BA/TBird shows that permit GA aircraft?
10-26-2014, 08:25 AM
#1
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Joined APC: Dec 2009
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BA/TBird shows that permit GA aircraft?
Just got back from the Rome, GA airshow featuring the Thunderbirds. It was held at KRMG, and they allowed General aviation aircraft to attend.
Is anyone aware of other shows that permit GA aircraft? It's a given that any show at a military installation would be off limits (or the paperwork too daunting). I'm looking at a show in Memphis, and another in Smyrna, TN to see the Blues next year.
KRMG did a great job. We flew in the night before - the field was uncontrolled when we arrived, so we had to sequence behind a Mohawk.
The TFR opened briefly after the TBirds finished and before night fell for the guys that did the after dark flying. That was interesting - 20 planes being pushed/pulled through the crowd until we could get to the active to fire up the engine (note to self - bring tow bar next year).
The F16s were staged from nearby Dobbins AFB, so we missed the "step to the jet" sequence.
Is anyone aware of other shows that permit GA aircraft? It's a given that any show at a military installation would be off limits (or the paperwork too daunting). I'm looking at a show in Memphis, and another in Smyrna, TN to see the Blues next year.
KRMG did a great job. We flew in the night before - the field was uncontrolled when we arrived, so we had to sequence behind a Mohawk.
The TFR opened briefly after the TBirds finished and before night fell for the guys that did the after dark flying. That was interesting - 20 planes being pushed/pulled through the crowd until we could get to the active to fire up the engine (note to self - bring tow bar next year).
The F16s were staged from nearby Dobbins AFB, so we missed the "step to the jet" sequence.
10-26-2014, 08:42 AM
#2
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You should be able to go to any civilian air show. Check out Stuart FL on 31 Oct. Should be close to you.
Additionally, if you agree to be a static display with your Mooney, you can see if the military shows will take you. You need to market yourself a bit, and explain why your aircraft type has a neat history. It is unlikely you will get paid, since the Mooney won't qualify as a warbird, but you might get a free room and some fuel.
The paperwork isn't daunting. You only need to fill out DD Forms 2400, 2401, and 2402. In reality, you might only need to fill out one of them if the military organizer knows what they are doing (can't remember which of the 3 forms it is).
Additionally, if you agree to be a static display with your Mooney, you can see if the military shows will take you. You need to market yourself a bit, and explain why your aircraft type has a neat history. It is unlikely you will get paid, since the Mooney won't qualify as a warbird, but you might get a free room and some fuel.
The paperwork isn't daunting. You only need to fill out DD Forms 2400, 2401, and 2402. In reality, you might only need to fill out one of them if the military organizer knows what they are doing (can't remember which of the 3 forms it is).
10-26-2014, 12:41 PM
#3
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Originally Posted by HuggyU2
You should be able to go to any civilian air show. Check out Stuart FL on 31 Oct. Should be close to you.
Additionally, if you agree to be a static display with your Mooney, you can see if the military shows will take you. You need to market yourself a bit, and explain why your aircraft type has a neat history. It is unlikely you will get paid, since the Mooney won't qualify as a warbird, but you might get a free room and some fuel.
The paperwork isn't daunting. You only need to fill out DD Forms 2400, 2401, and 2402. In reality, you might only need to fill out one of them if the military organizer knows what they are doing (can't remember which of the 3 forms it is).
Additionally, if you agree to be a static display with your Mooney, you can see if the military shows will take you. You need to market yourself a bit, and explain why your aircraft type has a neat history. It is unlikely you will get paid, since the Mooney won't qualify as a warbird, but you might get a free room and some fuel.
The paperwork isn't daunting. You only need to fill out DD Forms 2400, 2401, and 2402. In reality, you might only need to fill out one of them if the military organizer knows what they are doing (can't remember which of the 3 forms it is).
10-29-2014, 01:34 AM
#4
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It helps if the base has an aero club operating. AF aero clubs are operated under NAF (non-appropriaed funds) and have their own insurance, which covers "visiting aircraft". A talk with the club manager will usually get you invited to the air show. The aero clubs also have 100LL available on base.
10-29-2014, 11:14 AM
#5
Get me outta here...
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Originally Posted by 2xAGM114
It helps if the base has an aero club operating. AF aero clubs are operated under NAF (non-appropriaed funds) and have their own insurance, which covers "visiting aircraft". A talk with the club manager will usually get you invited to the air show. The aero clubs also have 100LL available on base.
The Airshow Director is going to control the entire ramp that weekend, and it is unlikely the Aero Club manager is going to be able to influence it much.
Finally, there will be 100LL there (whether they have pumps or not), since the bulk of the performers and civilian statics are going to need it.
10-30-2014, 02:22 AM
#6
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Just found out why the TBirds were not parked @ KRMG, but at Dobbins. They need 6500' runway, which Rome does not have (6000). The Blues will be there in 2016, and can fit on a 6K runway.
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