AirshowStuff Forums

So, limited joy in Mudvillle today.

Dryer weather, initially, led to some afternoon sun... A definite improvement on yesterday, BUT a grim evening forecast of Thunderstorms lead to a cancellation of the evening show. I can't quibble with the decision.

Arrivals continued, KC-10, Mass Eagles, a single Ohio Viper, a USMC F-35C, T-38s amongst others. No shows up til 5pm included the Growlers, Osprey and static A-10s.

Hopefully tomorrow fills some of those gaps

The A-10 T-33/ and vampire formations managed to practice whilst a practice CF-18 / T-33 duo ran after the photo pit emptied.

Looking forward to tomorrow with sun, actual flying and some patch hunting.

On the jaded side, I am curious to see the photopit tomorrow, the space set out for it is not maximized and it struck me as oversold today (for the current configuration) I expect the influx of two day pit package holders will not help. Perhaps my expectations are too high but for the money paid they either need more fence line or more bleachers.

Bring on the sun.

Did I miss this or did movie memphis belle cancel?

My day was the usual 'get yelled at for being where we told you to be' day in London. All very familiar at this point so not greatly upsetting but still very unfriendly and contentious for no reason at all. I was honestly glad for the night show to cancel so I could get out of there, stop getting harassed, and avoid the rain.

I agree it was probably the right call weather wise. One factor that many seem to be skipping over is that the show primarily relies on shuttle buses to remote lots, so clearing the field in the event of an approaching storm is not quick. The majority of the crowd would have no shelter (cars/hangars) to run to at all.

Looking forward to a couple regular days where I can more or less sit and watch

Chris199348 wrote: ↑Sat Sep 14, 2019 3:31 am Did I miss this or did movie memphis belle cancel?

She didn't make it in, but may arrive today I guess. The Growlers and Ospreys did not make it in as far as I have heard, and rumors were swirling that the Growlers were told not to come after the night show canceled. Not sure on that.

RyanS wrote: ↑Sat Sep 14, 2019 10:59 am

Chris199348 wrote: ↑Sat Sep 14, 2019 3:31 am Did I miss this or did movie memphis belle cancel?

She didn't make it in, but may arrive today I guess. The Growlers and Ospreys did not make it in as far as I have heard, and rumors were swirling that the Growlers were told not to come after the night show canceled. Not sure on that.

The Osprey just came in.

So, it was an interesting day at the airfield!

Sadly, no Growlers, Memphis Belle or Jayhawk. The static was also very thin; the thinnest I have ever seen. Still, I grew up in the "Glory days" of the LIAS, when we had 26 Phantoms on static in 1988, and Vulcans, Victors, Voodoos (wow, all V's...) and so much more. I counted; at least 40 major types have retired between when I started coming to the airshow in 1981 and today.

I was shocked that there was basically no USN save the F-35C, the USCG was only the Dolphin, and it was a shame not to have static A-10s or any F-22s. That being said, getting a C-5 and a B-52 to a civilian show (i.e. one not on an airbase) was good work, and great to see. The flying was kept going and save the usual intermissions, was very good. We needed a lot more "turn and burn" though. The last few years really served to set London up as a true air power airshow. This one did not follow through.

One plus: the Osprey came in, and getting to see it fly was amazing! Never seen it before!

There were gate issues, and things didn't get rolling until late (9:20), and there was some disorganization, but in the end it worked okay. It was nice to see Air Cadets selling programs again! By the way; the program is great; get it if you go. Get two. They're very nice, and keep up a great tradition of a high-quality, low cost keepsake. Well done... very well done ASL!!

It was my nephew's first airshow. He's 4. He had a blast. He loved the Galaxy, B-52 and the "Silly third wheel" on the Extender. He also loved the "AK" plane, namely the Alaska KC-135. Kudos to the Canadian and US Coast Guard guys for letting him into their choppers and taking time to explain to him, simple terms, what they do and what their choppers can do. Professional and personal at the same time. Thanks to them!

Here are a couple of pics. They are from a Canon SX120IS Point and Shoot. I'm no pro photographer, but I liked these.

A couple more pics, just for fun!

Faust,

Nice captures.

Cancellations have indeed taken a toll, though for me I am more surprised that the RCAF was so thin on the ground.

The Demo CF-188 and Osprey arrivals were quite nice, though I , of course, was off hunting patches so no chance of shots.

The flying display flowed well but the Nato Formation did not happen, just a few disjointed passes of the separate elements.

Weather forecast has shifted again for tomorrow.

Mark

Holy Crud, Mark!

Well, I THOUGHT my images looked okay... I see now what a real camera and photog can do!

That's why I don't upgrade at all; I've got guys like you taking monster shots like that! That Snowbird pic is AMAZING!!!

What, they calling for rain tomorrow now? That bites.

I compared my pics from last year to this year's; it was disturbingly empty, static-wise this year. More than I realized until I looked back!

Just got back from the show.

First:

Mark (@mstares ) . Great meeting and chatting with you on Friday! Nice putting a face to a name!

Second:

The flying line-up was a little "thinner" this year compared to the last 3 shows. I will say, this show has been spoiled with F-15s, F-16s and F-22s doing fly-bys and missed approaches for the flying display. It's a testement to Gerry and the gang when an A-10 demo, CF-18 demo, KC-135 fly bys, T-38s and CT-155 Hawk fly-bys are considered "thin"!

The fact that the ACC has scheduled demo teams/Heritage Flights every year since the show has come back is pretty awesome imo.

Third:

Static was very good. 8-10 aircraft cancellations the week/days leading up to the show was a punch in the gut for all involved. Obviously operational obligations and even weather ( Growlers) were factors. I think that's one thing some need to understand when you have a heavy military prescence, stuff happens. It's very fluid. That being said, a B-52 coming for a civillian show, especially a Canadian one was awesome!

Fourth:

Traffic, parking and lines to enter were quick, easy, and organized. Very well done!

Last:

Something I want to float out there as a question to organizers or even Gerry (if he can answer). Is there a way to plan for more time for the non-demo jets (ex T-38s/ Hawks) so they can perform 5-6 missed approaches vs 2? For example: if standard block of time is 10 minutes. Maybe try to coordinate 20 minutes instead? Not sure if that's impossible or not. Just curious

Looking forward to the Thunderbirds in 2020! Already getting the jump on the jet noise!

Here are some static shots with my Samsung cell:

Dan, it was a pleasure meeting yourself and Ryan as well.

Today was a bit of a bust for me. Whilst the show ran well, the light was dreck. As indicated earlier I am chasing photos so an otherwise great show day is ruined for me by dead light.

Based on rumours of post show departures I stuck around waiting for the OH Viper and Mass Eagles head out. Unlike past years we couldn't loiter in photo pit so we waited in the parking lot...

We were not disappointed