. The mother aircraft corporation later became known as CONVAIR (From Consolidated Vultee Aircraft), and was headquartered in San Diego, CA. It became famous for its manufacture of some of the most famous seaplanes of all time, and later entered both the jet airliner field and our NASA Space program, producing the famed Atlas rockets.
By visiting this post’s links to the Collings Foundation’s website, you will be able to actually see short videos of what a ride is like in each of their touring WWII Warbirds.
The “Wings of Freedom Tour” has two goals: to honor the sacrifices made by our veterans that allow us to enjoy our present freedom; and to help educate the visitors, especially younger Americans, about our national history and heritage. All comparable goals to those of the First Aero Squadron Foundation’s own mission. The Collings Foundation encourages people to tour the planes, talk to the veterans who come to visit the aircraft, and participate in a “flight experience”. Celebrating 26 years, the tour has made more than 3,000 visits to airports across the contiguous United States and to Alaska. While the exact number of visitors is difficult to gauge, it is estimated that over 3.5 million people see these fully restored historic aircraft annually.
Thanks to our Aviation News Scout Jerry Dixon and SpaceX for this latest news release.
Following its first test launch, Falcon Heavy is now the most powerful operational rocket in the world by a factor of two. With the ability to lift into orbit nearly 64 metric tons (141,000 lb)—a mass greater than a 737 jetliner loaded with passengers, crew, luggage and fuel–Falcon Heavy can lift more than twice the payload of the next closest operational vehicle, the Delta IV Heavy, at one-third the cost.
Falcon Heavy draws upon the proven heritage and reliability of Falcon 9. Its first stage is composed of three Falcon 9 nine-engine cores whose 27 Merlin engines together generate more than 5 million pounds of thrust at liftoff, equal to approximately eighteen 747 aircraft. Only the Saturn V moon rocket, last flown in 1973, delivered more payload to orbit. Falcon Heavy was designed from the outset to carry humans into space and restores the possibility of flying missions with crew to the Moon or Mars.
The above launch video is 34:18 in length, so if you don’t have the time to watch the entire film, simply fast forward to about 21:00 minutes so see the actual lift off itself. Notice the innovative way that the rockets are saved for further deployments by returning them safely back to earth on their own landing pads right at Cape Canaveral. We are clearly now beginning to bear witness to the great cost savings to the taxpayers achieved by permitting private industry to compete – and run – these heretofore exclusively government run operations.
Josh Hayes and Melissa Paris Go Ballistic in the F-16 Viper.
This motorcycling husband and wife take a wild ride far above the race track, cavorting about the sky in a pair of F-16 Vipers belonging to the Ohio Air National Guard.
Repeated American National Superbike Champion (2010, 2011, 2012) racer, Josh Hayes, lived out a childhood dream. He and his wife, Yamaha R6 Daytona Sportbike racer Melissa Paris,each got a back seat ride in an F-16. They even did a little dog fighting; no marriage counseling required. This chic flick is brought to you by OnTheThrottle (OTT). They announce that they don’t have F-16 parts – – – but they do have sport bike parts!
The below 8:00 minute long video allows you to follow them into the sky.
The above opening video still photo shows Josh Hayes(L) and his wife, Melissa Paris (R) in front row during pre – flight briefing. Sitting behind them is Ohio Air National Guard Lt. Colonel Zane E. Brown (Call Sign “Insane Zane” or “ZEB”). Colonel Brownhas since been promoted to full Colonel. He is one of the pilots who flew the couple (Melissa) in the F-16s.
There is no place on planet earth where one can readily see such a wide variety of airplanes designed and built over a century ago actually take to the air with pilots guiding them aloft and safely back to Terra Firma. These are exceptionally skilled pilots who are but a fraction of their airplane’s age. Please bear in mind that most of the antique aircraft in the museum’s collection are quite difficult – and even dangerous to fly – especially when compared to the inherently stable airplanes of today.
Here, below, is a full length video of 60 minutes duration, in which one can enjoy this renown collection of vintage, historic and modern aircraft in action. It is located at the Old Warden Aerodrome, Old Warden in Bedfordshire, England. This unique collection is not just of aircraft, but also of vintage road traveling vehicles, too. Sir John Allison, opens the film with a clear description of theShuttleworth Collection and of its history. Once in Great Britain, it is easy to reach the Aerodrome and even easier to find nearby onsite convenient parking, should one be traveling by or with their own or a rented auto. The Collection’s home page is right here.
On your next visit to the British Isles, don’t forget to book a visit to this colorful collection of both vintage aircraft and motor vehicles. Their special event Airshows are widely acclaimed as being more than worth the time and trouble to experience. Should you be flying yourself around Great Britain, be advised that you can fly right onto the Old Warden Aerodrome, and that there isn’t even a landing fee!
Many of the Collection’s aircraft predate the First Aero’s fabled Jennys. If you are planning a visit to England, you might want to check the Shuttleworth Air Show schedule so that you can include one of their shows in your visit.
The following story and first video is from official USAF PAO sources and also “Fighter Sweep.”
Earlier photo of then Major Nicole “Fifi” Malachowski in her official Thunderbirds uniform . . . If you click on her portrait above, it will take you to a Wikipedia biography of this top USAF female fighter pilot.
ABOVE: A video about Lt. Colonel Nicole “Fifi” Malachowski, the first female member of the actual USAF Thunderbirds official Demonstration Team. It is 3:30 long.
The above Video is of a talk by Colonel Nicole “Fifi” Malachowskito the “Fighter Sweep” group. It is quite a long program: 1:20:22 in length. Malachowski first appears in the video at the 9:00 minute mark.
Nicole “Fifi” Malachowski in flight gear.
The topmost inspirational video is about the first female US Air Force Thunderbird aerobatic pilot. The USAF Air Demonstration Squadron (“Thunderbirds“) is the air demonstration squadron of the United States Air Force (USAF). The Thunderbirds are assigned to the 57th Wing, and are based at Nellis AFB, Nevada. Created in 1953, the USAF Thunderbirds are the third oldest formal flying aerobatic team (under the same name) in the world, after the US Navy Blue Angels formed in 1946 and the prestigious French Air Force Patrouille de France formed in 1931.
The Thunderbirds Squadron tours the United States and much of the world, performing aerobatic formation and solo flying in specially marked aircraft. The squadron’s name is taken from the legendary creature that appears in the mythologies of several indigenous North American cultures.
Then Major Malachowskistanding under afterburners of an F-15 Fighter, the aircraft which she was assigned to fly at the time.
When Nicole Ellingwood (her maiden name) went to High School in Santa Maria, California, she was an active member of both the Civil Air Patrol (CAP) and also engaged in the High School’s Air Force Junior ROTC (JROTC) program, as well. Quickly displaying her skill as a leader, young Ms. Ellingwood rose to the highest Cadet rank attainable, that of full Cadet Colonel. She started working on her pilot’s license before graduating from high school, and achieved her pilot’s license at the age of 16. Nicolegraduated from Western High School in Las Vegas in 1992 and went on to the United States Air Force Academy from there. Obviously highly motivated, Nicolegraduated at the top of her pilot’s training class in the Air Force.
Below short ( 3:58) video at Air Show includes Nicole giving ride to CNN reporter Alex Quade.
On 1 March 2013, the USAF announced that due to budget cuts, aerial demonstration team performances would cease indefinitely, effective 1 April 2013.[1] On 6 December 2013 the Thunderbirds announced their 2014 schedule and the resumption of their appearances.
Overview
The Thunderbirds Squadron is a named USAF squadron, meaning it does not carry a numerical designation. It is also one of the oldest squadrons in the Air Force, its origins dating to the organization of the 30th Aero Squadron, formed at Kelly Field, Texas on 13 June 1917.
Officers serve a two-year assignment with the squadron, while enlisted personnel serve three to four years. As the squadron performs no more than 88 air demonstrations each year, replacements must be trained for about half of the team each year, in order to provide a constant mix of experience. In addition to their air demonstration responsibilities, the Thunderbirds are part of the USAF combat force and if required, can be rapidly integrated into an operational fighter unit.
Since 15 February 1974 the Thunderbirds have been a component of the 57th Wing at Nellis AFB. Since 1953, they have flown in front of more than 300 million people. F-16 Fighting Falcon The Thunderbirds performing the crossover break. The Thunderbirds perform aerial demonstrations in the F-16C Fighting Falcon, and they also fly two F-16D twin-seat trainers. The F-16 has been the demonstration aircraft for the Thunderbirds since the 1983 season.
In January 1982, several members of the squadron were killed in what became known as the “Diamond Crash” of T-38 Talon aircraft which the squadron had flown since 1974. Partially as a result of that accident, the squadron switched to the F-16A, and sat out the 1982 airshow season and spent that year retraining and transitioning over to the new aircraft to ready themselves for the 1983 season.
The F-16, however, had been considered for transition prior to the accident. In rebuilding the Thunderbird Team, the Air Force recruited previous Thunderbird pilots, qualified each in the F-16A, and had them begin by flying “two-ship” maneuvers, then expanded the program one airplane at a time up to the full six airplanes.
Beginning in June 1982, the F-16 Thunderbirds were led by Major Jim Latham. The team continues to fly the F-16, having switched from the F-16A to the F-16C in 1992. Only a few minor modifications differentiate a Thunderbird from an operational F-16C. These include the replacement of the 20 mm cannon and ammunition drum with a smoke-generating system, including its plumbing and control switches, the removal of the jet fuel starter exhaust door, and the application of the Thunderbirds’ glossy red, white, and blue polyurethane paint scheme. All of the modification work is performed at the maintenance depot at Hill AFB near Ogden, Utah.
Other than those modifications, the aircraft are taken from the standard USAF inventory as production fighters, and can be returned to an operational squadron in short order without any major modification. General Dynamics F-16A/B Fighting Falcon During the switch to the F-16A the Thunderbirds acquired new block 15 aircraft which they operated from 1983 to 1991, making the team one of the last USAF units flying the older F-16A’s before transitioning into new C’s.
They also operated the two-seat F-16B during this time for training new pilots and for VIP flights, these being replaced by the F-16D when the rest of the squadron transitioned to the F-16C. Two F-16s demonstrate a Reflection Pass Lockheed Martin F-16C/D Fighting Falcon (Block 32) The block 32H/J aircraft currently assigned to the Thunderbirds were built in 1986 and 1987, and operated by the Thunderbirds from 1992 to 2008. At their retirement, they were some of the oldest operational F-16s in the Air Force. Lockheed Martin F-16C/D Fighting Falcon (Block 52) In the 2009 show season the Thunderbirds transitioned to an updated version of the F-16 fighter. The Block 52s have an upgraded avionics package that brings the Thunderbird fleet into alignment with the rest of the worldwide F-16 fleet.
Watch as a U. S. WWII Photo Reconnaissance pilot reacts to a film’s display of himself that was taken 70 years earlier – in Great Britain. Footage he didn’t even know existed, and that he’d obviously never seen before. The drama of this short documentary as it unfolds is unforgettable.
For our readers, this may come as a surprise: That any U.S. pilots flew one of the two British fighter planes, the famous Supermarine Spitfire in particular, that waged the heroic and successful air defense of GB during the Battle of Britain; a battle, had it been lost, that would have made the defeat of the English Empire by the NAZI war machine a certainty, forever changing the path of world history as we know it.
This period was near the end of an era known as Great Britain’s “DARKEST HOUR,” named as such because it appeared that Britain was precipitously close to being crushed by Adolf Hitler’s NAZI Third Reich.
NOTE:Go to the bottom of this page to see the official trailer for the “DARKEST HOUR,” a currently popular film (numerous Academy Award Nomination already) about that crucial period in GB and primarily about its uniquely unorthodox leader, Winston Churchill, a man with glaring personal defects, who nevertheless proved he was more than able to lead his nation to victory over the massive juggernaut of Nazi Germany’s war machine. While this feature film, “DARKEST HOUR” will not show you the fabled Spitfires in action, it will show you the actual dynamics of what went on behind the closed doors of Number 10 Downing Street and in its labyrinth of secret underground chambers during those crucial days and hours of England’s darkest times.
Without further ado, here below is the unique, Sundance Film Festival Award-Winning story about the young American Pilot – – – and his compatriot Army Air Forces Flight Surgeon, who liked to use his 16mm movie camera to record events around him at his airfield in GB. He shot his footage in order to show his family back in the U.S. what his life was like during the great war. It is a specific segment of all this amateur 16mm footage around which the documentary revolves.
The people behind the Sundance Film Festival decided to dig up a short honorable mention winner from 2007 and put it up on YouTube. Called Spitfire 944, the film shows WWII Photo Reconnaissance pilot, now retired USAF Lt Col. John S. Blyth, telling his personal story and then reacting to footage of a crash landing he made all the way back in 1944, a film that he had never seen before.
Director and Producer William Lortonand Jason Savage decided to create the documentary when they accidentally found WWII Flight Surgeon Jim Savage’s (Lorton’s great-uncle and Savage’s great-grandfather) vintage stash of 16mm footage taken during the war and long forgotten in Dr. Savage’s California attic.
The below Video includes that long “lost” footage, and it is included in the following short video documentary that won an award at the Sundance Film Festival in 2013 – it is 14:38 in length.
Below is the official Trailer for the new movie, DARKEST HOUR.
The above Spitfire story is thanks to FASF Aviation Scout, Virg Hemphill.
this video’s theme was still most certainly within the same realm and spirit those brave First Aero pilots helped pioneer a bit over a century ago, in this high desert NM environment, the same kind of spirit that clearly still dwells within the hearts of the brave and adventurous souls who made this following short film.
This video is a magnificent piece of not only videography, but one exhibiting some extraordinary creativity, and a relatively new piloting skill – – – one for those brave souls who choose to jump out of securely flying airplanes, off mountains, bridges, cliffs or whatever else rises high enough above the surrounding terrain to provoke and challenge their skill.
The colorful high-resolution videography seen below is brilliantly edited, scored and presented for those of us who might prefer to remain either more earthbound than the parachutists, or at least stay inside the securely flying airplane from which these adventurers often prefer to leap.
Thanks again to FASF Aviation News Scout, Captain Nancy Aldrich for this wonderful piece of entertainment. The film is only 4:44 long, but please stay for the interesting credits (1:16) at the end. You’ll discover the widely separated places on this beautiful earth where this amazing film was created.
Just over twenty EAA Chapter 1570 members, many of whom are also active FASF members, Flew and drove over to Columbus from the El Paso, TX area to take part in their Chapter’s first ever group Fly-Out. Those who drove to Columbus served as shuttle drivers for those who flew over and their passengers.
FASF Members, Mike Florey and John Keithly, who is the 1570 Chapter’s President, supplied mobile radio gear so that air and ground traffic could be easily coordinated. Mike even converted his ATV into a “Follow-Me” cart, and proceeded to guide each incoming plane to its parking space. Several FASF members, who are also homeowners at the Airpark, graciously offered their extra hangar space to those who arrived first.
Some of the below are photographs taken by Mike Floreyand Bob Wright. Bob also even shot some novel airborne video footage of the group’s activities using his special camera equipped Drone. This was stitched together with some ground video footage to make the below 5:50 long video, which shows some of the tour’s highlights.
The actual footage in the above video is only about 5:50 in length, while the remainder is devoted to the film’s credits.
The weather cooperated for this first Fly-Out adventure for the Chapter aviators. While they all encountered a cross-wind, it was not serious enough to create any problems. The Fly-In visitors enjoyed meeting the Mayor of Columbus, Philip Skinner, who gave them a warm welcome, and informed everyone about what is happening in the small border town and the Village’s plans for the future. Then the group drove to the historic 1st Aero Squadron’s famous 1916 Airfield, to witness first-hand where American Airpower was launched and where the American Civil Aviation Industry was re-born. The group also visited the Columbus Historical Society’s popular “Depot Museum” and then the also famous Pancho Villa State Park. Both these sites are dedicated the the historic events surrounding the infamous raid on the sleeping town back in March 9, 1916, in which Pancho Villa’s revolutionaries killed 19 Americans and set the town ablaze.
– Remember to click on any photo below to see it full size and in high resolution. –
Mike Florey, on “Follow-Me” ATV leads just landed Judge Alex Gonzales to a parking place. Photo by Bob Wright
Cessna 172 parked in hangar. Photo by Mike Florey.
Juan Brito’s Cessna parked in another hangar. Photo by Mike Florey.
Dr. Pedro Blandon’s Beechcraft Debonair at tie down. Photo by Mike Florey.
Columbus Mayor Philip Skinner(center in black) welcomes visitors to Columbus. Photo by Bob Wright.
Mayor Skinnergreets Jim Foster at right, and (L ro R) John Keithlyand Jerry Dixon.
Mayor Skinner welcomes Juan Brito while (L to R) at rear are Jim Foster and John Signorino.
Mayor Skinnerwelcomes Judge Alex Gonzalez as John Signorino and Juan Brito look on.
Akemi Robinson looks out from behind barrier inside the historic old 1916 Columbus Jailhouse, across the street from the Mayor’s Los Milagros Hotel.Photo by Bob Wright.
Akemi’s husband, Mike Robinson also poses inside the historic 1916 Columbus Jail. Photo by Bob Wright.
Mayor Skinner, at right in black with white cap, wishes the group an enjoyable tour of Columbus.
L to R: Jim Foster,Kathy Whelen, Jerry Dixonand Mike Robinson exploring the old US Airways Marker Arrow and the numerous foundation blocks remaining from the old Columbus Municipal Airport’s CAA Buildings . . .
L to R: Above. at the old 1920’s Airway Arrow are Judge Gonzalez, Jack Roulet, John Keithlyand John Signorino.
Cavalcade of vehicles readies to leave for the Depot Museum and the famous Palomas, Mexico,Pink Store,a proud business supporter of the First Aero Squadron Foundation.
Inside Depot Museum with (L to R): Melinda Signorino, Jerry Dixon, Lewis Lawrence, Juan Brito and John Keithly.
Columbus’ official historian and President of the Columbus Historical Society (which operates both the Depot Museum and the surrounding properties),Richard Dean (L) presented a brief history of the infamous raid and its consequences to the EAA/FASF visitors. At right isMelissa Keithly. Mr. Dean’s great-grandfather was one of those civilians murdered by the Villista raiders during the infamous raid in 1916. He had owned a local mercantile company.
After their visit to the Depot Museum, the group crossed the border to have lunch at Palomas, Mexico’sPink Store where they were entertained by a talented local Mariachi band and had the pleasure of personally meeting the store’s creators and owners, Sergio and Ivonne Romero (see photo of Ivonne below), who also have a home in El Paso, Texas.
Ivonne Romero posing among a few of the thousands of unique works of art she keeps on hand for sale to her International clientele. Ms. Romero regularly travels throughout her homeland to find gifted artisans in order to keep her Pink Store inventory like that of no other similar outlet. The Romerosalso own a store in Silver City, New Mexico.
Above are (L to R): Mike Robinson, Melissaand John Keithly,and Ralph Navar.
A special table was arranged by the Romeros for the group of aviators – and here they are contemplating their menus.
Pancho Villa State Park – FAS Jenny to upper left is studied by John Signorino.Judge Gonzalez and Jack Roulet to the right.
Inside Mike Florey’s Airpark hangar, before departing, (L to R) John Keithlyexplains to John Signorino the features of his airplane . . .
The end of a festive day in Columbus and Puerto Palomas, Mexico, sees the last plane, Dr. Blandon’s Debonair, take off for home.
48 Years ago, Bill Wehner, one of the original founders of the First Aero Squadron Foundation, and another friend, both Cessna 170 owners, joined forces to organize an association of this classic airplane’s owners and enthusiasts.
Today that group, called the INTERNATIONAL CESSNA 170 ASSOCIATION boasts over 1,000 members, from not just the U.S., but abroad as well. This summer, on July 9, the Cessna group held its annual convention in nearby Deming, NM, only 30 miles North of Columbus. One of the highlights of the convention was a visit, on July 13th, to Columbus to see, first hand, the Historic First Aero Squadron’s 1916-17 Army Airfield, where American Air Power was born.
Bob Wright, retired U.S. Army Aviation Services veteran, former Fire Chief of Columbus, and now the FASF’s Chief of Airfield Security, arranged to operate his video empowered Drone over the field at the time of the Association’s visit in order to provide a memento for the out of town guests (including several FASF members), of their visit to see the historic Airfield. The 2 minute 34 second (2:34)silent video below depicts this first-time visit by the Cessna enthusiast group. Don’t hesitate to open the video (it was shot in HD) to full-page-size for better viewing.
Notice that Bob is operating his Drone near the rear of the light blue colored car in the far right of the below video. He even encouraged several of the lady 170 club members fly the Drone, as you might notice later in the clip. You can also see some of the visitors looking up at and waving at the Drone’s Video camera.
The FASF and Bob dedicate this video to the Int’l. Cessna 170 Association and its members!
