Blue Angels Over Kaneohe '07

[Pomai]

Hot on the heels of the Thunderbirds Over Waikiki (http://www.hawaiithreads.com/showthread.php?t=13613) just a month ago, Hawaii fans are treated once again to our nation's air-bound elite in the form of the Blue Angels!

What: 2007 Blues on the Bay
When: Saturday and Sunday, October 13 & 14, 2007
Where: Marine Corps Base Hawai'i at Kane'ohe Bay
Schedule: 9 a.m. to 6 p.m. for car show, carnival rides and autograph sessions
Air shows: 11 a.m. to 5 p.m., including performances by the Blue Angels, aerobatic pilots Patty Wagstaff, Greg Poe, Mike Wiskus, Jill Long and Tim Weber and the Red Bull helicopter; demonstrations by H-60 and H-65 helicopters, and Coast Guard C-130 and Air Force C-17 aircraft; and skydiving by Navy Leap Frogs and the Army Golden Knights.
Cost: Free and open to the public. Tickets for special seating, including grandstands, box seats and chalets, are available at Ticketmaster

Their last performance here was back in 2004 at the same location over at Marine Corps Base Hawaii in Kaneohe.

Lucky if you live in the area, as you really won't have to go out of your way to watch it. Or even better yet, head out to the sandbar on a boat and enjoy the show.

It's hard to find the actual TIME the Blue Angels will perform, but I listened to a former Blue Angels commanding pilot being interviewed with Lanai (98.5FM) yesterday, and he said they'll start at approximately 3:00pm on each day.

I attended both the Saturday and Sunday events in 2004 (one with my late father) on base and had a blast (no pun intended). For me, the highlight of the 2004 shows was actually the performance by Patti Wagstaff and the solo performance by a Hawaii Air National Guard F-15. Those pilots were going OFF! The parking was well-organized and coordinated and not a problem at all.

If you do decide to head out to the marine base, DO bring this:

Cold drinks/water (non-alcoholic) in a small cooler (9-can capacity)
Folding chair(s) and/or a beach mat/towel
Sunglasses
Sunscreen
Cool, comfortable attire
Camera (still and/or video)

There's concession booths as well if you need stuff.

Related Links:
Hawaii Marine Base Rehearsing for Event (http://the.honoluluadvertiser.com/article/2007/Oct/10/ln/hawaii710100386.html)
‘Angels’ scream into Kaneohe (http://starbulletin.com/2004/10/06/news/story7.html) (2004)
Blues on the Bay.org (http://www.bluesonthebay.org)
Kaci Flies with the Blue Angels (http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=0h32oUZP2Yo)(YouTube video). See everyone else black-out from G-force in the related links!

I'm 99% sure I'll be going this weekend; probably one of those days watching it out at the sandbar with my friends. See you in Kaneohe!

[kiwidiva]

Mahalo for all the info! I plan to take my keiki over there on Sunday.

GO NAVY!

[pzarquon]

Hmm. 3 p.m., eh? Let us know if there's an official time announced. I love these community events at the Kaneohe base, but those massive fields of concrete and asphalt get wicked hot. The more I can minimize our time in the sun, the better.

[helen]

Well you figure the Blue Angels would be the last to perform since it seems that you got parachute demostrations, flights by helicopters, cargo planes and other types of aircraft.

I know a previous demostration (back in the 1970's) with the Blue Angels had Army Golden Knights Parachute team jumping of helicopters, then a demostration of the C-130 on a JATO, then the Blue Angels themselves.

[woodman]

Here's a schedule:

http://www.mcbh.usmc.mil/Airshow/sked.htm

[Pomai]

Hmm. 3 p.m., eh? Let us know if there's an official time announced. I love these community events at the Kaneohe base, but those massive fields of concrete and asphalt get wicked hot. The more I can minimize our time in the sun, the better.Wicked hot is the word. I also forgot to recommend you also bring an umbrella for shade, or at the least, a hat.

If you're only interested in watching the Blue Angels perform, I'd get there at 2pm.

Check this YouTube video out (http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=HAOj7v1TD9U). This is cockpit footage entirely from the 2004 air show at Kaneohe Marine Base!

Watch the pilot give a "shacka" sign while he taxis out. Then watch when they first take off; you can see the Koolau mountains in the background, and them ascending over Kaneohe Bay. You can also see them fly over H3 freeway several times, at the section that leads to the Marine Base. Very cool! :cool:

The coconut wireless tells me that there will be an Angels "private show" tomorrow (Friday). I suspect that will be when they take the media folks up for "slot rides". Shucks, I gotta' work (in town).

One cool thing you need to see up close is the C-130 Fat Albert JATO take-off (http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=TLFB7q8tyd8). Pretty nuts. They did that at the '04 show. It almost looks like'd go into a stall in the climb, but nope. Awesome.

[Pomai]

To the best of my memory, this is how (Kaneohe) Marine Corps Base Hawaii was set-up back in 2004 for "Blues on the Bay"...

http://farm3.static.flickr.com/2331/1550151164_2ce6a8e0dc_o.jpg (http://www.flickr.com/photo_zoom.gne?id=1550151164&size=o)

The parking area I zoned out in red is located towards the inner-left side of the base, facing Kaneohe Bay.

There were also additional parking lots at other parts of the base that included free shuttle bus service. If you get there early, you should be able to get a stall right by the main event area where I zoned.

That is, provided it's set-up in a similar way for 2007. I don't know. At least this gives you an idea where the main air strip area is located on base. Gotta' love Google Earth!

[leashlaws]

I love Google earth!

Yesterday for almost 4 long tedious noise wracking window rattling hours they practiced so low you could almost see their faces in the cockpits over our heighborhood and surrounding area. I came out of my poolhouse after a shower and almost thought to flash them from my towel they were so close.:p

Not looking forward to another practice session again today and certainly my dogs are not! I am sure you all will enjoy the show. I think the shuttle bus idea is a good one. Have fun over there!

[Pomai]

Well, I made it today just in time to catch the stars of the show, the Blue Angels! Here they are taxiing for take-off...

http://farm3.static.flickr.com/2413/1565283085_7c5153dfc5_o.jpg (http://www.flickr.com/photo_zoom.gne?id=1565283085&size=o)

Angel 1 passes by, with the Koolau range in the background...

http://farm3.static.flickr.com/2118/1565283361_00f6bce2ab_o.jpg

And here they are taxiing back in after the show. See how fast they are!...

http://farm3.static.flickr.com/2419/1565283245_bcbb157c0c_o.jpg
The guy packin' the piece on his thigh is an MP, which there were MANY on duty, along with many HPD officers.

That's just a start. I have over 300 photos of some really cool stuff that I'll share as I go through them.

I must say, the Marines sure got logistics down to a science. The parking was so well organized, I got in and out of the base within 10 minutes, and the place was PACKED.

This show really is a shutterbug's paradise. Mel, I hope you get out there tomorrow, if you haven't today. I'd love to see your stuff.

The car show was just as awesome as the aircraft displays! I'll show you folks pics later.

[Pomai]

There was a wide variety of civilian and military aircraft on static display. Many of which you could board, and in some, climb in the cockpit!

We're all familiar with this helicopter, the ages-old CH-47 Chinook....

http://farm3.static.flickr.com/2178/1566299140_d2712b13f7_o.jpg

I know, not the sexiest-looking machine, but check out the pilot!...

http://farm3.static.flickr.com/2174/1565412353_66ca949161_o.jpg

She looks just "cute" in this picture, but you should see and talk to her in person.. OMG! HOT! I said to her, "You're not the pilot, are you?". To which she laughed. I felt so bad for saying that. Pilots of this kind of aircraft aren't supposed to be that young and hot. Now I know how women feel when they meet young, good-looking male pilots. lol

This is the cabin area inside the Chinook...

http://farm3.static.flickr.com/2342/1565412581_f48d733626_o.jpg

[Pomai]

Like I said earlier, the simultaneous car show at the event had just as much cool stuff as the air show. Here's just a few of many...

http://farm3.static.flickr.com/2337/1566424722_4fe94619d9_o.jpg

http://farm3.static.flickr.com/2116/1565536891_8e8369016c_o.jpg

http://farm3.static.flickr.com/2024/1566425086_185cddbd75_o.jpg

[Pomai]

The Angels get their smoke on...

http://farm3.static.flickr.com/2191/1565628543_dd7b187ce7_o.jpg

And the (huge) crowd watches in amazement...

http://farm3.static.flickr.com/2184/1565628413_2e14960e52_o.jpg
...except for the fellah who seen my camera pointing that way and decided to give a shaka... eh, das' cool brah!

This is a pretty cool shot...
http://farm3.static.flickr.com/2004/1566510204_fb7d53ad03_o.jpg

As good as I could squeeze out of my aging 3.2MP PowerShot. Time for an upgrade, like seriously.

[LikaNui]

Good stuff, Pomai -- thanks for posting 'em... and keep 'em coming, please!

[1stwahine]

AWESOME Pomai!:D

Mahalo

Auntie Lynn

[Lei K]

Nice pics Pomai. I wouldn't have even known you were using a 3.2MP cam. But of course, I'm no expert. :D

[Pomai]

Mahalo LN! Hope you enjoyed the show from your perch.

Well, there's toys for the little boys...

http://farm3.static.flickr.com/2238/1565762745_b3600c3990_o.jpg

Then there's toys for the BIG BOYS!...

http://farm3.static.flickr.com/2409/1565762455_7fea7285a2_o.jpg
Honolulu Police Department Hughes MD500N "NOTAR" (no tail rotor) chopper

http://farm3.static.flickr.com/2290/1566650514_a13276a5c5_o.jpg
Federal Drug Enforcement Agency MD Explorer "NOTAR" chopper

I still say the Coast Guard's Dolphin has the coolest tail rotor sound though.

That's it for now. Gotta' run. I'll share more later! Have a great night folks!

[hifotog]

2 words of advice....leave REAL early to head to KMCAS...the traffic was SLOOOW...but it moved. 2nd, all goods on sale are with scrips...which is $1.25 ea but they also sell it as a bundle for $20. Dont know IF coolers are allowed, but if they are not, get ready to get cash before heading there (an BOH ATM mobile unit is there) cuz the day was pretty hot Saturday....and I think Sunday will be a carbon copy....but the show in retrospect....AWESOME!!!!!

[Pomai]

Who ever thought Aloha Airlines would be parked here...

http://farm3.static.flickr.com/2279/1567128188_ff2974dc97_o.jpg

Intake:

http://farm3.static.flickr.com/2071/1567128060_d2b68596ed_o.jpg

Exhaust: This photo is looking in through the exhaust section of the engine powering this Aloha Airlines Boeing 737 jet aircraft...

http://farm3.static.flickr.com/2326/1566240699_3e26483bc2_o.jpg

What is those "metal fingers" behind the turbine? That surely isn't afterburner! (Seriously, what is that?!!!!)

[EastCoastTropics]

Awesome photos Pomai!

[Pomai]

More Aloha (from a Hawaiian!!!)...

http://farm3.static.flickr.com/2214/1567118611_642499b175_o.jpg

http://farm3.static.flickr.com/2082/1568001664_468047cb5f_o.jpg (http://www.flickr.com/photo_zoom.gne?id=1568001664&size=o)

Honey, pass me the wrench...

http://farm3.static.flickr.com/2006/1568001894_26036aec8f_o.jpg
Main gear bay of the (Aloha) Boeing 737

[mel]

Who ever thought Aloha Airlines would be parked here...



They were there the last time Blue Angels came. The same cargo jet too... and back in 2003 they were at another aviation show (http://macpro.freeshell.org/misc/aloha737.jpg) out in Barbers' Point.

BTW, Pomai, excellent shots of all the planes and stuff at KMCAS. :)

[TATTRAT]

Anyone know if the airshow would be viewable from Pali Lookout, or is that too far away?


GREAT PICS! Thanks for sharing, Pomai!

[Pomai]

They were there the last time Blue Angels came. The same cargo jet too... and back in 2003 they were at another aviation show (http://macpro.freeshell.org/misc/aloha737.jpg) out in Barbers' Point.Indeed they were. It's great having Aloha, yet it would be nice to have Hawaiian!

Here's Samoa...

http://farm3.static.flickr.com/2350/1569522754_6fb4e77ae9_o.jpg
Wait, wait, wait... stop the jet! OK, since when was BA #2 a 2-seater?! AAAAAAAnnnd..... why in the HELL is the back seat EMPTY! If nobody wanted to ride, I'LL GO!

http://farm3.static.flickr.com/2216/1568636557_f473fb4d61_o.jpg

http://farm3.static.flickr.com/2212/1569920941_f75d483759_o.jpg

If you're wondering where #5 and 6 are, they went to the north end of the runway.

[pzarquon]

2 words of advice....leave REAL early to head to KMCAS...the traffic was SLOOOW...but it moved.Yeah. I think it was the same before. But as has been noted, the traffic and crowd control provided by the Marines is impeccable. I don't think you'll ever see so many civilians and their cars moved into and out of a space any better than at Kaneohe.

I wish we could "leave REAL early," but we're not heading out to Kaneohe until after church in Manoa. I imagine we might not nab a spot on the fence at that rate, but last time we watched the show from under an Aloha Airlines wing. Shade trumped the view.

[Pomai]

2 words of advice....leave REAL early to head to KMCAS...the traffic was SLOOOW...but it moved. 2nd, all goods on sale are with scrips...which is $1.25 ea but they also sell it as a bundle for $20. Dont know IF coolers are allowed, but if they are not, get ready to get cash before heading there (an BOH ATM mobile unit is there) cuz the day was pretty hot Saturday....and I think Sunday will be a carbon copy....but the show in retrospect....AWESOME!!!!!Funny you say this. I arrived yesterday AFTER the rush, and left AFTER the rush. To which, as said before, I drove in and out within a 10-minute time span. I seriously recommend going early and leave early, or go late and leave late. I'm on "Hawaiian time", and choose the latter. lol

Remember when Hawaiian Airlines used to fly the DC-3!?...

http://farm3.static.flickr.com/2025/1570073005_a075e2c784_o.jpg

Witness the radial (piston) engine under "the hood"...

http://farm3.static.flickr.com/2132/1570073193_5c950c828c_o.jpg

I thought these had turbo-shafts.

Send your parcels via USPS, UPS or FedEx....

http://farm3.static.flickr.com/2068/1570812880_da4fcd2be9_o.jpg

The young pilot of this aircraft told me to tell the FedEx bosses that anytime an opening for a DC-10 is posted, call him. lol

[Pomai]

If size matters, Blues on the Bay will satisfy...

http://farm3.static.flickr.com/2314/1570219661_86df081593_o.jpg
C-17 Globemaster

http://farm3.static.flickr.com/2402/1570219801_6284f274be_o.jpg
C-5 Galaxy

Isn't this larger than the Airbus A380? By far the BIGGEST airplane at THIS show! If I was president of the United States, screw the Boeing 747, Air Force One is THIS!

To put the size of this amazing aircraft into perspective, just look at how it DWARFS everyone in, under and around it!...

http://farm3.static.flickr.com/2418/1570264321_8f59fe2c42_o.jpg

[mel]

Anyone know if the airshow would be viewable from Pali Lookout, or is that too far away?


I think it is too far away. Take a look at this photo link (http://hotspotshawaii.com/melpages/Pali/Pali-Pages/Image20.html). KMCAS is located near the hill that is farthest away in this shot. I was thinking about just going to the Pali to just escape getting caught in the slow traffic and not having to stay there for an entire, hot day.

Though I wonder if the Blue Angels fly all around Kaneohe and kiss up against the mountains? That would make for a different shot.

Pomai, looking at all the photos you have posted, you may just have saved me from making the trip myself since I'd probably end up shooting the same photos of the static displays, many of which I have seen in the past.

mel

[Pomai]

Anyone know if the airshow would be viewable from Pali Lookout, or is that too far away?I drove through the Pali on my way to the base yesterday. There were plenty of folks at the two main lookouts along the way on the windward side, which is no wonder officials decided to close off the lookout near the base on H3.

I can say this: The Blue Angels make a few turns close to there and near the mountain, but otherwise, you'd be far away from the action.

The base is really where you want to be to absorb it. They make turns 'n stuff over Kaneohe and Kailua, but it's far and few between, where I think you might get bored.

Go on base. No doubt the best seat in the house. And don't worry about parking. Get choke.

When an aircraft such as the C-5 Galaxy lands, the weight needs to be displaced by using multiple main landing gear, as you can see here...

http://farm3.static.flickr.com/2181/1570480621_aaba1a42fd_o.jpg
C-5 Galaxy main landing gear

I believe those are twelve wheels per side (24 main gear wheels total). The tire company must LOVE these guys! lol

The C-17 isn't shy of wheels either...

http://farm3.static.flickr.com/2128/1571373042_dad6d47929_o.jpg

http://farm3.static.flickr.com/2289/1570480835_be519c53ea_o.jpg

Such a function-over-form design.

[Pomai]

More cars...

http://farm3.static.flickr.com/2244/1570612047_07cd09cbbe_o.jpg (http://www.flickr.com/photo_zoom.gne?id=1570612047&size=o)

http://farm3.static.flickr.com/2288/1570605663_1ae88d078f_o.jpg
Chevy Nova SS

http://farm3.static.flickr.com/2375/1570605791_fa5b027835_o.jpg

Time to play some ZZ Top!

[mel]

Indeed they were. It's great having Aloha, yet it would be nice to have Hawaiian!

And Go! ;)

In 2004 Hawaiian was there:

http://farm3.static.flickr.com/2164/1571478144_c2e24e6eaa_o.jpg

Photo fished out of my 2004 file archive. I went that year but at the time did not have the long lens as I do now. Static display shots came out OK, aerial shots were distant at best.

On another note in this Star-Bulletin article (http://starbulletin.com/2007/10/14/news/story03.html), fellow HT member Dick, has shot some fantastic Blue Angels photos yesterday.

[Pomai]

Photo fished out of my 2004 file archive. I went that year but at the time did not have the long lens as I do now. Static display shots came out OK, aerial shots were distant at best.Thanks Mel. Thanks. Now I feel even better with my inferior point-and-shoot. I hate you. lol

Cool shot! Now please pack up your DSLR and GET OUT THERE TODAY!

I've always wanted Lamborghini-style doors...

http://farm3.static.flickr.com/2413/1571595272_e23bf1f3cb_o.jpg

Superchargers are nice, too...

http://farm3.static.flickr.com/2419/1571595110_7ed2b112c3_o.jpg

If I ever go camping, I'm inviting this guy!...

http://farm3.static.flickr.com/2083/1571595422_8fde3253c5_o.jpg

But that green and pink stool gotta' go. This is just amazing. Makes the days I spent in my younger years installing crossovers, amps and subwoofers in the trunk look silly. lol

[mel]

Thanks Mel. Thanks. Now I feel even better with my inferior point-and-shoot. I hate you. lol

You're doing a bang up job here with all of your shots. Love em all. Keep them coming. :)

[Pomai]

UH-60 Blackhawk...

http://farm3.static.flickr.com/2067/1570802015_4b2180716d_o.jpg

Blackhawk Gunner...

http://farm3.static.flickr.com/2248/1570802167_5c49dcb544_o.jpg
See that spider-looking thing inside the cabin? That's a sonar buoy launcher used to hunt for enemy subs. NUTS! The operator (shown helping the boy) said it's easier to hear shrimps on the ocean floor than it is to hear subs.

The Blackhawk's cockpit...

http://farm3.static.flickr.com/2383/1570802335_8948238985_o.jpg

It really is interesting talking with the pilots and crew of these amazing aircraft. There's so much more to the machine than what you see from the outside.

[Pomai]

http://farm3.static.flickr.com/2008/1571769988_e3ded268b3_o.jpg

http://farm3.static.flickr.com/2417/1570880087_e8f1a54aea_o.jpg

http://farm3.static.flickr.com/2320/1570879965_8ff1380fd4_o.jpg

[Pomai]

You may have a big helicopter, but mines is bigger!...

http://farm3.static.flickr.com/2246/1571834188_445be9b0f2_o.jpg
CH-53 Sea Stallion

What struck me most about this chopper was how wrinkled and flimsy the aluminum skin was. You can kind of see it in the photo of the exterior in the photo above.

The inside of the Sea Stallion...

http://farm3.static.flickr.com/2249/1571834300_472c832dc4_o.jpg

And this view also gives you a perspective of how big this chopper is...

http://farm3.static.flickr.com/2326/1571834458_a71787d22a_o.jpg

If I'm ever stranded out at sea, this would be the equivalent to seeing God.

[Pomai]

Ladies and gentlemen, Waipahu is in the house...

http://farm3.static.flickr.com/2387/1571907252_951b16441a_o.jpg

Louis Vuitton upholstery? This Scion's got some serious bling beyond bling! lol!

I'm not sure what the blue car is, but the one behind is obviously a 70's Pontiac Trans Am...

http://farm3.static.flickr.com/2250/1571016787_15c1fb677a_o.jpg

Don't know the make or model of this classic either, but the 3-way induction system in interesting...

http://farm3.static.flickr.com/2401/1571907508_865a7f3624_o.jpg

[Pomai]

This was one of the more unusual planes of the bunch...

http://farm3.static.flickr.com/2348/1571096011_8a0e94428d_o.jpg

Obviously a seaplane, with the prop up high, and a rudder behind the tail wheel for steering while in water.

This aircraft had the coolest "all-glass cockpit", with instrumentation that looked more "Apple Computer" than "Boeing"...

http://farm3.static.flickr.com/2420/1571095899_087537456a_o.jpg

Did I say the C-5 Galaxy was big?...

http://farm3.static.flickr.com/2071/1571986576_de7ef16d1b_o.jpg
So big, the front opening of the cargo bay was used as a stage for a concert today. Insanely-cool.

[helen]

Your picture of the C-5 showing the front ramp down and the nose up does answer an age old question as to what happens to the cockpit when the nose goes up.

Was there a flying demostration of the C-17? One of the TV news showed it flying during the practice run.

[GeckoGeek]

One word of advice, leave your leatherman (or other pocket knife) in the car. They do have metal detectors at the entrance, but it's far easier then TSA.

Took me an hour to get parked on base. Back log stared by the saddle road near Kalaheao High School on the H3 and creeped bumper to bumper from there. (I joined the line a little after 11AM) I ended up parking on the other side. Existing was a little faster, but they herded us out the back gate.

Now to figure out a good spot outside of the base to watch today's show. Too far away to see the show itself, but to catch some flybys.

There's also an area back behind the Galaxy where they have a UH-1 and some gear (rifles, helmets) the kids can pose with.

For those wanting the challenge of getting the sneak pass, there's only one: A double.

During the Echelon Roll, just as it's completing and your attention is on the formation, one solo come in from the left. Right on the deck. If you're not on the front row, you can't see him. All I saw (and I was looking for it) was the moisture coming off the wings as he screams down the runway just under he speed of sound. No sooner then you start to recover from that one, the other solo come from behind the line and shoots overhead.

Here's my notes that I took from on-line videos from the 2007 shows in other areas. They didn't quite follow it as the clouds moved in so they did the "flat show". Today may be better.

Some of the notes are inaccurate as in come cases they come in from in front or behind the line rather then left or right. (such is the limitation of looking at videos.) :o

The Parade is unique and a good photo op. That where they are in a line close together. After that the two solos go at each other and then the maneuver where the sneak takes place.

Enjoy! (Come on Mel, we want to see those photos! :D )


F=Formation
S=Solo
L->R = Left to Right


F R->L Diamond Pass in Review
S Opposing Knife Edge Pass
F R->L Diamond Roll
S Opposing Inverted to Inverted Rolls
F L->R Simultaneous Diamond Aileron Rolls
S R->L Fortus (one inverted)
F L->R Diamond Dirty (gear down) Loop
S L->R Minimum Radius Turn
F R->L Double Farvel (two inverted)
S L->R Crossover Break and Opposing Minimum Radius Turns
F R->L Echelon PARADE (Stacked)
S Opposing Horizontal Rolls
F L->R Left Echelon Roll and L SNEAK PASSES

5F R->L Line Abreast Loop
S Opposing Four Point Rolls
F L->R Vertical Break (Line -> Diamond -> flower)
S Opposing Pitch Up (Cross, Loop, Cross)
F Tuck Under Roll (Follow the leader roll)
2S R->L Section High Alpha Pass (SLOW)
F R->L Barrel Roll Break (Loop with break at bottom)
2S R->L Double Tuck Over Roll (formation)
F L-> Low Break Cross and Crossover (roll out)
6F R-> Delta Roll
6 L-> RFleur De Lis
6F R-> Delta Loop Break
Delta Pitch to Land

[Pomai]

One word of advice, leave your leatherman (or other pocket knife) in the car. They do have metal detectors at the entrance, but it's far easier then TSA.Don't bring any drugs either. They have Sentry Dogs at the gate ready to sniff you out.

Fans wave as the Angels head out for Saturday's 3:30pm performance...

http://farm3.static.flickr.com/2111/1572144184_2923a3b307_o.jpg

Maximum thrust in a stall pass...

http://farm3.static.flickr.com/2262/1571254225_c040b15b5d_o.jpg

Excuse me sir, I know you're busy with the an airshow, but your wife sent this UPS package of Beef Jerky from Las Vegas (see box on ground)...

http://farm3.static.flickr.com/2104/1572144068_ee7f362209_o.jpg

[GeckoGeek]

Excuse me sir, I know you're busy with the an airshow, but your wife sent this UPS package of Beef Jerky from Las Vegas (see box on ground)...


OH! Those are flyers! They pass them out to the left of the grandstand after the show. (Right where you were. You didn't bag too early, did you?) Then the 8 pilots take up station there and sign them. Kids and teens seem to get priority attention. (Recruiting, don't cha know?) Just be patient and let them get to you. The crowd for #1 seem to be the largest.

[GeckoGeek]

Wait, wait, wait... stop the jet! OK, since when was BA #2 a 2-seater?! AAAAAAAnnnd..... why in the HELL is the back seat EMPTY! If nobody wanted to ride, I'LL GO!

Oh, is that was the pilot was talking about? Some of the kids was asking him about that. He said two of the planes broke down so they left them in LA.

They may have repainted the number. That might be the one that's normally #8.

The two seater of course is for giving media rides. Hmmmm. Who got to ride on this visit?

[Pomai]

For those wanting the challenge of getting the sneak pass, there's only one: A double.

During the Echelon Roll, just as it's completing and your attention is on the formation, one solo come in from the left. Right on the deck. If you're not on the front row, you can't see him. All I saw (and I was looking for it) was the moisture coming off the wings as he screams down the runway just under he speed of sound. No sooner then you start to recover from that one, the other solo come from behind the line and shoots overhead.Hey, hey, hey! You're supposed to wrap that part in SPOILER TAGS!

OH! Those are flyers! They pass them out to the left of the grandstand after the show. (Right where you were. You didn't bag too early, did you?) Nope. While I didn't wait at the flight line to meet the pilots, I DID stay for several hours walking around the tarmac taking all those pictures posted here. Did you get any photos? Buss' 'em out brah!

For sure I don't have enough "lens" (like Mel) to grab a really detailed shot of something like this, although I did get it!...

http://farm3.static.flickr.com/2127/1571507059_47e8b64900_o.jpg

And this...

http://farm3.static.flickr.com/2251/1572395302_53d1f8619d_o.jpg

One thing I think is important when composing these shots is at least getting some sense of place; in this case being the Koolau range in the background. Otherwise if it's just the planes in the air, it could have been shot in Texas or California. You want the viewer to know this took place in Hawaii!

Announcing over the PA system: "Will GeckoGeek please come forward to the flight line. We have Number 2 seat waiting for you"...

http://farm3.static.flickr.com/2013/1572395414_35b1e1b3e3_o.jpg

[GeckoGeek]

Hey, hey, hey! You're supposed to wrap that part in SPOILER TAGS!

Oops. :o

Did you get any photos? Buss' 'em out brah!

I have to figure out where to put them first - and then get to it.


One thing I think is important when composing these shots is at least getting some sense of place; in this case being the Koolau range in the background. Otherwise if it's just the planes in the air, it could have been shot in Texas or California. You want the viewer to know this took place in Hawaii!

Agreed. Which is why you DON'T want a long lens at times.


Announcing over the PA system: "Will GeckoGeek please come forward to the flight line. We have Number 2 seat waiting for you"...

<Mad disturbance in crowd>

PA: "Will the REAL GeckoGeek come forward?" :rolleyes:

Yeah, I'd take the ride. Hell yes, I'd take the ride!!

[Leo Lakio]

I'm not sure what the blue car is'53 Chevy, according to the AF's father. (Her folks are visiting us from Kane`ohe for a couple weeks - thus they are missing this weekend's show - and are overjoyed to see your great photos.)

[na alii]

http://img.photobucket.com/albums/v119/ninja07/BlueAngels032.jpg

http://img.photobucket.com/albums/v119/ninja07/BlueAngels033.jpg

http://img.photobucket.com/albums/v119/ninja07/BlueAngels034.jpg

[na alii]

http://img.photobucket.com/albums/v119/ninja07/BlueAngels035.jpg

http://img.photobucket.com/albums/v119/ninja07/BlueAngels036-1.jpg

[EastCoastTropics]

During the Echelon Roll, just as it's completing and your attention is on the formation, one solo come in from the left. Right on the deck. If you're not on the front row, you can't see him. All I saw (and I was looking for it) was the moisture coming off the wings as he screams down the runway just under he speed of sound. No sooner then you start to recover from that one, the other solo come from behind the line and shoots overhead.

Wow, they still do this?! This move is soooo cool. Saw this BA move at an airshow at Pease AFB in Portsmouth, NH, what, I can't recall.....maybe 10-14 years ago? It was the year my oldest daughter had her photo taken in the mini F-16. Went with my oldest daughter, a friend and SIL and we had a blast! The best part about this move is the solo coming from behind makes ya duck! :D :D

[GeckoGeek]

Wow, they still do this?! This move is soooo cool.

Oh yes. I remember them doing it in 2004, so I went hunting on the Internet to find their show and figure out when it was coming. :D

Maybe I'm just strange, but I can have almost as much fun just watching the planes flyby at close range as at show center. Put me on a hill top near the turn around point or the path and I'm happy.

[Pomai]

Na Alii, nice shots. Much more detail than I could get.

I'm guessing this Ferrari was the most expensive STOCK car at the show...

http://farm3.static.flickr.com/2079/1580687902_bf4f38ff8b_o.jpg
Couple of race cars there could have been more.

I have no idea what these next two classics are. If you know, let us know...

http://farm3.static.flickr.com/2142/1580687906_5dbdd65727_o.jpg

http://farm3.static.flickr.com/2029/1580687894_7336f93f74_o.jpg

[Pomai]

Put that ZZ Top back in the CD player...

http://farm3.static.flickr.com/2415/1579887341_9a5cd63d15_o.jpg

http://farm3.static.flickr.com/2159/1579887377_500bf378bd_o.jpg

This is a cool shot, with Aloha Airlines and the Koolau range in the background...

http://farm3.static.flickr.com/2123/1579887381_352e579bdd_o.jpg

As much as I love cars, I have no idea what year, make and model these classics are. If you know, once again please let us know!

[Pomai]

Sea Hawk (http://avia.russian.ee/helicopters_eng/sik_s-70-sea.php) chopper's 25-tube Sonobuoy launcher...

http://farm3.static.flickr.com/2103/1580899358_f4a1c5c938_o.jpg

Control Station for the Sonobuoy system...

http://farm3.static.flickr.com/2361/1580899366_746ecad393_o.jpg

Hey, watch where you point that!...

http://farm3.static.flickr.com/2070/1580899368_2442ca1f4a_o.jpg

[Pomai]

Props for props...

http://farm3.static.flickr.com/2115/1581059552_9e264ba7cc_o.jpg

http://farm3.static.flickr.com/2033/1581059560_6cd960e939_o.jpg

http://farm3.static.flickr.com/2117/1581059546_d8ccf22d91_o.jpg

[Pomai]

Gotta' love them radial engines...

http://farm3.static.flickr.com/2055/1580501591_594f4f2226_o.jpg

FedEx Cessna 208B Super Cargomaster single turboshaft engine...

http://farm3.static.flickr.com/2083/1580501587_886946a5b9_o.jpg

C-5 Galaxy General Electric TF39 High-Bypass Turbofan engine...

http://farm3.static.flickr.com/2325/1580501581_aa239c5fee_o.jpg
How many poor birds must have met their fate here

[GeckoGeek]

Props for props...

http://farm3.static.flickr.com/2115/1581059552_9e264ba7cc_o.jpg

That looks like a fun one to fly. Saw it go by at about eye level one day while hiking. You sit out in front. All the wings, engine and stuff are behind you. It's just you and the seat your sitting in - flying.

[tutusue]

That looks like a fun one to fly. Saw it go by at about eye level one day while hiking. You sit out in front. All the wings, engine and stuff are behind you. It's just you and the seat your sitting in - flying.
That looks similar to what we saw flying along the Kona coast over the week-end. My daughter would've loved to try it.

[Pomai]

Look out for this Friday's October 19 edition of Midweek. From the desk of Bobby Curran (of UH Warriors radiocast fame) in "CurranEvents", there's a story about his flight aboard the Blue Angels this past week.

He mentions that KITV's Shawn Ching and Miss Hawaii Pili Gaison also took a ride. That's all I'll say. Look out for the paper this weekend. Not sure when Midweek will post the article, but here's the link to Bobby's section here (http://www.midweek.com/content/columns/curranevents/).

[LikaNui]

He mentions that KITV's Shawn Ching and Miss Hawaii Pili Gaison also took a ride. That's all I'll say. Well, I'll say something else, then -- I'm surprised Shawn's extra-wide shoulders could even fit in the cockpit!!!
:D

[Pomai]

Well, I'll say something else, then -- I'm surprised Shawn's extra-wide shoulders could even fit in the cockpit!!!Well, now you can read what Bobby said, as Midweek now has it posted online (http://www.midweek.com/content/columns/curranevents_article/flying_with_the_angels_is_a_stomach_turner/)!

Samoa...

http://farm3.static.flickr.com/2125/1660144004_231fe7791a_o.jpg (http://www.flickr.com/photo_zoom.gne?id=1660144004&size=o)

P-3 Orion...

http://farm3.static.flickr.com/2247/1659281897_a2c7e10e8d_o.jpg
This the same model of aircraft that collided with a Chinese fighter jet in 2001 over Hainan Island and became a political nightmare.

It's signature feature is the long boom on the tail called a "Stinger", which actually functions as a Magnetic Anomaly Detector (http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Magnetic_anomaly_detector) (MAD). Also like that Sea Hawk I provided photos of earlier, it has a Sonobuoy launcher and systems station. Tax payers' dollars hard at work finding enemy subs.

I bet this plane is a TON of FUN to fly!...

http://farm3.static.flickr.com/2206/1660144088_3c40c4b19a_o.jpg

[Pomai]

Samoa...

http://farm3.static.flickr.com/2224/1659319309_fb2f702bf0_o.jpg

Ryan, meet your van's cousin...

http://farm3.static.flickr.com/2353/1660181318_19ea9d6e97_o.jpg
Can anyone say "HEMI"? "Hemi". lol!

Front view of HPD's MD500N "NOTAR" chopper...

http://farm3.static.flickr.com/2400/1659319415_548730694f_o.jpg

[Pomai]

C-130 Hurcules parked facing Kaneohe bay, with the Blue Angels' Fat Albert C-130T "JATO" variant (http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Image:C-130T_Hercules_Blue_Angels.jpg) parked across the tarmac...

http://farm3.static.flickr.com/2027/1659396843_c2332e8887_o.jpg
Just add rockets, and you could be "Fat Albert" too!

More of the HSL-37 Sea Hawk...

http://farm3.static.flickr.com/2279/1660258520_72d9575573_o.jpg

http://farm3.static.flickr.com/2180/1659396965_f922c9da31_o.jpg

...and if my photos or information isn't enough, check out their website here...

http://www.fleet.navy.mil/hsl37/00Home.htm

You know you're cool when the aircraft you fly has its own website!

[Pomai]

Permanent static aicraft displays along the entrance drive at Marine Corps Base Hawaii Kaneohe....

http://farm3.static.flickr.com/2414/1659802609_dadbff1f61_o.jpg
McDonald-Douglas F-4 Phantom. These used to be stationed here, before the F-18 Hornet replace them. Still, amazing, extremely capable jets, and formerly Blue Angels hardware. My brother-in-law worked in logistics at Kaneohe Base with the F-4s. He said one of the mechanics accidentally fired the ejection seat while working on the avionics display sitting in the cockpit, and it blew him into the ceiling of the hangar. Of course they had to scrape him off in pieces. Ouch.

http://farm3.static.flickr.com/2259/1660661962_f418a5b765_o.jpg
Chance-Vought A-7Corsair/F-8 Crusader

http://farm3.static.flickr.com/2070/1659802707_3a104a1faa_o.jpg
I'm not sure what this is, but it looks like the predecessor to the S-3 Viking (http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/S-3_Viking)

[na alii]

Permanent static aicraft displays along the entrance drive at Marine Corps Base Hawaii Kaneohe....



http://farm3.static.flickr.com/2070/1659802707_3a104a1faa_o.jpg
I'm not sure what this is, but it looks like the predecessor to the S-3 Viking (http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/S-3_Viking)

Looks like a Grumman S-2 Tracker

[Pomai]

Looks like a Grumman S-2 TrackerAha! I was on the money then. According to this article (http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/S-3_Viking), the S-3 did indeed replace the S-2 (http://home.planet.nl/~roden171/). They look very similar. As you may know, the "S" stands for SCOUT in this category of military aircraft.

More static displays along the entrance drive at Marine Corps Base Hawaii Kaneohe...

CH-53 Sea Stallion...

http://farm3.static.flickr.com/2400/1665377821_117d972423_o.jpg

I have no idea what this armored vehicle is...

http://farm3.static.flickr.com/2395/1665378235_83d489786c_o.jpg

The Flag raising atop Mt. Suribachi during the Battle of Iwo Jima World War II Memorial...

http://farm3.static.flickr.com/2400/1665377457_05d7a9653b_o.jpg

Note that I took all these static display photos from my car (long distance) while sitting in traffic creeping towards the air show parking area.

[Pomai]

Gosh, it's hard to top that Iwo Jima Memorial photo, but this shot, originally published by Hawaii Marine (http://www.mcbh.usmc.mil/news/Oct19A7.pdf) (PDF link) is also AWESOME!...

http://farm3.static.flickr.com/2388/1677024336_ee7157ab79_o.jpg

Excuse me sir, I'm sitting here on my boat enjoying my Spam Musubi and a beer, when you decide to high-tail it like this, and I DON'T appreciate it! lol...

http://farm3.static.flickr.com/2196/1677024426_c898918a00_o.jpg

Pyromania...

http://farm3.static.flickr.com/2352/1676175409_201ce8bf6d_o.jpg

[Pomai]

Hey, hey, hey-ay! It's FAAAAAAT ALBERT!...

http://farm3.static.flickr.com/2417/1677024688_b5bd1ac36c_o.jpg

Next to that one I got of the Iwo Jima Memorial, this is my second favorite photo...

http://farm3.static.flickr.com/2322/1677024608_69ac505653_o.jpg

Nice.

[GeckoGeek]

http://farm3.static.flickr.com/2388/1677024336_ee7157ab79_o.jpg

Now that's what I call a telephoto!