[Scan-DC] Airshow - Scott AFB

[FFT]

Was fortunate to be on Scott AFB today to watch some practice demos in preparation for this weekend's airshow:

The practice demo of Air Combat Command's Heritage Flight of F-15 and P-51D was interrupted when the F-15, callsign EAGLE One, reported an oil pressure problem. He called off his demo. Scott tower passed him off to St Louis Approach control who provide the F-15 with airspace to dump fuel. Following the fuel dump, EAGLE One recovered safely at Scott.

Meanwhile the P-51D continued his own solo demo - nothing like the sound of that Merlin engine!

Next up was the Boeing Dreamlifter - the converted B747 which will be used to haul oversize components of Boeing's new 787 Dreamliner. We were parked at the end of Runway 14R - a perfect spot to enjoy the landing of this monster. He was using callsign of "Evergreen" which is the contractor in Taiwan who made the mods to the B747 airframe. This aircraft is one of the static displays.

The US Navy's F/A-18D then did his practice demo - awesome display of the  thrust-to-weight power of this aircraft.

The Thunderbirds were off the ground on the dot of 1400CST and flew for 50 minutes!! Extra bonus for us as they did indeed practice and repeat several maneuvers. So much time was spent in the air that the solos landed whilst the diamond continued overhead and Thunderbird 4 finally declared "bingo fuel" and landed immediately. Thunderbirds 1, 2, 3 continued on for another few manuevers before landing.

A terrific afternoon and looking forward to the full show tomorrow.

Freqs noted:

Airboss - 128.25

Thunderbird Diamond/Delta - 143.70

Thunderbird Solos - 235.25


Enjoy!

Fred