Photo TR: Dayton Air Show

[Gordon Bombay]

Not an amusement park, but definitely one of the prime summer attractions in the area. Attending the Dayton Air Show has been a tradition of my father and I since I was seven. When I was growing up I wanted to be a fighter pilot, yet as I grew up I came to the conclusion that joining the armed services was not the choice for me or best path to take in life. However, I do have the most respect and admiration for those who do chose to serve and I think the Dayton Air Show is not only a great celebration of powered flight, innovation, patriotism, but a very fitting tribute to all those who have served when they were called to do so, especially those who paid the ultimate price. While we try to go every year there were years we couldn't make it. My dad hadn't been since 2003 (the 100th anniversary show which was AMAZING) and I skipped 2007, my most recent show being 2006. So on Sunday, July 20th myself, Boddah1994, and my dad drove from Cincinnati to Dayton to attend the "Vectren Dayton Air Show presented by Krogers." (The only downside to the air show is how often they try to cram the sponsors down your throat.)

We left Cincinnati around 8:30 and headed up I-75 in a timely fashion avoiding the radar of the State Highway Patrol. I was surprised to find that we were able to park up close in the main parking lot (grass field number 1) and that we were able to get seats right along the fence. I guess the threat of rain and lack of a major headlining act such as the Blue Angels or Thunderbirds accounted for the smaller than usual crowd. In past years to get along the fence we had to get there at around 8 or earlier or to get a really good parking spot. This year the headlining act was the USAF's new F-22 Raptor fighter plane, a Dayton first.

For those of you who haven't been to the Dayton Air Show, it's usually very hot and you need a lot of sun screen. Sometimes the heat is miserable and the waiting between acts is annoying, but there is still plenty to do besides crank your neck up to the sky looking at planes. Among the various vendor tents you can visit, there are simulators to ride, eurobungee trampolines, recruitment centers, helicopter rides, and much, much more. However, if you love aviation and don't want to bust out money on other attractions there are plenty of excellent static aircraft on display for you to view up close:

-Like this F-15 strike Eagle. You really get a feel for the size of these aircraft once you see them up close. Imagine flying this thing at speeds with forces much higher than any roller coaster can duplicate.

Amongst the fighter jets (and there are plenty on display) are military and civilian cargo aircraft. One of the most interesting being the planes used by companies such as Fed Ex, which provided one of their Boeing 727's for static display, allowing guests to walk all through it.

-****pit of the FedEx 727.

You order it on the net, pay an outrageous overnight shipping charge, it gets placed in here:

-then arrives to you!

-Where you exit the static Fed Ex plane.

Besides current combat and civilian aircraft, there are plenty of opportunities to learn about aviation history. This year guests were able to get an up close look at this B-25 Mitchell Bomber affectionately called "Panchito." I hope most of you reading this know what the "Doolittle Raid" was, if not here's a brief history lesson:

The Doolittle Raid, 18 April 1942, was the first air raid by the United States to strike the Japanese home island of Honshū during World War II. It demonstrated that the Japanese home islands were vulnerable to Allied air attack, and provided an expedient means for U.S. retaliation for Japan's attack on Pearl Harbor on 7 December 1941. The Doolittle Raid was the only time that United States Army Air Forces bombers were launched from a U.S. Navy aircraft carrier on a combat mission.

The Raid was depicted in the movie "Pearl Harbor" and was a remarkable feat due to the size of the planes like this one that were flown off aircraft carriers during the raid:

While the raid had little effect on destroying enemy targets, it was an important psychological victory and a turning point in the Pacific Theatre.

-Can you image climbing aboard one of these during ww2 and manning one of those machine guns?

After viewing some static aircraft we returned to our lawn chairs, sunscreen, and gatorade to watch the opening ceremonies and see the air show start. First up was the USAF C-17 demonstration:

-A major workhorse of USAF cargo moving.

As the morning progressed there were also demonstrations of a Wright B Flyer replica, a flying of the B-25 "Panchito" (seen in the photos above), and a performance by the Misty Blues All women's skydiving team. Up next was something I was really looking forward to, a demonstration of the Bell AH-64 Apache attack Helicopter by a group of servicemen based out of Fort Knox. Having seen the Cobra (a similar attack helicopter) perform two years ago, I was really looking forward to seeing these choppers fly.

-The "flying Tigers" prepared to take off and took to the sky's, yet as they were about to begin, a situation arose. . .

A Northwest Airlines 757 airplane coming from Tampa Florida on its way to Detroit suffered a computer malfunction causing the crew to shut down one of it's engines and make an emergency landing, they decided to land on the runway they were using for the air show, so the show came to a halt. As the 757 approached, rescue crews and fire trucks began to fill the runway as a precaution as the show's announcers went over how the crew was trained for this sort of thing. At this time the crowd got really tense and after a few minutes the plane approached the runway. . .

. . . and made a safe landing to the applause of the thousands of show attendees.

While all this way going on the Apache Helicopters remained in flight and had burnt up quite a bit of fuel, most of which had to be conserved to return home to Kentucky so the Apache demonstration was cancelled, yet just before heading back the Apache pilots were kind enough to do a low pass fly by:

After the excitement the Northwest plane caused we were treated to many more demonstrations including a fabulous performance by Sean Tucker and three other stunt pilots calling themselves "The Calloborators." At around one o clock things really started to get loud as the F-16 Fighting Falcon took to the skys:

So as the "Viper" demonstration team demonstrated the capabilities of the F-16 fighter jet, many folks looked on and covered their ears:

One of the best things about air show performers is their professionalism and enthusiasm, such as the F-16 pilot who immediately after his performance walked along the fence passing out free stickers and signing autographs:

Honored at the show was Col. Clarence E. "Bud" Anderson, a ww2 triple Ace pilot who was recently inducted into the hall of fame:

Next was pilot Sean Tucker who never ceases to dazzle crowds with his aerobatic stunts, this year he did something I had never seen him do before in all my years of going to the air show. . . and if you are a fan of Red Bull Air Racing you'll appreciate this. . .

. . . yeah he flew his plane 18 feet off the ground between two pylons and cut the ribbon suspended between them, not once but three times, on top of the other incredible stunts he's done. Maybe we could see him break a record at Kings Island some time?

He was followed by a demonstration of the U.S. Navy's primary fighter plane. . . The F-18 Super Hornet. (Sorry to all you Top Gun fans, the Tomcat's started being retired in 2006).

-the only downside to this demonstration was the terrible narrator who was clearly reading from a piece of paper and doing a pretty poor job at it. However, the amazing demonstration of this plane made up for it. This jet is similar to the fighters flown by the Blue Angels demonstration team (Maybe Monroe knows. . . do the BA's fly the F/A-18 Hornet or have they moved on to Super Hornets?) and even when its not flying at half of its top speed like in this picture, it looks like its tearing the sky apart.

Now it would take me years to go into all the many, many other demonstrations and static displays so I'll just skip to the things I have decent photos of, however if you think you might be interested in going next year, I highly recommend it, there is plenty more to see and do, such a great experience.

The forecast had predicted a 20% chance of rain all day and afternoon thunderstorms. We were lucky enough to have sun and clear skies all day until we neared the time of the highlight F-22 Raptor Demonstration. As the Misty Blues skydiver's came down a second time. . .

. . .the clouds started rolling in.

Yet, the show must go on, so the impressive AeroShell acrobatic team took to the skies:

Drops of rain began to fall here and there and the crowds stated seeking shelter and heading out even before the highlight act out of fear of the rain. . .

But the real show was just beginning, just around 3:30 P.M. the Dayton Skies were interrupted with the "scream of freedom," the noise of the United States newest and most superior aircraft, the F-22 Raptor!

I'll spare a lecture on just how awesome this aircraft is, but basically its the most advanced fighter jet in the world. It's fast, its loud, yet by the time you see it pass by you the sound of its engines are 6 seconds behind it, by the time you see its sleek structure in the sky. . . you better hope your an ally and not a foe. For more information on this amazing aircraft visit here:

The F-22 is claimed by multiple sources to be the world’s most effective air superiority fighter. The US Air Force states that the F-22 cannot be matched by any known or projected fighter aircraft.[1] Air Chief Marshal Angus Houston, Chief of the Australian Defence Force, said in 2004 that the "F-22 will be the most outstanding fighter plane ever built."

http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/F-22_Raptor

The show concluded with what is called a "Heritage Flight," a fly by of multiple aircraft not only symbolizing the progress of the Air Force and achievement of a nation, but the sacrifice of those serving and those who have served.

Symbolizing these values, the Air Force's newest plane flew side by side with the F-16 Falcon, a symbol of the end of the cold war and Desert Conflict as well as modern U.S. conflicts, and P-51 Mustang, considered one of the most important fighter planes ever built, and the feared "terror in the skies" that was responsible for bringing down the Axis powers in ww2. The tribute was a fitting end to a great day and definitely inspiration to come back next year. Just as these planes made their final photo pass, the skies let open with a small downpour of rain and we headed home.

[Monroe]

http://www.daytondailynews.com/localnews/c...=7&cxcat=16

I started a new topic on this before I saw this thread. A mod can delete that one if they wish. Good report Gordon, I had a great time (even if it was on Sunday). The only thing I did not like was the Raptore had to do the low show because of the cloud cover, that cut out about 4 or 5 maneuvers. The C-5 and C-17 were also spectacular.

[pyrocoasterkid]

The air show was great, even without the Thunderbirds or Blue Angels. I was there on Saturday. The F-22 is an absolutely amazing aircraft. A plane that can literally just hover like it does, or do a still loop with its thrust vectoring is a pretty awesome plane. It literally almost stopped, then did a loop just by aiming its thrust, pivoting around its nose. It was unreal! It is such a beautiful aircraft too! Every maneuver seemed like something only the F-22 could do. It was cool how close they parked them near fans in down time. Rest of the demonstrations were awesome too. And there were quite a few static aircraft that you could walk through. Lots of noise, sights, stunts, planes, and unfortunately, sunburn! A great day though!

Nice pix too! Is there anyway you could make the last pic of the F-22 larger for a wallpaper? (the last solo one showing the whole top of the aircraft). 1280x800 possibly?

[The Interpreter]

Wow. Thanks for the awesome trip report. It almost made me feel like I was there, which I should have been (but it was not to be this year...perhaps next!)

[Kawana]

Thanks for the TR. Sounds like a good time, maybe one of these years I'll have to make it up there and check it out.

[CoastersRZ]

I actually saw three military helicopters flying fairly close to each other yesterday. They flew right over Lake Como and the Ferris Wheel (the ride I was working at). They obviously came from Lunken Airport, but it is odd that I saw them on the same day as the Air show up in Dayton.

And as always, excellent photos Ronny!

[standbyme]

As usual, VERY nice photos!

[Thrill_Biscuit]

Awesome PTR!

When I was in the air force, I never grew tired of admiring the awesome beauty of our warplanes. Your pictures do them very well, especially the one that shows the scale of the mighty F-15's huge engines. The front-on shot of the Apache is one of the best pictures I've seen of that legendary army aircraft!

Excellent!

[RailRider]

Great TR. Love the air show, last time I was there was in 2001 or 2002. Extremely hot that day and we were right on the flight line.

When the Golden Knights did their jump and one of the divers did the cutaway and pulled his reserve, I had to jump out of my seat because he cutaway parachute fell right over my chair. That thing was coming down with some force too. He was nice enough to come over, recover his chute and sign an autograph.

When they did the Tora Tora Tora, the wall of Fire from the bomber was so insanely hot. Thats one time I recomend getting up from your seat and walking away from the front row. So hot.

All in all a great time though...

[KIBeast]

Great TR, Ronny! Looks like I need to be there to truly appreciate the aircraft. However, you did an excellent job with the pics!

[BavarianBeatle]

Very nice. I was there with the kids that day, and I agree with all of your commentary about the show and the acts. A very nice day, even without a major act. The heritage flight was a nice way to end the show.

[Tomkatt7]

Everytime I read about the Dayton airshow. It makes me miss the Rickenbacker show.

They did have a HUGE show here last year, but it was a one time thing.

I live about a mile from the base, and it was great sitting outside with the neighbors, and watch the show.

Did they fly the Raptor slow enough so you could actually see it?

[Monroe]

I was at GML last year also, very good show. If you would have went to Dayton on Saturday, you would have seen the full high show of the Raptore. As it was cloudy Sunday, (about a 3500 ft. ceiling) they did what they call a low show. They have to cut some of the show out because it utilizes the space above 3000ft. It does give you several opportunities to take pictures, including one of the payload doors open if you are in the right spot. The only advantage to a low show is that usually they stay in the air as the show is closing and do some high speed passes. It was actually nice, the f-16 was doing a pass after the heritage flight and was close enough to the sound beerier that you could hear pops of air.

One last thing I wanted to mention. Ronny I know that you will always remember those times that you spend with your dad. My father is why I took an interest in aviation, and every time I go to an air show I miss him dearly. He is always there with me in my wallet and in my heart. I can tell that you have a special relationship with him, and admire him. That first paragraph just made me think of my father even more, how he would take me places even if it did not interest him. It was the fact that we were together that made the day. I guess what I am trying to say is, thank your father for turning you into a good young adult for me.

[BavarianBeatle]

I was at GML last year also, very good show. If you would have went to Dayton on Saturday, you would have seen the full high show of the Rapture. As it was cloudy Sunday, (about a 3500 ft. ceiling) they did what they call a low show. They have to cut some of the show out because it utilizes the space above 3000ft. It does give you several opportunities to take pictures, including one of the payload doors open if you are in the right spot. The only advantage to a low show is that usually they stay in the air as the show is closing and do some high speed passes. It was actually nice, the f-16 was doing a pass after the heritage flight and was close enough to the sound beerier that you could hear pops of air.

One last thing I wanted to mention. Ronni I know that you will always remember those times that you spend with your dad. My father is why I took an interest in aviation, and every time I go to an air show I miss him dearly. He is always there with me in my wallet and in my heart. I can tell that you have a special relationship with him, and admire him. That first paragraph just made me think of my father even more, how he would take me places even if it did not interest him. It was the fact that we were together that made the day. I guess what I am trying to say is, thank your father for turning you into a good young adult for me.

Nice Post!! Similarly, I always think of my wife when I take our children to the Air Show, or other special places..... I remember when she planned trips the summer before our first child was born and I told her that she was spending too much money. She always reminded methat it was our last chance to do it alone for awhile. God, now that she's gone, I'm glad she dragged me on all of those trips...... Thanks for the reminder of what's truly important!!

[pyrocoasterkid]

I was at GML last year also, very good show. If you would have went to Dayton on Saturday, you would have seen the full high show of the Rapture. As it was cloudy Sunday, (about a 3500 ft. ceiling) they did what they call a low show. They have to cut some of the show out because it utilizes the space above 3000ft. It does give you several opportunities to take pictures, including one of the payload doors open if you are in the right spot. The only advantage to a low show is that usually they stay in the air as the show is closing and do some high speed passes. It was actually nice, the f-16 was doing a pass after the heritage flight and was close enough to the sound beerier that you could hear pops of air.

One last thing I wanted to mention. Ronni I know that you will always remember those times that you spend with your dad. My father is why I took an interest in aviation, and every time I go to an air show I miss him dearly. He is always there with me in my wallet and in my heart. I can tell that you have a special relationship with him, and admire him. That first paragraph just made me think of my father even more, how he would take me places even if it did not interest him. It was the fact that we were together that made the day. I guess what I am trying to say is, thank your father for turning you into a good young adult for me.

Not to nitpick, but its "Raptor"

[Monroe]

^If you don't want to nitpick then don't.

I fixed it any ways.

(some people really know what posts to nitpick about, and only one word......)

[Monroe]

The air show was great, even without the Thunderbirds or Blue Angels. I was there on Saturday. The F-22 is an absolutely amazing aircraft. A plane that can literally just hover like it does, or do a still loop with its thrust vectoring is a pretty awesome plane. It literally almost stopped, then did a loop just by aiming its thrust, pivoting around its nose. It was unreal! It is such a beautiful aircraft too! Every manuever seemed like something only the F-22 could do. It was cool how close they parked them near fans in down time. Rest of the demonstrations were awesome too. And there were quite a few static aircraft that you could walk through. Lots of noise, sights, stunts, planes, and unforunately, sunburn! A great day though!

Nice pix too! Is there anyway you could make the last pic of the F-22 larger for a wallpaper? (the last solo one showing the whole top of the aircraft). 1280x800 possibly?

Sorry for the double post, but not to nitpick: It's UNFORTUNATELY, and MANEUVER. You had two words and I only had one. I would say that you need to check your own spelling before you start playing teacher with others.

[The Interpreter]

Either that or just wait on the rapture!

[Monroe]

Thanks Interp, I'm still mad and it's 16 hours later!

And to stay on topic. I completely forgot to mention why I went in the first place. The F104 Starfighter, what a plane, so sleek looking and so fast. And to think it was designed in the 1950's.

[Tomkatt7]

Either that or just wait on the rapture!

You don't have to wait...

just download Blondie's version on I-Tunes!!!!

[pyrocoasterkid]

The air show was great, even without the Thunderbirds or Blue Angels. I was there on Saturday. The F-22 is an absolutely amazing aircraft. A plane that can literally just hover like it does, or do a still loop with its thrust vectoring is a pretty awesome plane. It literally almost stopped, then did a loop just by aiming its thrust, pivoting around its nose. It was unreal! It is such a beautiful aircraft too! Every manuever seemed like something only the F-22 could do. It was cool how close they parked them near fans in down time. Rest of the demonstrations were awesome too. And there were quite a few static aircraft that you could walk through. Lots of noise, sights, stunts, planes, and unforunately, sunburn! A great day though!

Nice pix too! Is there anyway you could make the last pic of the F-22 larger for a wallpaper? (the last solo one showing the whole top of the aircraft). 1280x800 possibly?

Sorry for the double post, but not to nitpick: It's UNFORTUNATELY, and MANEUVER. You had two words and I only had one. I would say that you need to check your own spelling before you start playing teacher with others.

Wow, I did put a smiley face. Chill. I wasn't trying to be mean or anything. Besides, it's not the same. My mistake was a few typos (because I type too quick for my own good), while your mistake seemed to be misinformation. And since I love the plane, I wanted to KINDLY correct you (so you knew). I felt I had made that obvious, and as I said, was not trying to be mean.

[The Interpreter]

The one thing I absolutely, positively know is that Monroe KNOWS his planes. Don't even think of asking me how I know this!

[Guest kwindshawne]

I have never been to the air show, although the museum is somewhat enjoyable. Seeing the pic of the Northwest jet landing caused me some anxiety-guess it's just not my thing.

My ex was a P3 orion mechanic-do those ever make an appearance? I am not very knowledgeable, but I know they are on the way out.

[pyrocoasterkid]

Well maybe he had a brain fart.. in which case I'm sorry. Wasn't trying to be an @$$... so I guess I corrected a typo of his too if that is indeed the case.

[Monroe]

The air show was great, even without the Thunderbirds or Blue Angels. I was there on Saturday. The F-22 is an absolutely amazing aircraft. A plane that can literally just hover like it does, or do a still loop with its thrust vectoring is a pretty awesome plane. It literally almost stopped, then did a loop just by aiming its thrust, pivoting around its nose. It was unreal! It is such a beautiful aircraft too! Every manuever seemed like something only the F-22 could do. It was cool how close they parked them near fans in down time. Rest of the demonstrations were awesome too. And there were quite a few static aircraft that you could walk through. Lots of noise, sights, stunts, planes, and unforunately, sunburn! A great day though!

Nice pix too! Is there anyway you could make the last pic of the F-22 larger for a wallpaper? (the last solo one showing the whole top of the aircraft). 1280x800 possibly?

Sorry for the double post, but not to nitpick: It's UNFORTUNATELY, and MANEUVER. You had two words and I only had one. I would say that you need to check your own spelling before you start playing teacher with others.

Wow, I did put a smiley face. Chill. I wasn't trying to be mean or anything. Besides, it's not the same. My mistake was a few typos (because I type too quick for my own good), while your mistake seemed to be misinformation. And since I love the plane, I wanted to KINDLY correct you (so you knew). I felt I had made that obvious, and as I said, was not trying to be mean.

A mistake is a mistake, whether it is made because you type too quick, or you are not thinking about what you are typing so it is the SAME. The post was made for a different reason other than the Raptor, if you would have read the post and understood it, you would have known that. I would have caught it latter any ways and corrected it. Since I love my father, I will only say: Leave the moderating to the mods, I am KINDLY correcting you (so you know).

[indianapolisman]

Nice pictures and report, you captured this event like a true pro. Dayton really knows their air shows. My family and I had a really good time, and plan on making this one an anuall event.

[The Interpreter]

Makes me want to go to Osh Kosh.

Terpy, who knows some will know what that means, by gosh!

[Monroe]

^Who needs a tent when you have a wing? One full week of.......well let's not stray far from Gordons original post any more. I really do love the picture of the heritage flight. Gordon, did you get any pictures of the F4U Corsair? I could not get any clear ones, a coolpixs camera just does not cut it. My Father was a Dauntless and Corsair pilot during the war. I would just like one good one for a desk top.

[Monroe]

I have never been to the air show, although the museum is somewhat enjoyable. Seeing the pic of the Northwest jet landing caused me some anxiety-guess it's just not my thing.

My ex was a P3 orion mechanic-do those ever make an appearance? I am not very knowledgeable, but I know they are on the way out.

Sorry for the double post once again.

Yes once in a great while we get an orion in this area. All are on the west coast and Texas, I think all of the east coast Orion's are gone, not much use for an anti sub plane any more. I don't like Wikipedia, but I just looked it up and it has some good info. http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/P-3_Orion

Also, don't let that anxiety get to you, the pilots know what they are doing. And you are right, it is not every ones thing, just keep trying and one day you will fully enjoy it.

[pyrocoasterkid]

The air show was great, even without the Thunderbirds or Blue Angels. I was there on Saturday. The F-22 is an absolutely amazing aircraft. A plane that can literally just hover like it does, or do a still loop with its thrust vectoring is a pretty awesome plane. It literally almost stopped, then did a loop just by aiming its thrust, pivoting around its nose. It was unreal! It is such a beautiful aircraft too! Every manuever seemed like something only the F-22 could do. It was cool how close they parked them near fans in down time. Rest of the demonstrations were awesome too. And there were quite a few static aircraft that you could walk through. Lots of noise, sights, stunts, planes, and unforunately, sunburn! A great day though!

Nice pix too! Is there anyway you could make the last pic of the F-22 larger for a wallpaper? (the last solo one showing the whole top of the aircraft). 1280x800 possibly?

Sorry for the double post, but not to nitpick: It's UNFORTUNATELY, and MANEUVER. You had two words and I only had one. I would say that you need to check your own spelling before you start playing teacher with others.

Wow, I did put a smiley face. Chill. I wasn't trying to be mean or anything. Besides, it's not the same. My mistake was a few typos (because I type too quick for my own good), while your mistake seemed to be misinformation. And since I love the plane, I wanted to KINDLY correct you (so you knew). I felt I had made that obvious, and as I said, was not trying to be mean.

A mistake is a mistake, whether it is made because you type too quick, or you are not thinking about what you are typing so it is the SAME. The post was made for a different reason other than the Raptor, if you would have read the post and understood it, you would have known that. I would have caught it latter any ways and corrected it. Since I love my father, I will only say: Leave the moderating to the mods, I am KINDLY correcting you (so you know).

In no way shape or form was I moderating. But I'll leave at it this.... I figured I was helping, but I guess not.

Anyway, is there anyway I can get the top view of the Raptor in 1280x800.