Tag Archives: rockford

Forgotten F-22 Pass

There are a lot of air shows that I have been to over the years.  You think you remember them well and then something shows up in your archive of images that you have completely forgotten about.  I am a member of a Facebook group that has a different challenge each week and, when I get the next challenge, I work through my catalog to see what I have that might contribute.  It is an interesting exercise in finding stuff that I had forgotten about.

This wasn’t one of those challenges but I was looking for something else when I came across this shot of an F-22 pulling vapor and shockwaves as it did a fast pass at the Rockford Air Show.  Rockford was a great show that I used to go to when I lived in Chicago.  They always got great static displays and performers for the flying display.  The only limitation was that you were pretty much shooting in to the sun.

This F-22 made a fast pass and was clearly pulling a lot of vapor as it went.  I don’t know why I forgot about this sequence but apparently I did.  I had a go at processing them again to see what I could make of the shots this time compared to my technique in 2009.  Not an easy shot to make work but the plane is dramatic enough to make it worthwhile I think.

MiG 21

wpid6483-AU0E2744.jpgWarbirds are not an uncommon sight around here but there are some planes that still stand out as a little unusual.  I got to see one of these recently up in Rockford when the good folks at Code 1 held a weekend of training for formation flying.  A bunch of aircraft showed up including a lot of T-6/SNJs, a Yak, a bunch of L-39s and, most interestingly, a MiG-21.  This wasn’t there for the formation training but was being used for an FAA check ride for a guy who has a MiG-21 that he keeps elsewhere in the state.

wpid6489-C59F5749.jpgA MiG-21 is a great looking jet.  This example is an ex-Polish Air Force two seat example.  This generation of aircraft has some interesting performance characteristics.  Fuel consumption is pretty dramatic so the sorties are not too long.  Also, the approach speeds are quite high so watching it on the approach, it does appear to be coming down pretty dramatically.

wpid6493-AU0E3078.jpgWe were lucky to have some great weather and the plane flew a couple of times so it was possible to shoot it taking off and arriving from both sides of the field as well as getting some shots on the ground.  The plane is solidly built and the structure is finished in polished metal.  This makes for some great looks with the metal and rivets looking great in some lighting.  Having the chance to look at such a different jet was great fun and many thanks to everyone who made it possible.

Rockford

Only a week after Janesville’s show (discussed here) came Rockford’s show.  Given that Rockford is about 20-30 miles south of Janesville, this must be a bit of feast or famine for the local aviation enthusiasts.  Rockford is a larger show and has a substantial static display but it does have some of the same performers as Janesville. It also adds some other bits and pieces too.  The only difficulty is that you are facing south so the lighting for photography is a little tricky.

The Thunderbirds were the headline act but the Black Diamond team was also on the bill.  Fortunately, they turned up with the full complement of aircraft this time.  This made for a far more interesting display and I did enjoy what they did.  It was just as well I saw them is this turned out to be one of the last times the full team appeared anywhere.  Apparently they have picked up a lot of work supporting military training and can no longer bring so many aircraft to a given show.  They will have a reduced number of L-39s at future events. Given my experience at Janesville with their reduced show, this will be a disappointment to many who were looking forward to their appearances.

Art was also present with the SHAR and the L-39.  Yet again my weather curse struck. Bright sunlight was present right up until he launched.  It was still there as he headed out for his opening pass.  Then the cloud came in just in time for his benefit pass so flat light again for me! Arghh!  One day I will get the shots I want of that lovely aircraft.

The flying display was a good mix but one of the high points for me was an unexpected extra.  A Boeing Dreamlifter was apparently in the area and performed a low approach a go around.  The crew brought the jet down to a very low height with gear and flaps down and then maintained that height along a substantial portion of the runway before powering off again.  Not something that will be seen at too many shows I am sure and I am glad to have caught it.  I have seen the jet on the ground a couple of times but this was the first time I saw it in flight.

The team at Rockford really work hard at getting a diverse selection of aircraft into the static display and this year was no exception.  The ramp was full of jets from many operators and locations.  Since I was in before the gates opened to the public, I got a good chance to see what was on display and catch up with the some of the crews.  It also helped to be able to get some shots before the sun got too high and made the light so harsh.  This is an issue during the show since heat haze becomes a problem quite quickly so getting shots of anything to far away becomes impractical.  However, there is nothing anyone can do about that so you have to do what you can.  It was an enjoyable show and a credit to the organizing team.  I know some people had issues with parking and getting away but I didn’t have any unusual in that regard so maybe I was just lucky.

Dreamliner Introduction

The development of the Boeing 787 Dreamliner has been a protracted story filled with technical and programmatic challenges which have led to financial challenges as well.  However, while the program is not yet out of the woods, production aircraft are now making their way to service with customers and Boeing is undertaking a promotional tour for those who have been involved in the program or are potential customer.

One of those events was at Rockford, not far from me.  I covered the event for Global Aviation Resource and you can see the full piece at this link.