The Tuskegee Airmen And Their 'Red Tails' In Theaters Today (With Video)

The Tuskegee Airmen movie 'Red Tails' opens in theaters today January 20, 2012

 With the release of the movie Red Tails finally here, you may have noticed that I haven't said anything about the film since many of us first heard about it back at Oshkosh in July. I've got a range of thoughts on this project, but the bottom line is I hope we'll all go see it as a way of paying tribute to the Tuskegee Airmen, and to George Lucas for making the film. I know I'm planning to see it this weekend.

 I think the real story of the Tuskegee Airmen is amazing... that these black men, who were experiencing a significant amount of racial discrimination in America, were determined to push thru that to fight for the nation. It's a truly remarkable story. Being willing to put their lives on the line for a nation that still didn't treat them anywhere near an equal. Most of us can't really even imagine being in such a situation.

 But I sensed from the first movie trailer that I saw that this project wasn't going to provide us the kind of epic movie experience that these courageous men deserve. And of course I can't really say for sure since I haven't actually seen the film, but even George Lucas has said that he wanted the movie to be inspirational to teenage boys, so you can see why the movie leans far more toward Star Wars than it does toward an accurate and gritty portrayal of men fighting both the enemy, and the prejudice of their own country.

 Personally, I believe there is only one human race. We are all the same, right down to our very core. God really did create us equal. So to me, the idea that someone would discriminate against another based on the color of their skin seems to border on insane. But obviously, humans have a long history with this form of insanity.

 Ultimately, I'm impressed with George Lucas for making this movie, even if I don't think it does all that it should. He has made it clear that the movie studios had no interest in getting behind the project, and he has personally financed it to bring it to us. Even after it was made and he hoped they would invest in promoting the film, he still had to go it alone. So it's with the incredible history of the real Tuskegee Airmen, and the courage and investment of George Lucas to bring this story (at least in some form) to the masses that I hope we will all go see the movie as a very small way of saying: Thank You.

UPDATE - 1-23-12:  I did get to see the movie on Sunday and I was pleased to see that it was actually pretty well done. I had my expectations set low, as it was pretty obvious from the trailers that it wasn't attempting to be epic in any form. However, they could have really messed it all up (Hollywood usually does) but I found it to be an acceptable attempt to tell the unique and fascinating story of the Tuskegee Airmen. With a nearly $20 million take at the opening weekend box office, Red Tails is on course to succeed... I hope you get out and support the film!

Video Proof: Chickens CAN Fly! (Awesome Italian Homebuilt)

 I've got a couple suggestions for you when watching this first-flight video of a fascinating homebuilt that appears to be from Italy. First, turn down the volume - the music gets old really fast. Second, after watching the takeoff, feel free to jump ahead to about the 4:00 mark to watch the perfect landing, unless you like watching small aircraft fly around way off in the distance. And third, feel free to be impressed by how well this oversized chicken flies!

 It's mostly the paint and the high thrust line that makes this aircraft unique, but I really like the unusual panoramic windshield that wraps around the whole front of the fuselage. It's comic book 1930's retro made real, and I love it. Actually, I kinda love the whole chicken theme! You can see a coop full of pix over at this facebook page and I'm pretty sure more info will surface soon on this wild flying chicken : )

See more pix of the amazing flying chicken over at this facebook page

Caption Contest #67 - Ends Wednesday 1.18.12 At 9PM EST

 It's a whole new year but it's the same old Caption Contest - but based on how it's been going, I think that's a good thing! And you probably already know that the winner gets a bacon sandwich at Oshkosh 2012 so you should be properly motivated. (be advised: tho Oshkosh is in July, it'll be here before you know it!)

 So anyway, you've got til Wednesday evening at 9pm EST to submit your clever/funny/cool captions. Then, I’ll pick the best 5 and put ’em in a poll for everyone to vote on for all day Thursday and Friday so we can find the winner. 

 The Rules: 

1) Max of 3 submissions per person

2) Submissions go in the 'comments' area 

3) Game ends Wednesday at 9pm EST 

4) Keep it clean!

 Then, anyone can cast their vote starting Thursday morning and running thru til 9pm EST Friday. The winner will be posted Saturday morning 1-21-12.

 Raise your hand for harmless avgeek humor : )

Video: Avspecs Ltd Rolls The de Havilland Mosquito Into The Sun

 
 This under-2minute video shows a time lapse of the crew at Avspecs Ltd in Auckland New Zealand putting the wheels on their stunning de havilland Mosquito restoration and rolling it into the sunshine. If you don't know about Avspecs, you really should... I admit I'm just beginning to learn about them myself. I saw their stellar P-40 restoration at the 2011 National Aviation Heritage Invitation (NAHI) at Reno Stead during the Reno Air Races where it won 1st place in the Warbird Category. Honestly, that P-40 looked almost supernatural - it was truly stunning. (learn more about the P-40 here)

 I'd have every reason to think that this Mosquito will have a similar aura about it, especially since the de Havilland Mosquito is on my top ten list of most important aircraft ever built. From its advanced lightweight plywood used in the primary structure; the passionate beauty of its design; the phenomenal performance and versatility; and its critical role in World War II - these are just some of what made the Mosquito such an important aircraft.

 My understanding is that there aren't any airworthy Mosquitoes today, but this one isn't the only project in the works. I'm researching the details on the other projects and hope to post later on the status of putting one of Britain greatest accomplishments back into the sky! 

(click to enlarge)  Follow the Avspecs Ltd Mosquito progress at their facebook page

Video: Go Flying With Steve Hinton In The F-86 Sabre (Oh Yeah!)

 
 This video requires 10 minutes of your time, but it's well worth it. After all, it's probably the only F-86 Sabre flying you'll get to do today : )

Steve Hinton performs in the F-86F at the 2011 Thermal Air Show. USAF Heritage flight segment is flown by Captain Garrett "Mace" Dover, USAF F-16 Viper West Demonstration Team.

 From the POFmuseum youtube account - planesoffame.org

AirPigz Gets A Pic Into The January 2012 Air & Space Magazine!

(click for hi-res)  My picture of Kent Pietsch from the January 2012 Air & Space Magazine

 I had two great opportunities with the pic above... first was the awesome opportunity to be able to capture it at the 2010 Indy Air Show, and second was when Air & Space Magazine contacted me asking if they could print it in an upcoming article. And now it's out in their January 2012 issue in the story: A Pearl Harbor Mystery - How a 1940s Interstate Cadet trainer sent a famous airshow pilot on a journey to find a kindred spirit - the link takes you to the online version of the story. It's an interesting article that connects a small side story from the December 7, 1941 attack on Pearl Harbor with Kent Pietsch and his Jelly Belly Interstate Cadet.

Young flight instructor Cornelia Fort from the Air & Space article: A Pearl Harbor Mystery

 
 The article is mostly about Cornelia Fort, Interstate Cadets, and Kent's journey collecting several Cadets and associated parts. But you can't talk about Kent Pietsch without having at least one great image of him having fun at one of his airshows. That's where my picture comes in! You can see my pic at Air & Space by clicking the view more photos link on the top right of the Cornelia Fort picture in the article (same as the pic above), or by simply clicking on that picture in the article - both take you to the image gallery.

 If you want to know more about how I got the picture, and to see it in a hi-res version, click CoolPix - Airshow: Kent Pietsch 'Jelly Belly' Motorhome Landing! (3 Pix). You might also enjoy my podcast interview with Kent leading up to the 2010 Indy Air Show: AirPigz Podcast #12: Kent Pietsch Akro And The Indy Air Show! 

 And thanx Air & Space Magazine for including my picture in a very interesting article!

Image Backstory: The 2009 Air & Space Rare Bear Cover!

Click the pic for TVR Photography's awesome Air & Space photoshoot backstory

 Tyson V. Rininger had the awesome opportunity to shoot the images for the 2009 cover story of Rare Bear for Air & Space Magazine, and he recently put up a post on his photography website with a great backstory on the project: How’d you get that shot – Rare Bear.

 It's a great story about great photography of a great airplane... definitely a must-see! You can also check out the TVRphoto Rare Bear gallery with more images of the Bear from the photoshoot. Tyson's post is also a great lead-in to my post coming tomorrow about another Air & Space Magazine image, one that I captured! Stay tuned : )

Awesome Rare Bear image from Tyson V. Rininger at TVRPhotgraphy

BTW, I've also got a not-too-shabby 2009 image of Rare Bear!

Must See Video: Paragliding + An Amazing Hawk = ParaHawking!

 
 Paragliding is already one of the most amazing ways to fly, but combining it with a real live hawk trained to fly formation and even land on an outstretched arm is pure flying perfection... and this awesome video from about a year ago lets you and me experience that perfection in a very stunning way. Wow!

 And I recommend you pay attention the the wings of the hawk as it approaches that outstretched arm. This is variable geometry wings at their very best! It's further evidence of my belief that we'll never be able to build flying machines as impressive as those made by the Creator : )

 
Video screenshot of the hawk landing on the trainers hand!  Amazing stuff!

RARA Announces Reno Air Races Return In 2012 (September 12-16)

(7 pix from Reno 2011 - click to enlarge)

 On Wednesday January 4, 2012, President & CEO of the Reno Air Racing Association (RARA) Mike Houghton brought forth a statement about the future of the National Championship Air Races... the message was delivered with great compassion for the families and individuals directly affected by the Friday September 16, 2011 Galloping Ghost race tragedy, it was full of thankfulness and appreciation for the tremendous response from those who stepped forward to help during and after the tragic event, and it expressed great hope for the future with the intentions of moving forward toward the 49th annual Reno Air Races on September 12-16, 2012 at the Reno‐Stead Airfield.

 Many hurdles yet remain as there are various permits that must still be secured for the races to occur, including permits that would allow the Pylon Racing Seminar (PRS) to take place in June. The PRS is an essential component that ensures that rookie pilots are qualified and safe to be on the race course. RARA has a great record of making the safety of both the pilots and the fans the highest priority, and the press conference included the announcement of a new Blue Ribbon Review Panel. Mike Houghton said "We have created a Blue Ribbon Review Panel, comprised of some of the foremost aviation and safety experts in the country, to examine any possible changes or adjustments that could be made to enhance the already high level of safety established by the FAA and existing RARA procedures."

 RARA also faces a large financial challenge going forward. The loss of revenue from the cancellation of the Saturday and Sunday events at the 2011 race was significant, but there is a lot of passion among race fans and sponsors for what the Reno Air Races represent - a great celebration of the human spirit. It is believed that the not-for-profit RARA can overcome these financial challenges. Mike Hougton said "Our fan support has been overwhelming. During our refund period of mid‐October to early December, refunds were requested on less than 20 percent of the tickets sold for Saturday and Sunday. For a not‐for‐profit event that relies on ticket sales and sponsorships to succeed on an annual basis, this is a substantial number, to be sure, but definitely not one that cannot be overcome."

 Concerning the permit and logistical hurdles yet to clear and what will happen if everything isn't able to come together, Mike Houghton said "In the event we are not able to successfully navigate all of the challenges discussed previously, we will hold a final one of a kind air show and memorial, only for this year. Many of the victims, their families, air race teams and fans have told us they are coming to Reno this September no matter what!"

 For many race fans, myself included, the announcement by RARA to move forward with the races in 2012 is a great sign of the strength of the human spirit to move forward during times of tragedy. And while the new Blue Ribbon Review Panel is a great step to furthering the safety of the races, it is my personal estimation that no amount of planning or protection could have prevented the highly unusual circumstances that led to the Galloping Ghost tragedy. There are risks in being alive, and the greatest thing we can do is to acknowledge those risks and do the best we can at being prepared for what may come... and the rest is up to God. 

Reno Air Races - September 12-16, 2012 at the Reno‐Stead Airfield

 

Google May Come To The Rescue Of Historic 'Hangar One'

(click pic to enlarge)  Hangar One at Moffett Field in 2008 (photo: Telstar Logistics)

 I'm a little late to the party with this info, but as they say; better late than never. Which also happens to apply to this unique situation with the historic Hangar One at Moffett Field near San Jose, California... just when the future for this amazing structure looked really bleak, and while work continued removing the building's outer skin, Google has stepped up to the plate to offer an encouraging solution. Ok, actually it's the principal players at Google; Larry Page, Sergey Brin and Eric Schmidt who offered up a plan in September (tho not made public til mid-December) where their H211 company would put forth $33 million to restore the building in exchange for being able to use up to 2/3 of the floor space to park their fleet of aircraft, which include a 767, 757 some G-V's and a recently added Alpha Jet.

(click pic to enlarge) 1,133' long by 308' wide - 8 acres under roof! (photo: Telstar Logistics)

 You can find more info on the situation in this article from the San Jose Mercury News, including some pix of the hangar with the skin coming off. There seems to be a fair amount of politics involved in all the goings on at Moffett these days, but I think that a deal with H211 to save Hangar One from being totally dismantled is a good way to go. In this modern age of a lack of government funds to pay for the things we've often taken for granted, some private support seems like just the ticket. And, as an Android fanboy, I'm just really happy it isn't an Apple related solution : )

(click pic to enlarge) The boggling structure of Hangar One (photo: Telstar Logistics)

 Hangar One was built in the 1930's and once housed the USS Macon, the 784 foot long US Navy airship built by the Goodyear-Zeppelin company. Moffett Field is also home to the awesome Farmers Insurance Zeppelin NT airship.