It's been about 6 weeks since my last update, and I was ready for some extended time-off. My 3-day weekend found me driving I-90 eastbound to my former home, Spokane. I had planned to visit some friends, as well as attend the annual Fairchild Air Force Base's airshow. Never a disappointment, the Thunderbirds performed their late-afternoon show flawlessly framed by clear skies and the heat of the Eastern Washington summer. This was my 3rd show at FAFB, and I had noticed that compared to previous years, the display aircraft selection was rather sparse. Maybe a sign of the deployment of troops and equipment currently in Iraq? The show was a stopper, especially when demostrating a "surprise attack" by buzzing the crowd unannounced at 550mph and after-burners glowing. No one saw it coming! The pre-show included a swearing-in of new cadets to the Air Force boot-camp, and a spattering of various military and civilian historic aircraft. No surprises here, but definitely worth the while! The rest of the weekend was spent lazily drinking beer with friends and visiting some old haunts before the hussle of a sunday afternoon drive home. And to think, SeaFair is upcoming here in Seattle, so I get the best of both worlds. Another airshow the first weekend of August over Lake Washington! Enjoy the pics!
My all-time favorite personal aircraft, a Lear 35. The pilot was on hand and told us of his adventures flying Senators and Generals to far away places. I'm guessing one can be yours for a cool 8 million! This particular aircraft is based in Colorado Springs, CO. (See me, I'm in the middle of the pic, in front of the wing mounted fuel-cell).
Here I am in front of a ???. Damnit, I forgot what the heck it is!...and a goofy smile!
A view of the ramp at the Fairchild AFB airshow from a KC-135 emergency exit.
Other notable aircraft and the mainstay and pride of FAFB. The KC135(Boeing 707)refueling squadron.