Tristar
Pattern Altitude
Flying is an amazing invention in many different ways. It gives people the opportunity to gather together to experience an art of passion unlike anything Von Gogh or even Da vinci could put on a single canvas. It doesn't matter who you are, young or old, rich or poor, student pilot or airline captain, in that moment everyone shares the same smile facing skyward.
I received an unlikely invitation recently. During a typical call to check on things at home, I learned that the local charter pilot had invited me to hang out with him at Tinker AFB airshow. Not daring to turn down a chance to share airplane stories, I called him and we decided to meet up on the flight line on Saturday.
This morning, I drove the hour and a half trip to Tinker for some good ol' fashion airplane fun. My new buddy met me under the wing of a Dyass AFB B-1 bomber during a hot summer day. Actually, my phone rang and I received a startling hello about 2 inches behind me! We decided to walk down the flight line amongst thousands of people that had come to see the show from all parts of the country. After we caught up on a few things from home, two beautiful red and white Christen Eagles came into view. Unlike other airplanes where the grounds crew ask you not to touch, we were freely let through. My buddy opened up the canopy to one of the glistening birds and let me look until my hearts content. There on the side in bright white letters was was the name "Buck Roetman," my buddy's name. I still couldn't believe that he was one of the famous pilots for the Red Eagles aerobatic team. They travel all over the country just like Aeroshell's Texans.
It was really neat to meet the whole team and watch the airshow together all afternoon. I was on my own some of the time as they performed but I didn't mind since it gave me the chance to see their talents in action. They seem to have enjoyed the extra company and I was treated like a VIP. Free soda!!
After the airshow, I helped everyone guide the Eagles into a B-52 hanger for the night. I don't believe it would have hit anything but it was rewarding to see kids and even adults smile as the airplanes rolled by. I'm really starting to understand the different reasons these guys do what they do. Without even trying you inspire curiosity, amazement, and dreams to those of all ages. During an actual airshow, there is no end to the possibilities.
If they can achieve their dreams, so can I!
Official Website: http://www.redeagleairsports.com/mainframe.html
I received an unlikely invitation recently. During a typical call to check on things at home, I learned that the local charter pilot had invited me to hang out with him at Tinker AFB airshow. Not daring to turn down a chance to share airplane stories, I called him and we decided to meet up on the flight line on Saturday.
This morning, I drove the hour and a half trip to Tinker for some good ol' fashion airplane fun. My new buddy met me under the wing of a Dyass AFB B-1 bomber during a hot summer day. Actually, my phone rang and I received a startling hello about 2 inches behind me! We decided to walk down the flight line amongst thousands of people that had come to see the show from all parts of the country. After we caught up on a few things from home, two beautiful red and white Christen Eagles came into view. Unlike other airplanes where the grounds crew ask you not to touch, we were freely let through. My buddy opened up the canopy to one of the glistening birds and let me look until my hearts content. There on the side in bright white letters was was the name "Buck Roetman," my buddy's name. I still couldn't believe that he was one of the famous pilots for the Red Eagles aerobatic team. They travel all over the country just like Aeroshell's Texans.
It was really neat to meet the whole team and watch the airshow together all afternoon. I was on my own some of the time as they performed but I didn't mind since it gave me the chance to see their talents in action. They seem to have enjoyed the extra company and I was treated like a VIP. Free soda!!
After the airshow, I helped everyone guide the Eagles into a B-52 hanger for the night. I don't believe it would have hit anything but it was rewarding to see kids and even adults smile as the airplanes rolled by. I'm really starting to understand the different reasons these guys do what they do. Without even trying you inspire curiosity, amazement, and dreams to those of all ages. During an actual airshow, there is no end to the possibilities.
If they can achieve their dreams, so can I!
Official Website: http://www.redeagleairsports.com/mainframe.html
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