Random Shot Of The Day - Part 2

[Guest]

Re: Random Shot Of The Day - Part 2

I hate to say it but without the really fast racers attending it's going to be hard to bring in new fans. Airplanes like the Bear and Strega need to be there to stand out from the crowd of "stock" racers and inspire imaginations. The three blade on the bearcat seemed to be very effective for that.

While it is true the absence of the super UNL's is a concern, I believe this event can and will survive and grow regardless of whether or not the 500MPH Club returns. And I feel it's incumbent upon all of us to do what we can to ensure that is the case. The demographics have changed (as they always do), and if an event stands still by doing what they always do, they'll be passed by. The addition of STOL is a prime example. New event, new planes, and a legion of new fans with a huge social media presence. A very strong step in the right direction.

Don't get me wrong...I love the UNL's as much as anyone else. More than anything else it was the bug that bit me as I started as a judge. "Wait...I get to stand here and you'll fly a Mustang right over my head at 500mph?!" But the reality is this event must offer that and more if it is to grow into it's second half-century. Relying on a breed of racers where not only the airframes are aging and becoming more scarce but so are the pilots and crews needed fly and maintain them, may not be the best recipe for survival.

[Desertdawg]

Re: Random Shot Of The Day - Part 2

2018 Ramp - Sport Planes

"See You Later" alligator

[Guest]

Re: Random Shot Of The Day - Part 2

Flashback to Golden Age of Aviation...

[Desertdawg]

Re: Random Shot Of The Day - Part 2

2018 - Warbird Pits - Plane in a box - ready to assemble.

[Desertdawg]

Re: Random Shot Of The Day - Part 2

Ok, all you PC uncorrect humans, heres your quarterly eye exam.

Can you see the dots???

If yes, how many warbirds in the background?

[Desertdawg]

Re: Random Shot Of The Day - Part 2

Always Enjoy this show. The drag race.

[Guest]

Re: Random Shot Of The Day - Part 2

Always Enjoy this show. The drag race.



[ATTACH=CONFIG]24989[/ATTACH][ATTACH=CONFIG]24990[/ATTACH][ATTACH=CONFIG]24991[/ATTACH]

One of THE greatest guys in all of the airshow business! Incredible pilot and performer...an even better human being.

[Desertdawg]

Re: Random Shot Of The Day - Part 2

2017

[wingman]

Re: Random Shot Of The Day - Part 2

Check out the lookieloos at the old Pylon 6. That situation got really dangerous, and impossible for the pylon judges. Eventually RARA and the airport got control over that land, put up fences, and got things under control. It was nice out there for a few years, before the general public found out about it.

[Guest]

Re: Random Shot Of The Day - Part 2

Check out the lookieloos at the old Pylon 6. That situation got really dangerous, and impossible for the pylon judges. Eventually RARA and the airport got control over that land, put up fences, and got things under control. It was nice out there for a few years, before the general public found out about it.

A bit before my time but I've heard stories. This was the first pylon I was assigned to after my first year as a judge (2002) and the old salts out on Outer 6 were very happy that RTAA took over the land and fenced it. Got pretty wild at times. Talk about trying to herd cats!

[wingman]

Re: Random Shot Of The Day - Part 2

Things were out of control all over the back of the course. This was Lefty on the way to his Championship. Photo from a much older Pylon 2.

Dangerous...

Neal

[Desertdawg]

Re: Random Shot Of The Day - Part 2

Oh ya, the Wild West days.

The hill is my best memory, standing in the bed of my truck and heres comes Lefty.

Several other racers showed their skill level.

"Wanna play chicken, wait till next lap"

I have to admit, I ducked more than once.

Early 80s, while VOS still had a old barb wire fence you could easily get under.

We'd get under the fence for the Sunday gold race. Same adrenaline there in the middle of the flight line. I took several rolls of 35mm slides hunkered down while there "put a bead" on us. Slide scanner is on my wish list, and I will share here.

I know, now that I am older I have a bit more sense than being a 20 something punk.

But the memories are permanently burned into my brain.

Hopefuly they are still around 30 years from now when I am in my rocking chair at 95 sneaking a shot of Jager and telling stories to the grand kids.

[CubersWrist]

Re: Random Shot Of The Day - Part 2

From fb

[Desertdawg]

Re: Random Shot Of The Day - Part 2

2017 F1 Hanger Sharing Knowledge

[Fence Sence]

Re: Random Shot Of The Day - Part 2

Things were out of control all over the back of the course. This was Lefty on the way to his Championship. Photo from a much older Pylon 2.

Dangerous...

Neal

Whoa. That’s crazy. We always hung out in the VOS back then. It would be another 3 or 4 years before I started ducking the barbed wire fence to get out on the course.