SecondLife

Hi all. Next month Oceana NAS in Virginia is having an airshow. I'd love to fly my plane to it rather than fight traffic on the ground. Anyone know if permission would possibly be granted for flying a GA aircraft to an event like this?

USMCFLYR

I'm not a part of that airshow planning committee, but I have been part of one before. You would have to get the Base CO's permission and I'm pretty sure that on a regular basis that would be near impossible without having official business and during a crazy event like an airshow - I doubt it. But like they say - they can't say "yes" unless you ask! Try calling the Base Operations number for NAS Oceana and asking for the airshow coordinator's contact number.

USMCFLYR

SecondLife

I suspected that if it wasn't normal procedure for airshows then it would be unlikely. But like you said, they can't say yes unless you ask. I'll call them next week. Thanks!

USMCFLYR

Although I haven't really seen much of a civilian static display except for unusual aircraft of some type - maybe you could try to sell it as such. If they had a reason to allow you or you could add to the show it would be a feather in your cap. Just don't get your hopes up though. Good luck. I wish I was going to be there.

USMCFLYR

AZFlyer

Not to intentionally derail the topic here, but for military pilots, is being assigned to a demo team a desirable gig? You get to travel around the country and throw the jet around for a little while and have your friends and family see you in action....but there has to be a downside to it, no?

USMCFLYR

Yes - the demo team members are volunteers and then chosen by the squadron commanders who provide the aircraft and crews. The flying and ground positions are sought after for different reasons. Some want to get some experience in airshows and they plan on applying for the NFDS at a later time for example. Others just want to do it for the travel and flying of course but don't want to move on to the service team. The downside? Well...a lot of practices and being watched and critiqued by leadership - and Lord be if you happen to mess up as you can imagine. Personally - since I'm too old and crusty (demo guys are young and full of vinegar ), I like flying to the shows with them in the spare aircraft or providing the static displays. that way I don't have to attend the early morning airshow briefs
Also - this info relates to the way that the USN FRS Hornet demo teams work. I'd be willing to bet that the USAF demo teams are quite different. One other point - it use to be that the qual for flying the legacy flights was separate, but they were recently combined.

USMCFLYR

MoosePileit

Second Life- IF they let you on base, whether or not you are in the show, you'll need a civil aircraft landing permit. It's a 1 way deal- if you hurt someone, you are liable, if someone on base hurts you or your plane, you are not getting anything, if you read between the lines. You'll need:

http://www.dtic.mil/whs/directives/i...rms/dd2401.pdf

Also, dd form 2400 and 2402. Same as above.

BDGERJMN

AZ, for the most part the demo job is a great deal. Some guys just don't want to do it. I was a demo guy for two years from NAS Oceana. We spread 20-24 shows(normally 2 demos/show) annually amongst 3-4 demo pilots. As Gump said, it is/was a collateral duty for USN/USMC TACDEMO crews meaning the TACDEMO qualification is given to USN/USMC Fleet Replacement Squadron Instructor Pilots. The AF assigns one demo pilot generally for a two year tour on it's East/West coast teams and they are fully funded(travel/per diem/lodging) by ACC. The Navy takes a bit of a different approach to the funding part, but still supports a fair amount of demos.

In terms of being a good deal, I personally think it's the best deal left in the Navy short of wearing a blue suit and flying a blue jet. The updside to the demo gig is there is no pay back on the back side(I left active duty after my 2 demo seasons) whereas the Navy will get a follow-on sea duty tour from the Blues when they are done. You are gone a bit but look at what you're doing. Showcasing our aircraft and maintenance personnel at air shows nationwide is a pretty good way to spend a Saturday or Sunday afternoon in the Summer. The flying is what it is - Fun and challenging.
I would say the only downside is you arguably are gone a bit more but its something you choose to do.

BDGERJMN

Secondlife...probably not going to be an option at Oceana. Ramp space at that show is at a premium. This is one of the biggest if not hte biggest airshow on the East Coast. The static area is pretty limited to be honest and as already stated, your average cessna or GA aircraft isn't what that audience is generally looking for. If you knwo someone local and can land at a grass field you might consider parking at VB airport down the road and renting a car or having someone pick you up. You're not the first person to want to bring his airplane to the show, park it, get a room and meals on the airshow's dime.

AZFlyer

Thanks for the insight, USMC and BDGER....certainly an envious job in my eyes!

And I have to admit, as cool as watching an F-22 demo is, I still have to side with the Super Hornet show....LOVE that airplane.