Davis-Monthan Air Show 2010

[Midnight Mover]

Davis-Monthan Air Show 2010

March 20 - 21, 2010

Tucson, AZ

Aviation enthusiasts and spectators are invited to attend the Aerospace and Arizona Days air show here March 20-21. The air show will offer the public an up-close look at military and civilian aerial demonstrations and static-display aircraft from across the U.S.

The theme for this year's show is "Davis-Monthan: Tucson Pride, Air Force Power." The U.S. Air Force Air Demonstration Squadron "Thunderbirds" will open its 57th air show season with performances at Davis-Monthan during Aerospace and Arizona Days, March 20-21.

The Thunderbirds are the Air Force's premier aerial demonstration team, showcasing the "pride, precision and professionalism of over 700,000 Airmen and civilians of the Air Force, Air Force Reserve and Air National Guard." Flying Block 52 F-16Cs, the Thunderbirds' demonstrations are described as "unimaginable before you see them and unforgettable afterwards." The Thunderbirds last visited Davis-Monthan in 2005. "The Thunderbirds are coming back to Tucson to perform the first of more than 65 air shows across the United States and Canada during the 2010 air show season," said Capt Jason McCree, the team's public affairs officer. "We are absolutely looking forward to kicking off our 57th year in this great community."

Besides performing aerial demonstrations, the Thunderbirds also visit the community. In the past, team members have visited schools, hospitals and made appearances at other community events. Davis-Monthan's last air show was held in 2007. Aerospace and Arizona Days will be free and open to the public. In addition to the Thunderbirds, attendees will see performances by Greg Poe and his Ethanol-Powered cigaretteen MX-2, the A-10 West Demonstration Team, and the U.S. Air Force Academy Wings of Blue.

http://www.dm.af.mil/library/aerospace&azdays.asp

[f4_phantom_fan]

Since I missed the HF Conference, I am planning to get out to this one by Thurs morning for the arrivals. Static list is excellent, with a Growler, AC-130, C-5, IL-76, B-52, and B-1 all expected. Heritage Flight is an A-10 + Skyraider, not a formation that's been seen that often except at probably the Heritage Conference.

[phantomphan1974]

Heritage Flight is an A-10 + Skyraider, not a formation that's been seen that often except at probably the Heritage Conference.

Looking fwd to your shots!  And if its the one that was at the Conf, he flys FULLY LOADED!!!!

[f4_phantom_fan]

Damon you weren't kidding! "Proud American" was the Skyraider at the show and looks awesome with all the stuff hanging off the pts. Anyways here's some of my initial shots.........here's some from the Fri practice show. The Skyraider's victory roll was positioned perfectly over our group and he was inverted directly over us.

[f4_phantom_fan]

Here's some stuff from being on base Saturday.......they had TWO flybys from a Beale U-2.

[f4_phantom_fan]

Some static shots, also from Sat. There was a B-25 from Mesa there, called "Maid in the Shade". Nose art features a brunette on one side, blonde on the other.

[f4_phantom_fan]

A few from off-base on Sunday, the Heritage Flight cross, and what the wall of fire looked like from outside.

[Midnight Mover]

  Sweet

[WARBIRD KEITH]

DID THE IL-76 SHOW UP?

[f4_phantom_fan]

Both the IL-76 and the AC-130 were no-shows. Here are some more - Raptor arriving, T-45 (and a sharkmouthed one at that!) arriving, and B-52 departing.

[f4_phantom_fan]

More from Saturday..........Skyraider before being towed out, AMARG Tomcat and Phantom. I looked for Steve Ritchie's signature on the spitter plate of the Phantom (he signed it during a visit to AMARC years ago and was still visible as of the 2007 DM show), however it is now completely faded away.

[kick Z tail out]

Great shots Brian... that Tomcatter is just plain badass. Nice to see one that isn't chopped up or neutered on a stick. I still think it sucks that they couldn't just keep a half dozen flying. And occasionally do a Tailhook Legacy Flight with one on occasion.

[Midnight Mover]

I still think it sucks that they couldn't just keep a half dozen flying. And occasionally do a Tailhook Legacy Flight with one on occasion.

Agreed

[f4_phantom_fan]

Yeah I hear ya on that one. On a side note, my one issue with the show this year was that local promos for the show said that 'small camera bags' would be allowed inside, of course just expect that they'd be searched. When you got to the parking lot for the shuttle, suddenly it had become 'absolutely no camera bags of any kind'. I couldn't even get a small fanny pack in. So had to go inside hand-carrying two lenses, with my pockets stuffed full of batteries, flash cards, etc etc. Major pain when it came to get lunch and try to carry that on top of everything else. Memo for the 2012 show, BRING THE PHOTOG VEST.

[Midnight Mover]

On a side note, my one issue with the show this year was that local promos for the show said that 'small camera bags' would be allowed inside, of course just expect that they'd be searched. When you got to the parking lot for the shuttle, suddenly it had become 'absolutely no camera bags of any kind'. I couldn't even get a small fanny pack in. So had to go inside hand-carrying two lenses, with my pockets stuffed full of batteries, flash cards, etc etc. Major pain when it came to get lunch and try to carry that on top of everything else. Memo for the 2012 show, BRING THE PHOTOG VEST.

That happend to me one year at Miramar. It sucks big time. You just never know what you'll have to do to get into an air show.  Might be time to get a photog vest for myself.  That sounds like a great idea if you're desperate.  Thanks for the heads up