NAF El Centro

[gfydad]

Thanks! 

[Realbigtaco]

Got out to NAFEC this weekend.  Lots of Blue Angels flying, and not a lot of anything else.  Saw Jim out there as usual! 

[gfydad]

Thanks, it keeps me out of trouble... sometimes... 

[kick Z tail out]

Chris, great burner shot on 7. 

[Realbigtaco]

Chris, great burner shot on 7. 

Thanks, i concentrated on getting some shots of the diamond takeoff after it passed us.  Most of the time i just am still in shock after the takeoff that I forget to take pictures.  Worked out well!  When you headed out?

[DaFalcon]

Any tips for shooting from the hay bails from the veterans?  I'll be out there for the FC photocall on Thursday, but plan on hanging around until Sunday.  I hope to see some of you regulars out there.

[Realbigtaco]

Any tips for shooting from the hay bails from the veterans?  I'll be out there for the FC photocall on Thursday, but plan on hanging around until Sunday.  I hope to see some of you regulars out there.

Well judging from going there last weekend, you probably won't be shooting form the top of the hay bales unless you are a spectacular climber.  Last year there were more steps to help you up, this year it is just 10 bales or so piled high.  I did see one guy up there, not sure how he got up there.  So your best bet is to stand on a truck to get the best shots over the fence on takeoff.  After that it doesn't matter too much if you're on a truck or the ground.  Here is another tip, look back at the El Centro thread and compare my shots and Jim's.  Now besides for the fact that his are worlds better then mine, you might want to consider moving down the road a couple hundred yards like Jim did.  It depends on what type of experience you want (i.e. you want good shots or you want the experience of seeing the show from the end of the runway).  I personally haven't moved down the road to take picture yet because I like sitting at the end of the runway to much, but as we all know head on shots can only do so much for you. 

Other then that be careful for mud (if there is any out there still) out there, you will get stuck, and make sure to get the Imperial Valley mud off of your car quick it is hard to get off once it dries and hardens.  Best place to spot other military arrival action, IMHO, is where Aten Rd changes from a dirt to asphalt road (drive to the end of Low Rd, and go right, Basically hug the base perimeter fence), on the map it is the corner of Aten Rd. and John W. Finn Blvd. that's the money spot. 

[gfydad]

I can say that, if you haven't experienced the practice from the hay bales, don't pass it up. You won't only see it in a way unlike any other, but you'll certainly feel it too! 

I was lucky enough to shoot from the bales a lot last year so this year I'm looking more for different light and angles.

[Realbigtaco]

I can say that, if you haven't experienced the practice from the hay bales, don't pass it up. You won't only see it in a way unlike any other, but you'll certainly feel it too! 

I was lucky enough to shoot from the bales a lot last year so this year I'm looking more for different light and angles.

Well said Jim.  That's my problem is that my love of being at the end of the runway trumps the urge to move down the road to get better shots.  Oh well!

[DaFalcon]

Blues flight schedule for the rest of the week:
http://tfr.faa.gov/save_pages/detail_0_4890.html

From February 18, 2010 at 1630 UTC
To February 18, 2010 at 1730 UTC
From February 18, 2010 at 2100 UTC
To February 18, 2010 at 2200 UTC

From February 20, 2010 at 1630 UTC
To February 20, 2010 at 1730 UTC
From February 20, 2010 at 2100 UTC
To February 20, 2010 at 2200 UTC

[CHILIBEAN]

I should be out there this sat with wombat 1 and another friend

[DaFalcon]

Do the Blues also have a morning session when they head out over the ranges?

[CHILIBEAN]

@ weeks ago when i was there with Keith & Bill they did

[gfydad]

Now Thur & Sat both prectoces on base and other days over the range (closed to public).   

[CHILIBEAN]

Jim...So your saying the area is going to be closed to the public?