DTN News - AIR SHOW: Melbourne Air & Space Show Rocks Florida's Space Coast
Source: DTN News - - This article compiled by K. V. Seth from reliable sources Spaceflight Insider(NSI News Source Info) TORONTO, Canada - March 24, 2015 (MELBOURNE, Fla): The skies above the Melbourne International Airport roared with the sounds of jet and propeller-driven aircraft this weekend. The show was held from March 21-22 and included the U.S. Navy Blue Angels, the F-22 Raptor demonstration team, U.S. Air Force F-16 Viper Demonstration Team – and an array of other government and civilian organizations.
From our perspective in the control tower, the show comes across as an exercise in logistics. In particular, we were able to witness first-hand the interaction between the air-traffic control tower, the “show boss” who controls the airspace during the rehearsals, and the show and the Blue Angels administrative officer they send to the tower. The coordination involved – is nothing short of amazing.
Melbourne Air and Space Show - Friday Dress Rehearsals F-16 Viper Demonstration Team photo credit Michael Seeley SpaceFlight Insider
An F-16 leaves its wake in the sky. Photo Credit: Michael Seeley / SpaceFlight Insider
Another aspect that was particularly notable is that the show’s producers value partnerships with schools and universities. The reason behind these efforts is to inspire youth to pursue education and fields that relate to Science Technology Engineering and Math, more commonly known as “STEM”. Brevard Schools sent students out to see the U.S. Navy’s Blue Angels arrive, and the Florida Institute of Technology’s College of Aeronautics students and faculty were on hand at a “hangar party”.
SpaceFlight Insider was surprised to find how maneuverable the C-130 – called “Fat Albert” – that the Blue Angels utilizes is.
The U.S. Navy Blue Angel Demonstration Team in their F/A-18 Hornets fly in a tight formation during rehearsals caried out on March 19, 2015. Photo Credit: Michael Seeley / SpaceFlight Insider
Major Dusty Cook (USMC) is one of the aircraft’s pilots. He spoke about how his performance (steep climbs, tight turns and a fast landing with a very short stop) serves to demonstrate the capabilities of the C-130. Cook detailed that he has a special sense of responsibility toward the iconic aircraft and its vital role in allowing the Blue Angels to perform.
Fat Albert carries pallets of repair supplies and equipment to maintain the Blue Angels fleet, and 40-60 mechanical/maintenance staff. Cook noted that he and the team he works with strive to maintain the craft within operational specs.
“I’m leaving it for someone else to fly, so I feel a duty and obligation to turn it over in perfect condition,” Cook said.
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*Link for This article compiled by K. V. Seth from reliable sources Spaceflight Insider
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*This article is being posted from Toronto, Canada By DTN News ~ Defense-Technology News Contact:dtnnews@ymail.com
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