Air Fest 09

[98 softtail]

The winds were gusting at 40mph, the sky was clear with only a few balls of cotton fluff floating by and the sun was cooking SPF 30 like oil dripping from an Italian sausage sandwich, with mushrooms, peppers and onions, and provolone cheese.

The line to get through security was slow but I was glad to see no one was profiled, except me.

Just as in an airport security line, I removed the contents of my pockets, opened up the camera bag, removed my hat and sunglasses as we approached the security table. I raised my shirt to show the security agent my belt, which had a metal buckle, and asked if I should remove it? "Negative" he replied and escorted me off to the side where I was given the high-tec wand treatment. This was not your everyday metal detector wand, as I was told by the soldier slowly snaking the wand around my head and arms, then around my chest and torso, then slowly up and down my legs, inside and out. And I must admit, if I wasn't a married man I would have asked her for her phone number.

I am not sure what the hi-tech wand was measuring but apparently I passed, and the metal tent pole they had me standing a foot away from was the culprit.

If I had a gripe about that, I would suggest placing personnel at security checkpoints that are at least old enough to buy a beer.

But forget about that... we had a great time.

The Sound of Freedom was blasting through my body from the supersonic roar of the F-18's to the high pitched whine of the R/C 'copters.

The wind gave the pilots a full test of their abilities. During the day I watched the wind rip at the hundreds of American flags tied to every tent pole and tower line. Not a single flag ripped and every single aircraft performed an excellent show. Congrats the the pilots.

The entire day moved smoothly and without a hitch. Plenty of Porta-Potties, plenty of food, and the usual vendors scalping the parents for the kid toys. I swear this is true...

I watched the guys at the "Airshow Toys" tent open up boxes of the same toys that we see at Wal-Mart, that have 3 or 4 planes in the box, and sell the individual toys for $10 or $20 EACH !!! Holy Crap... Now I know where all the bank exec's retired to.

My 9yr old took all these pics...

[Shadow]

Daughter and her Naval reserve b-friend went saturday morning. The wife and I were in S. Tampa picking up some chairs so decided to stop by for about an hour.

Great show from any vantage point

We didn't brave the crowds, parking or security and decided to watch from the reception area parking lot

Beautiful day but the wind.....would not have wanted to be in thier shoes...uh...seats

There was a formation of a (I'll try to get this right), P51 Mustang, F?? jet and a Warthog, all tight and slow. With the wind and the speed I figured the 'stang was near full throttle (he was rear/center) trying to keep up, the jet was probably throttled back and working like hell not to stall, and the 'Hog pilot was having a smoke and listening to Buffett....tank busters! low and slow....what they do best

[THOR]

Hey that looked like fun. We need to check that out next year. Maybe a corvette corral if enough folks interested.

[Spinedoc]

Looks like it was great. I miss the Ft. Lauderdale Air & Sea Show. I've gone every year. Good news is that it should be back next year...

[98 softtail]

A few more pics...