What can be more fun than an Airshow? And Dobbins Air Reserve Base has been holding one for years (missing a couple of years... but not many). And the stars of the show are the Blue Angels.
The 2010 was on 16th July. It was a great time, with the Blue Angels, Canadian Snowbirds and several other aerobatic groups and individuals. There were also a LOT of display aircraft onsite, including this C-5a Galaxy.
As the show was winding down (actually over, but the bus lines were WAY crowded), we were walking around and managed to catch the nose being lowered. I couldn't help but think that the plane was smiling at the kids (and the kids were definitely smiling back).
Despite the heat and lack of shade and the long day, the kids were still enthralled by the planes. Walking through the transports was a big thrill for them. Sitting in ANY of the planes was a big thrill for them. And the big one also loved the noise made by the jet fighters.
When I was a kid, a guy I knew in the Air Force called it "the Sound of Freedom." I told my older son, and he took that euphemism and ran with it.
BTW, Fat Albert, the Blue Angels support plane, puts on a heck of a show, too. That C-130 transport has some capabilities... and the pilot has some serious skills.
If you get the chance to make a Blue Angels show (anywhere), take it. Plan on having some fun.
Related articles
Unless otherwise noted, all content of this blog is the property of Lane Bailey, ©2012 Lane Bailey.
I'd love to hear from you...
I think air shows are super!
Lane, I lived in the CA bay area for several years and never missed the chance to see the Blue Angels each year. I love "the sound of freedom", I will remember that!
Lane, these guys simply amaze me! I remember just a couple of years ago, here in Idaho, one of the Blue Angels had to eject and let the plane crash. It was a close one!
We used to live near Edwards Air Force Base in Riverside, CA. The last air show they had there before we moved was in May 2010. We didn't want to get swallowed up by the crowds, so we took our cameras and camped out across the freeway. My son is a huge airplane junkie as is my husband's cousin. So, between the two, we knew what each plane was flying overhead. We happened to be watching directly where the planes would rally round before they did their flybys. It was awesome!
We have seen the Blue Angels quite a few times. The precision and skill they have is truly amazing.
Mel