Hey guys,

I am in process of doing some very intial planning for this show in 2009.
Being the sole person that sets up the aircraft for the show. Invites, confirms, choreography etc,
I am very interested to hear your thoughts for 09.

How was the location CYQS ?

How was the flying display?

Static was limited due to runway limitations however how was it?

What would you like to see?

Any other thoughts or suggestions would be greatly appreciated.

G

I was security for the event a YQS and camped there with "The London Airshow Crew" aswell. It was a Great little show and the turnout was Awesome.

First, I gotta say this. It was no London Airshow. I think we all miss that. It was a real drag having alot of the Performers staged out of YXU. BUT, it was Great to have them nonetheless!

Now don't get me wrong, I loved the Show, the People, and the Performers! I was truely thankful to have an Airshow close to home again! As for Aircraft, The C-17 Prooved it could land, stop and taxi, but I'm not sure if the tarmac on the taxiways could handle the weight. Just the hard-packed Runway was sufficent. Lots of room on the tarmac to park all the aircraft. We could of used a few more, but due to cancellations there were some gaps to fill. those things happen. Another thing I noticed was they Parked the C-130 right in the middle of the viewing area. There may have been a couple factors for that, but I didn't think it was right. Maybe Turkey1 can expand on that.

The Viper Display and the Mile High Militia boys were my highlight of the show cuz I love the noise, but the C-17 Stole the show in everybody's opionon, with its touch and goes, kicking up all the Grass and Dust. It would be Fantastic to see those bad boys again. Maybe shoot for an F-15 display, possibly the Stike Eagle Demo. Of Course, a B-1B should at least be invited . Maybe a couple A-10's, Some US Navy stuff, like a Super Hornet or two, ummm Just invite everything in the RCAF, USAF, USN and USANG. Thats what I'd do if I were in charge.

The St. Thomas team and city did a fantastic job on the show last year, and all the crews had a blast. The Party after Each day was Flawless too!

In My opinion I would just go with the same formula you went with last year. Gman you did a fantastic job dealing with all the last minute cancellations. I can imagine it was gut wrenching to deal with. but as per London and Now st Thomas a bang up job was done again. I did not here a bad thing from any crews or volunteers. Everyone had a great time.

As for the next show I agree with B-1b Fan I would love to see a B-1B tear up the skies over St Thomas even if it is only a few passes it is better then nothing I guess. Also would love to see the F-15 or F-22 and perhaps the Heritage flight. I would bring another KC-135 that seems to be a regular thing around here now. I really enjoyed the T-38's from a few years back. And of course try to get more Navy support I believe most of the Navy A/C could land on 5000 ft. correct me if I am wrong so there is a good possibility for new static with limited space. Also it would be nice if the Warplane heritage would bring the Lanc and Mitchell it was great to see them participate in the show with the DC-3 and PBY man that flying boat is cool.

But last but not least. Bring back that C-17 it was the highlight of the show. And in my opinion stole the limelight from the snowbirds. Not sure if Canada's would do the same Demo it would be nice to see the new CC-17 but if they do not do the same as the US I would stay with the US Demo.

Just my 2 cents great board I stumbled across it purely by accident.

Joe.

For the first show in St Thomas sine 1999, it was really an excellent show. Flying acts were great (though missed not having a heritage flight...apparently only so many aircraft available for a traditionally busy week-end). Myself, I would like to see a few more warbirds appear. There's a good supply in Ontario now, so hopefully that would keep the expense down. I know they're not a cheap act. Of course, anything with a jet engine is cool too. How about a passenger jet do a couple flybys? I remember seeing the Fed-Ex 727 arrive in London, and it's really quite impressive watching something that big do a fast low&over. How about a Jazz CRJ or something...Gerry, I would think you would have some connections there. This may sound a bit odd, but since St Thomas is deep in ag country, I would really like to see a couple of those air-tractors parked out there do a little demo. Those guys are generally nuts. I was watching one just east of the London airport last year, and was quite a site. These aircraft are really quite maneuverable.

I do agree about the parking spot for the Herc last year...it could have been moved out of the way a bit more. Mind you, I watched the show from the parking area by the Snows, and had a great view there.

Obviously, a few more higher level statics would have been nice (fighters). I heard rumour that a lot of the statics canceled last minute due to security issues on the ground. Any truth to this? If so, beef up security next year to get these guys to come. Tell them Tyssen is on the job!!

Just out of curiosity, why didn't the Colorado boys fly on Sunday? Seems they came a long way to do a couple passes on Saturday only. Really hoped for more from them.

One other thing...concessions were probably the most fairly priced I have ever seen. Water for a buck! Food was very affordable too. Please keep this the same way. I really hate being ripped off for basic necessities.

I'll probably post more as I think of it. Gerry, you guys did a great job last year. Gonna be a long wait until the next one.

Paul

Paul the Colorado Boys did not have approval to fly the show on Sunday. The 2 pilots were new to the unit one was actually the pilot that flew in London for Selfridge a few years back. I was ok with that as they did more then we requested from them on Saturday. plus I think everyone enjoyed the extra 5 minutes the C-17 did on Sunday to make up the difference.

Mike.

I can tell you this, They kicked some serious ass on Monday! Redeye 1 and 2 definatly rattled a few cages when they left. and I got it all on video from Creamery

Do you have that video available to share with us. I was in St Thomas when they left and missed the whole thing on route. I guess that is part of having aircraft in 2 places.....

Mike.

I was thinking the same thing.

I would have loved seeing their departure.

G

Great suggestions and comments.

We did lose the A-10's the last week and the coast guard Jayhawk.
The C130J guys from Little Rock had to bail as well.
The 2 F16's from NM had to cancel 2 days out....
The CAF's had some last minute cancels.
We actually had a Polaris demo right up to the week before as well...

At one point we really were not sure if we had enough room to park the aircraft and then we had enough room to put a C-5 on the ramp..

I usually buffer with extra aircraft however this year my attention had to be placed elsewhere just prior to the show.

On with 09...

I think you can pretty much plan on the C17 on coming back.

Good chance for ACC with a Heritage Flight. I'd love to see the Strike Eagle.

The US Navy guys had to have a minumum of 6000 ft (even with arrestor gear) for the Super Hornet, F-18C and S3. Will have to operate out of YXU if we are lucky enough to have them in attendance.

The Marines can bring in the EA-6B with arrestor gear so I would like to work that angle again.

I think the CP-140 Demo would be nice to see again as well...

It is nice to hear that you guys remember the 4 T38's. That was one of my favorite flybys we had in the last 10 years.

Statics - Keep thinking A10, A10...
Maybe we could do Warthog theme and get 10 - A10's.

C130J, P3 to name a couple.

Who knows maybe it will be back in YXU..

G

A-10 is one of my Favs. I even got the T-shirt "Kills tanks Dead". so Bringing in Twenty A-10's would definatly be ok with me haha!

How bout some Helos? I'd love to see a Super Stallion or Pave Low again! I haven't seen one of those since the early 90's in London. Those boys in the SAR Griffon that stopped in on Friday showed that their still exciting when their 20ft above yer head (got that on video too). Just Throwing it out there... RAAF F-111? The Prowler idea rocks! They wont be around much longer either! I met the Lead Pilot of those four T-38's back in '04 and he was thrilled to be there with that many. So if you still got their contact, give'em a call and say bring 6 this time! Dare I say B-52?

Just tossing some Ideas out there. I'm picking up some Equipment tomorrow so that I can start uploading these videos for you guys. I also got the full F-22 demo from Toronto and some Sweet action from Selfridge so Stay Tuned!

Tyssen Video's Share....Please.... Like I said I was to busy to see it all. but I did catch the Griffon departure that was intense. I was there trying to convince them to stick around and do a demo on the weekend as that was the commander on the stick of that griffon. So I guess you can say even they like to have a little fun once in a while.

Mike.

finally!!.....
http://ca.youtube.com/watch?v=AUmMre5rMfk

New Camera + Excitment = Blur and Screaming

I will be adding more and more videos in the next couple weeks, so check back often! http://ca.youtube.com/Mudshovel27

Very nice...

Nothing will top their departure in 02 or 03.
It as awesome!

G

Would you mean these departures?

http://youtube.com/watch?v=TP2kZPMIP48

Cheers Dave C

that video fails to show the Colarado F-16's departure with the split on take off. I got it but its on the old camera thats broken