Stage II

Blaze · Post by **Blaze** » Fri Apr 10, 2009 11:33 am

Too bad the new team has lost sight of its mission.

1991

2008

Not the same!

Post by **Lawndart** » Fri Apr 10, 2009 12:11 pm

Not just the team itself, but the generals. Back when everyone on the team was a highly experienced Captain no one voiced concern or thought any of it about wing overlaps, but now with low time Majors in comparison, suddenly it seems the safety is questioned.

FALCON56 · Post by **FALCON56** » Fri Apr 10, 2009 12:55 pm

Blaze,

That top picture you have, are you sure that's from '91? If I remember correctly the Birds transition to the C-models in '93, by the looks of the picture the top one looks like they are all C model F-16s. I might be wrong, please correct me if I am...

AJ

Post by **Lawndart** » Fri Apr 10, 2009 10:22 pm

The Thunderbirds transitioned to the Lockheed Martin F-16C's in 1992 (right in between the years you guys mentioned), and have been flying them ever since.

By the way, the team flew incredibly tight formations late 90's into the early 2000's, you don't have to go back more than 8-9 years to really see a big difference (as well as how the team is being run by the powers that be).

Around the late 90's, early 2000's, the Pass in Review:

...and another:

...and one where #4 gets a little too excited!

Atlas · Post by **Atlas** » Fri Apr 10, 2009 11:49 pm

Looks like number four was saying hello. Also strange to see the family model on the wing instead of slot.

Post by **Panther** » Sat Apr 11, 2009 12:04 am

Atlas wrote:Looks like number four was saying hello. Also strange to see the family model on the wing instead of slot.

I saw it a few weeks ago in 3 as well.

Metro · Post by **Metro** » Sat Apr 11, 2009 12:17 am

It was General Dynamics prior to 1995 right?

Just foolin with you Lawndart. Remember, I flew the "Boeing" DC-9 for years. Can't get away from the original maker Douglas, McDonald Douglas, now Boeing. Confusing!

Like everything else. More restrictions. Man, I could tell you some stories when I first got in the Navy compared to how they fly now! Remember when you took out that Cessna for you first solo flight.

FUN!

Atlas · Post by **Atlas** » Sat Apr 11, 2009 11:14 pm

Panther wrote:
Atlas wrote:Looks like number four was saying hello. Also strange to see the family model on the wing instead of slot.
I saw it a few weeks ago in 3 as well.

Interesting, when they were at Luke 4 flew it on the Saturday show. Not sure about the Sunday show. (A little help Gunner or Convertible?) But I know I have always heard 4 flies it to give the Diamond a better look in flight. Any reason as to why 3 would be flying it instead of 4?

Post by **Lawndart** » Sat Apr 11, 2009 11:23 pm

Not enough (C-model) spares for a late squawk (after engine starts) possibly. Also, practice days or during practice at home I'd imagine you'd be more likely to see a D-model in other positions than Slot compared to show days.