The KC-135 Story

The KC-135 and I go back a long way.  Or at least the engines of the KC-135.  And lets then say a much older generation of engines.

I think there are 3 aircraft in the US military inventory that are older than me.  The C-130, the B-52 and the KC-135.

I started my Air Force career in 1980 with my first duty station being the SAC detachment at Okinawa.  The SAC detachment was the KC-135s.  I was assigned to the in-shop engine unit.  We would get engines that had to be dis-assembled and re-assembled for any number of reasons.  Usually there were engine time overhauls that were scheduled.  And on occasion, the unscheduled bird strike damage compressor re-build.

The engines at the time were the J-57W manufactured by Pratt and Whitney.  The J-57 was a workhorse of the USAF at the time.  The engine was also used in the B-52 and the F-100 Super Sabre.  (The F-100 was also performing at Selfridge.)

I did get to ride in a KC-135 for a flight from Okinawa to the Philippines.  A few shots are posted here.  

So going to the Selfridge Open House was another trip to memory lane for me.  Yea, it didn't have the rumble of a water assisted take off, but the lines of the aircraft were still in tact.

I was very happy to see one fly again, not that it will be the last time as the aircraft is still in active service.

KC-135

NIKON D500 Ver.1.31/80.0-400.0 mm f/4.5-5.6

277 mm, 1/200 sec, f/5.3, ISO 100

EV 0, Shutter Priority, Size DX

The primary role of the KC-135 is aerial re-fueling.  Back in the 1980s, during my time as a flight engineer on a C-5 A/B I was aerial refueling qualified.  We did a number of missions where this was necessary.  Always a wild ride.  Two big aircraft 30 feet apart.  Another memory lane.  So this is re-fueling with the A-10s.  Formation flying.

KC-135 with A-10s

NIKON D500 Ver.1.31/80.0-400.0 mm f/4.5-5.6

180 mm, 1/200 sec, f/6.3, ISO 100

EV 0, Shutter Priority, Size DX

It was fun to see the aircraft flying.  Old is gold.

Swamp Fox from Selfridge Open House - 2022

I went to the Selfridge ANGB Open House on what was by Michigan standards was an excellent day for flying.  The show line-up was really interesting.  The show headline was the F-22 Raptor demo team, supported by the CRAF CF-18 demo team.  The C is for Canadian.  

Other supporting performers were the Misty Blues All Female Parachute Team, a Curtiss JN-4 "Jenny" bi-plane, a F100F Super Sabre, a A-1D Skyraider and many others.  There were a lot of first time aircraft for me - always a bonus!  And did I mention, a really nice Mid-west blue sky.  All that was left was for me not to screw up the shots.

I hit the business button over 1900 times and came away with 130 decent shots.  (Lots of slow shutter speeds for effect.)  Culling shots is often like choosing sides for an All-Star team.  Every category has at least one entry.  A lot of deletions, to which my alter ego will say is BAD, BAD, BAD.

Recently, I had changed from shooting in MANUAL mode to Speed Priority for air events.  I also upped default frame rate from 3 FPS to 7 FPS.  (That might have something to do with the increase in number of shots taken.)  I may have to change back.  There were a number of shots where the metering made 'creative' color changes.  Can't have that - I don't like competing creativity - especially from a computer chip.

This was a really good show, despite over 100k people and their cars and all the issues that brings on.  Everyone had a good time.  Nice skies, and upper 70s with a cool lake breeze going.

A lot of the performers were prop driven.  There was one P-51 flying, the local favorite Swamp Fox.  

Every now and then, you just catch one right.  I've been lucky with catching focus before, but the positioning and the sky will often deter from a really good shot.  Not this time.

Swamp Fox Left Bank

NIKON D500 Ver.1.31/80.0-400.0 mm f/4.5-5.6

435 mm, 1/200 sec, f/16, ISO 100

EV 0, Shutter Priority, Size DX

Most of my P-51 shots come from Reno where I never get this angle.  In Reno, I'm sitting on the outside of the turns, I get a lot of underbelly.  This is on the inside of the bank.  Maybe that is why I like this one so much.

Blue Angels Flight Shots from ToM '21

Continuing on some shots from Thunder over Michigan '21 show.

These are some inflight shots, in some form of formation.  That would lead one to conclude that there are solo shots, and maybe some shots from on the ground on the way.  Both thoughts would be correct.  I'm running out of time to post those.  Next two weekends are booked, with one being the Selfridge open house.  Then ToM '22.  Already checking out the long range weather forecasts.

A lot of what I'm looking for is the camera/lens combos.  Currently I think the best combo is the D500 and 70-200 f/2.8.  On a sunny day.  And at ToM, the show line comes close enough to use a 300 mm lens.

The nice thing about ToM is I have three days of access.  And access means I can bring whatever I need or want to use.  Lots of time to mix and match.  Experiment.  And this year I have the 80-400 to add into the mix.

And a few shots from ToM '21, Blue Angel performances.

The first shots are with the D500/70-200 f/2.8 combo.  There was very little cropping on this shot, as well as the rest.  For me, this was pretty clear.  That f/2.8 allowed a really fast speed.

Blue Angels - Diamond 4

NIKON D500 Ver.1.30/NIKKOR 70-200mm f/2.8

300 mm, 1/3200 sec, f/3.5, ISO 110 (Auto)

EV 0, MANUAL Mode, Size DX

Same camera combo and speed for this next shot.  This is a common echelon pass, and is close and clear enough to see the pilot at work.

Blue Angels - Echelon Pass

NIKON D500 Ver.1.30/NIKKOR 70-200mm f/2.8

300 mm, 1/3200 sec, f/3.5, ISO 100

EV 0, MANUAL Mode, Size DX

Moving on to the D850/200-500 combo shots.  For some of these, I was using a mono-pod.  Trying to work it.  This year, maybe more time with the Mpod.

This is a photo of the ever common Fortus Maneuver.  This is really truly unique to the Blue Angels, as the tail-hook is dropped.  On both aircraft.

Blue Angels - Fortus Maneuver

NIKON D850 Ver.1.20/NIKKOR 200-500mm f/5.6

500 mm, 1/2500 sec, f/5.6, ISO 200 (Auto)

EV 0, Aperture Priority, Size FX

I had to look for the formal name for this maneuver.  This is called a Double Farvel.  Google it.  The stuff you learn when you go to an airshow.

Blue Angels - Double Farvel

NIKON D850 Ver.1.20/NIKKOR 200-500mm f/5.6

410 mm, 1/2500 sec, f/5.6, ISO 200 (Auto)

EV 0, Aperture Priority, Size FX

This next shot has a bit of chaos.  Chaos in a world of perfected coordinated movement.  That is worth a photo every time.

Blue Angels - Head On Breakout Pt2

NIKON D850 Ver.1.20/NIKKOR 200-500mm f/5.6

410 mm, 1/2500 sec, f/5.6, ISO 200 (Auto)

EV 0, Aperture Priority, Size FX

Looking forward to the '22 show.

F-35 In Flight at TOM '21

One of the really nice things about the Thunder over Michigan show was it was three days long.  And in three days, there are changes in weather.  There are also changes in camera and lens combos.  Usually with two day shows, the time of day for the performers doesn't change.  But add a Friday in - and the times may change.

In the case of the F-35 Demo team, the Friday practice was mid-afternoon but the show times on Saturday and Sunday were mid-morning.

The Friday mid-afternoon shots were crystal clear with a 70-200 f/2.8 lens.  The Saturday and Sunday shots were with the 200-500 f/5.6 lens.  My opinion, not so clear, but the humidity was high in those morning hours.

The Friday mid-afternoon shot.  Using the f/2.8 lens allows for a 1/2500 shutter speed at ISO 100.  Pure awesomeness.

F-35 with Some Vapor

NIKON D500 Ver.1.30/NIKKOR 70-200mm f/2.8

300 mm, 1/2500 sec, f/4.0, ISO 100

EV 0, MANUAL Mode, Size DX

There's always something about an afterburner shot.  And, if the exhaust cone can be seen, in the day, BONUS.

F-35 AB Climb

NIKON D500 Ver.1.30/NIKKOR 200.0-500.0 f/5.6

435 mm, 1/1600 sec, f/5.6, ISO (Auto) 180

EV 0, MANUAL Mode, Size DX

And another AB shot.

F-35 Hard Left Bank

NIKON D500 Ver.1.30/NIKKOR 200.0-500.0 f/5.6

750 mm, 1/1600 sec, f/5.6, ISO (Auto) 180

EV 0, MANUAL Mode, Size DX

AB yellows and oranges,  Nothing like it.

A10 Demo Team - TOM '21

The A-10 Warthog, to me, is one of the most interesting weapon systems in the inventory.  Don't misunderstand, I do like the gee-whiz factor of the F-22.  And as much as I like the high-tech stuff, I also believe in the simplicity of the Warthog.

The aircraft that was designed in the early '70 has gone through a number of upgrades over the years.  Some high tech has been added.

But the role of the aircraft remains the same.  Deliver the 'gun'.

The 'Gun'.  The 'Gun' is actually a GAU-8/A Avenger Autocannon.  The total system weighs just over 4,000 pounds.  The system can fire up to 3,900 rounds per minute accurately to 4,000 feet.  Simplicity.

I saw the A-10s during Desert Storm.  For clarity, I didn't see them in action, but while we were on a down range ramp waiting to be unloaded or for gas, most of the fighter aircraft we saw were F-15s and A-10s.  We traveled among some good company.

So I'm always very happy when I see one in the air, or at a show.  No afterburner.  No noise.  Just one of the coolest weapon systems, ever.

These are some shots from the Thunder over Michigan 2021 show.  For the taxi shot, we were that close to the taxiway.

A-10 Close Taxi

NIKON D850 Ver.1.20/NIKKOR 24-70mm f/2.8E ED VR

55 mm, 1/1250 sec, f/4.0, ISO 64

EV +1, MANUAL Mode, Size FX

I'm beginning to like the shots where the pilot is in view - and you can almost see see the flight panel.

A-10 Left Bank

NIKON D500 Ver.1.30/NIKKOR 70-300mm f/4.5-5.6E ED VR

195 mm, 1/2000 sec, f/5.6, ISO 100

EV 0, MANUAL Mode, Size DX

A-10 Dirty Approach

NIKON D500 Ver.1.30/70.0-200.0 mm f/2.8

300 mm, 1/1600 sec, f/6.3, ISO 100

EV 0, MANUAL Mode, Size DX

Fun to watch it fly.  Can't wait to see another demo flight in the future.  Simple is good.

Consolidated PBY Catalina at Wild Wednesday

The day before Wild Wednesday might have been called Research Tuesday.  As is habit before I go to an airshow, I keep looking at the scheduled performers and aircraft.  I'm looking for the last minute changes - either additions or deletions.  In the case of this year's Wild Wednesday there was a late addition. A Consolidated PBY Catalina was added.  Very happy.

The PBY is a staple of all good WWII movies about the Pacific theater.  It will show up either as a search aircraft, rescue of downed pilots aircraft or blown up on an airfield.  I need to see one in the air.

And on Wild Wednesday, I did.

Yea, the environment could have been better.  I'd certainly like to see a water take-off.  Or a close encounter with water would do.  A classic paint job would be nice.

Of the more than 3,300 built by multiple companies and countries for WWII, I will finally get to see one.

I will gladly take a white scheme, against a flat sky sighting.  After all, I shouldn't hit a home run on the first try, eh?  Have to have a reason to keep going on.

With the forecasted inclement weather, this PBY could be counted on to stay in the air to the end.

On Research Tuesday I looked to my new friend, FLICKR, to see other shots of a PBY.  Looking for best photos of the props and what speed to go with.  What I found was I could get away with 1/320 but best would be 1/00 or slower.  However, those were in somewhat perfect light.  That was not the case here.  The best photos, for me, came out at 1/200 sec.  That seems to work for me.  Room for improvement!

I usually try to post three to four shots of the selected aircraft in different attitudes or phases in flight.  That didn't work out so well here.  I have three shots taken in the same lap.  Again, room for improvement.  But I have a few shots of a WWII aircraft that I didn't have before.  And I'll gladly take it.

PBY Bank

NIKON D850 Ver.1.20/80.0-400.0 mm f/4.5-5.6

400 mm, 1/1250 sec, f/5.6, ISO 180 (Auto)

EV +0.67, Shutter Priority, Size FX

PBY Roll Out

NIKON D850 Ver.1.20/80.0-400.0 mm f/4.5-5.6

400 mm, 1/1250 sec, f/5.6, ISO 220 (Auto)

EV +0.67, Shutter Priority, Size FX

PBY Level

NIKON D850 Ver.1.20/80.0-400.0 mm f/4.5-5.6

400 mm, 1/1250 sec, f/5.6, ISO 180 (Auto)

EV +0.67, Shutter Priority, Size FX

It was worth the drive to see this one fly again.

CF-18 Demo Team - In the Rain

The 2022 version of Wild Wednesday was anything but.  As planned, the show would have been pretty good for a mid-week break.  Mother Nature had other plans.

Says it all.

The show was scheduled for two hours.  In the end, there was 45 minutes of flight time.  And one deceased bird.

And truth be told, I'd do it again.

You can't fight Mother Nature.

I did get some photos of the local B-17, Yankee Lady.  I also got a few shots of a PBY Catalina.  Along with the CF-18 photos, I consider this outing a success.

I am by choice a fair weather outdoor photographer.  This was so far outside of my comfort zone, I needed a rain coat.

Yep, that is a plastic bag over the D850.  In the morning I searched/watched Youtube on how to protect your camera equipment from the elements.  There was one video that said, you don't need to do anything.  I passed that one by and kept searching.  I landed on a video that suggested a mid-sized garbage bag with two holes cut in for the lens and eye-piece.  In my budget and I had time and scissors.  By the end of the show, the camera was the driest thing in the car.  I can live with that.

A little rain will not stop the all-weather fighter.  The CF-18 for me was the top liner of the show.  I saw the new Top Gun movie last weekend, ready for the noise.  If they queue the music just right....  And they did.

There are many challenges to shooting an airshow is less than perfect light.  For me, I would be shooting jets a a lower shutter speed - going from my preferred 1/1250 to 1/800.  And ISO setting from 64 to 1600.  Get the photo first, let the software do the rest.  For now I'm posting the final products, but may do a before and after post processing.

I originally thought that none of the shots would clean up enough for a Flickr posting, but I was wrong.  I'm really happy with how these turned out.

Being dark, thank you Mother Nature, allowed this shot to really grab me.  Afterburner.  Very rarely seen before sunset.  And the front gear landing light.

CF-18 Off the Deck

NIKON D850 Ver.1.20/80.0-400.0 mm f/4.5-5.6

400 mm, 1/800 sec, f/5.6, ISO 1600 (Auto)

EV +0.67, Shutter Priority, Size FX

Due to a local bird violating the TFR for the show, and not getting proper clearance, a collision with one of the CF-18's engines was inevitable.  The aircraft did recover without further issue.  But it was really dark now, as the weather was really dropping.

CF-18 Dark Taxi

NIKON D850 Ver.1.20/80.0-400.0 mm f/4.5-5.6

400 mm, 1/1250 sec, f/5.6, ISO 1600 (Auto)

EV +0.67, Shutter Priority, Size FX

I could add some exposure, but this is pretty realistic of the lighting for the time.

Hope to see the Canadians fly in the future.  In better lighting.

Flightline Life - TOM '21

I've started posting to FLICKR.

https://www.flickr.com/photos/kmpankopf/

As I am getting ready to see a mid-week show tomorrow, I was checking FLICKR for photos of some of the new to me aircraft.  Just to get an idea of where to start.  Advertised to fly is a PT-17.  The PT-17 is NOT a variant of a B-17.  There will be a B-17 flying, and like the B-17, the PT-17 is prop driven.  The PT-17 is bi-plane trainer.  I have no idea at all for propeller RPMs.  There were some nice photos at 1/200 sec.  So I have a place to start.  I would have thought much slower.

Anyway.

As I was looking at these shots, I noted a number of photos of aircraft on the flightline.  I haven't posted many flightline shots.  And the flightline shots did look good to me.  They sort of fill out the day.  Certainly not as exciting as air shots, but maybe more to the elusive photographic story.

So story it is.  At the Thunder over Michigan '21 show, I had access to the flightline before it became overrun by the masses.  These are some of the flightline shots from the show.

At this show, they tried to get as many B25s as they could.  that was the theme.  I'm not sure of the final number, but let's say 10-12 were there.  And in the morning, they were ready to go.

B-25s on the Ramp

NIKON D500 Ver.1.30/Nikkor 70.0-300.0 mm f/4.5-5.6

195 mm, 1/1600 sec, f/6.3, ISO 140 (AUTO)

EV 0, MANUAL Mode, Size DX

Every morning there is maintenance to be done to keep the aircraft safe for operations..  Or not.  But there is always a meeting to discuss.  Did anyone bring the donuts?

B-25 Maintenance Meeting

NIKON D850 Ver.1.20/Nikkor 24.0-70.0 mm f/2.8

35 mm, 1/500 sec, f/8, ISO 125 (AUTO)

EV 0, MANUAL Mode, Size FX

One of the aircraft at the show that was new to me was the Airbus A400.  Fun aircraft to walk around.  It is a bit larger than the C-130.  This A400 was from Germany.

A400 Flying the Colors

NIKON D850 Ver.1.20/Nikkor 24.0-70.0 mm f/2.8

70 mm, 1/1000 sec, f/6.3, ISO 100 (AUTO)

EV 0, MANUAL Mode, Size FX

Finishing up the morning walk, some of the other performing aircraft.  Some appear to still be napping.

Flightline Morning

NIKON D850 Ver.1.20/Nikkor 24.0-70.0 mm f/2.8

70 mm, 1/1000 sec, f/6.3, ISO 100 (AUTO)

EV 0, MANUAL Mode, Size FX

Nice to walk around when no one is in the way.  I didn't have to remove any objects from any image.

TBM at Dover

Too late in life have I discovered the value of History.  For me, its military aviation.  With a special interest in WWII aircraft.  So much innovation in such a short time.  Crappy way for R&D to be conducted but you do what you have to do.  And no computers, slide rules only.  If you don't know what a slide rule is, Google it.

When I go the airshows, I'm always looking at the static and airshow performers.  When I get to see a "new" for me aircraft, there is another purpose to going.

I saw my first TBM at the Reno Air Races.  It didn't move, just a static display.  However, a great start.  My first impression was it was larger than I expected.  I saw it parked with it's wings folded, like it was on a carrier deck.

The TBM entered the inventory as a torpedo-bomber in 1942 and saw it's first action in the Battle of Midway.  In total, just under 10,000 were built by Grumman and under license by General Motors.  The TBM carried a crew of three and a bombload of 2,000 pounds.  It had a range of 1,000 miles and had a ceiling of 30,000 ft.

Oh, those 1940s numbers.

The TBM has some famous history.  G.H.W.Bush '41 was a pilot.  Paul Newman was a rear gunner.  And for infamous history, 5 TBMs were lost in the Bermuda Triangle, known as Flight 19.

Interesting history is everywhere.

When I saw a TBM was scheduled to perform, not static, I was even more happy to get to Dover.  The primary reason was always to see FRED fly, but the TBM is a bonus.

And a bonus it was.  I got to hear the twin-row Wright R-2600-20 Twin Cyclone fourteen-cylinder radial engine fire up, blow smoke and just make the low rumbling, vibrating disturbance in the air. 

And I did see it move.  Just awesome.  Not that I did any time travel to the past, but it was close enough.

TBM on Dover Ramp

NIKON D500 Ver.1.31/Nikkor 24.0-70.0 mm f/2.8

72 mm, 1/500 sec, f/6.3, ISO 100

EV 0, Shutter Priority, Size DX

TBM Inflight at Dover

NIKON D500 Ver.1.31/Nikkor 80.0-400.0 mm f/4.5-5.6

600 mm, 1/250 sec, f/13, ISO 100

EV 0, Shutter Priority, Size DX

TBM Touchdown at Dover

NIKON D500 Ver.1.31/Nikkor 80.0-400.0 mm f/4.5-5.6

405 mm, 1/250 sec, f/11, ISO 100

EV 0, Shutter Priority, Size DX

Shooting at 1/250th is a bit fast for WWII aircraft, but I have a better chance of getting keepers.  And as I don't have any other shots I'll take it.  Next time, 1/100 sec.

Another ol' Warbird off the list.  Next up, a T-33 Shooting Star at the Wild Wednesday Air Show at Willow Run.  On Wednesday.

The Herons of Kensington Metropark

I live under a rock.  Not sure where I picked that up.  Most of the people I grew up with are natural inquisitive explorers.  I balance that out.

There is a metropark that I have passed numerous times in the last 25 years of my life in Michigan.  Last weekend, I finally paid the $10 to spend a few hours exploring.

My photo club has started going there in the past year.  I've never been able to join them on these excursions - but I have heard the tales.  This past weekend was the perfect time to go.

I was hoping to see some bigger birds of prey, but that was not to be.  I did get to see a number of small birds chase a hawk through the trees, followed by a number of photographers.  That lasted for about 15 minutes - and for me at least yielded no useable shots.

The metropark does boast a Heron Rookery on Wildwing Lake.  I've seen photos of rookeries in the southern states, but none close by.  It is a Rock thing.

Heron Family Portrait

NIKON D850 Ver.1.20/NIKKOR 80-400mm f/4.5-5.6

400 mm, 1/1250 sec, f/6.3, ISO 180 (Auto)

EV 0, Manual, Size FX

GBH in the Trees

NIKON D500 Ver.1.31/NIKKOR 200-500mm f/5.6

750 mm, 1/800 sec, f/5.6, ISO 280 (Auto)

EV 0, Aperture Priority, Size DX

GBH Returning Home to the Kids

NIKON D500 Ver.1.31/NIKKOR 200-500mm f/5.6

660 mm, 1/1600 sec, f/5.6, ISO 100

EV 0, Aperture Priority, Size DX

The first shot was taken while I was walking around for my initial survey.  The shot was hand held.  But while I was there, I know I would return with heavier equipment.  In a rare display of forward thinking, I had the D500 combo-ed with the 200-500 lens ready in reserve.  I also now have stored permanently stored in the truck, a monopod with appropriate gimbal.  All came to good use.  In the middle shot, I decreased the shutter speed to 1/800 from my usual 1/1250 speeds.  That doesn't happen often.

Thunderbirds over Dover

You think I would have known this by the time I planned for the Dover Airshow.  With the Charleston Airshow, some of my best shots were from the Friday practice.  Did I learn for Dover?  No*.  With a asterisk.

Travel from Pittsburgh to Dover is 6 to 7 hours - traffic depending.  We took our time getting out of Pittsburgh on Friday morning.  We easily could have left an hour or two earlier.  Vacation life.

We arrived at Dover when the Thunderbirds were about half way through their Friday practice.  And I think they stayed up for a while longer for some extra practice in great flying conditions.

We made our way to the AMC museum for some great end of the runway shots.  And even better, about 30 minutes after we arrived the museum was closing so we had to move.  As it turned out, we found a great location to catch the final landing of the team.  We could get the final banking of the aircraft to line up with the runway.  Can't get that from the stands.

New Vacation policy.  Get there Friday.

Thunderbirds #6 Close High Alpha

NIKON D500 Ver.1.31/Nikkor 80-400mm f/4.5-5.6

292 mm, 1/1250 sec, f/8, ISO 200 (Auto)

EV 0, Shutter Priority, Size DX

Thunderbird 6 Ship

NIKON D500 Ver.1.31/Nikkor 80-400mm f/4.5-5.6

232 mm, 1/1250 sec, f/8, ISO 182 (Auto)

EV 0, Shutter Priority, Size DX

Thunderbird #1 Bank to Approach

NIKON D500 Ver.1.31/Nikkor 80-400mm f/4.5-5.6

600 mm, 1/1250 sec, f/8, ISO 220 (Auto)

EV 0, Shutter Priority, Size DX

Thunderbird #1 Approach

NIKON D500 Ver.1.31/Nikkor 80-400mm f/4.5-5.6

600 mm, 1/1250 sec, f/8, ISO 220 (Auto)

EV 0, Shutter Priority, Size DX

Thunderbird #5 Approach

NIKON D500 Ver.1.31/Nikkor 80-400mm f/4.5-5.6

292 mm, 1/1250 sec, f/8, ISO 220 (Auto)

EV 0, Shutter Priority, Size DX

I've always liked the #5 Lead Solo aircraft.  I noticed a few years ago that the #5 logo was upside - down.  not sure any other demo team can claim that.  I'm fairly certain that is not a typo.

You have to laugh

You have to laugh when this happens.

And if this hasn't happened to you, you aren't trying hard enough.

Ospreys of Port Mahon

Port Mahon, Delaware.  Population 0.

The getaway to Delaware for a long weekend was scheduled to be two days at the Dover Airshow.  Ah, schedules.  Didn't work out that way.  Saturday at the show was so hot that Sunday at the show was not in the cards.  On to the famous Plan B.

The core of Plan B was was coastal travel and sightseeing.

Late in the afternoon, we hit Port Mahon, population 0.  There were no habitable buildings there, so I'm guess no zip code either?

Apparently Port Mahon was a port for Little Creek and Lepsic.  OK, I guess coastal villages need a port.  Works for me.

Maybe I was expecting too much.  When you see a sign that says Port Mahon to the right - you think Ice Cream in 15 minutes, right?  Population 0.

But with any combination of land, water and some activity involving fishing - the birds are everywhere.  In the case of Port Mahon, the birds seem to be Gulls, Cormorants and Ospreys.

Sounds like fun.

I had the D850 and the 80-400 combo as the primary equipment for the day.  

I was all in on Osprey watching.

Osprey in the Nest

NIKON D850 Ver.1.20/Nikkor 80-400mm f/4.5-5.6

400 mm, 1/1250 sec, f/5.6, ISO 125 (Auto)

EV 0, Shutter Priority, Size FX

Osprey and Gull

NIKON D850 Ver.1.20/Nikkor 80-400mm f/4.5-5.6

400 mm, 1/1250 sec, f/5.6, ISO 140 (Auto)

EV 0, Shutter Priority, Size FX

Osprey Flying Away with Dinner

NIKON D850 Ver.1.20/Nikkor 80-400mm f/4.5-5.6

400 mm, 1/1250 sec, f/5.6, ISO 140 (Auto)

EV 0, Shutter Priority, Size FX

Osprey with Lunch

NIKON D850 Ver.1.20/Nikkor 80-400mm f/4.5-5.6

400 mm, 1/1250 sec, f/5.6, ISO 200 (Auto)

EV 0, Shutter Priority, Size FX

I follow some very good photographers of Ospreys - and these won't crowd their space.  But you have to start somewhere.  For me, the primary point is the eye.  The rest is window dressing.  If we had more time to watch, maybe the dive and food retrieval.  But next time I get to Dover, this is on the agenda.  Agenda 1, Population 0.

C5M - Super Galaxy

There were two reasons to go to Dover for the Air Show this year.  Both were personal reasons.  And one I can talk about on the Blog.  That one reason was to see FRED fly.

FRED was my office from 1983 to 1992.  Best time ever.  My office location always changed.

The current version is the M model, Super Galaxy.  When I was crewing, it was just a regular Galaxy.  The A and B models.

I have over 3600 hours with FRED in various categories as a Flight Engineer.  I saw a lot of the world.  Thanks tax payers!

When I departed Dover for the final time in 1992 as a civilian, I was never sure if I'd see FRED fly again.

Took care of that concern a few days ago.

Even though the show flight was about 20 minutes long, there was still a taxi, takeoff and landing.  The A and B models had a specific noise when the engines were advanced to take off power.  That noise is no longer there, due to engine upgrading from GE's TF-39s to GE's F138-GE-100s.  The distinctive high pitched whine is now gone.  Thankfully, it lives on in YouTube land.  Yet, I still enjoyed the show.

I did a number of air shows back in the day.  FRED was always a big hit.  First in, and last out.  Always a static display.  Air shows were fun assignments.  Lots of great questions from technical numbers to aircrew life.

The aircraft is so large there were times during the demo it did not fit the frame.

C5M Low Pass

NIKON D500 Ver.1.31/Nikkor 80-400mm f/4.5-5.6

247 mm, 1/1250 sec, f/5.6, ISO 100

EV 0, Shutter Priority, Size DX

C5M Left Bank

NIKON D500 Ver.1.31/Nikkor 80-400mm f/4.5-5.6

330 mm, 1/1250 sec, f/5.6, ISO 100

EV 0, Shutter Priority, Size DX

C5M (Distant) Approach

NIKON D500 Ver.1.31/Nikkor 80-400mm f/4.5-5.6

600 mm, 1/1250 sec, f/5.6, ISO 110 (Auto)

EV 0, Shutter Priority, Size DX

C5M Approach

NIKON D500 Ver.1.31/Nikkor 80-400mm f/4.5-5.6

142 mm, 1/1250 sec, f/5.6, ISO 100

EV 0, Shutter Priority, Size DX

C5M Touchdown at Dover

NIKON D500 Ver.1.31/Nikkor 80-400mm f/4.5-5.6

127 mm, 1/1250 sec, f/5.0, ISO 100

EV 0, Shutter Priority, Size DX

With the last two photos, the mm of the shot is close to the minimum mm would be 120.  Neither shot is cropped.  Another interesting photo note is the difference in the color of the sky.  The in flight shots and the close shots all have a nice blue to the sky.  On the distant approach, the sky is very hazy.  Lots of water vapor.  It is as close to in focus as I can get.  And the sky doesn't look the same - at all.  Interesting.