I first want to say how truly impressive your displays are. I've seen countless TB shows in real life all over the country and you guys put on a virtual show that is every bit as exciting, tightly choreographed, and brilliantly executed! I have especially enjoyed you "Smoke On" video, as well as your VFAT performances! BRAVO! You guys rock!
I do have a couple of questions I'm hoping someone will be kind enough to enlighten me on... and please forgive me if some of them are painfully "noobish" questions. I'm trying to put some spit 'n polish on my formation flying skills (in the sim, of course... but I am a private pilot and plane-owner in real life) in hopes that I might hone my skills to a point where I can tryout for the team without completely embarassing myself!
I'll also readily admit that I tried searching the forums for the answers, but was overwhelmed by the sheer volume of returns I got from my keyword query!
![Shocked :shock:](./images/smilies/icon_eek.gif)
![Wink :wink:](./images/smilies/icon_e_wink.gif)
Anyway, here goes...
After listening to the show recordings and watching the "Reach for the Sky" DVD, I was wondering if you could tell me what the Boss means -just before they start a climbing maneuver - when he says "Riiiiiggghhhttt onnnn innnn toooo fourrrr.... there's four!" I am assuming that they are starting the climb somewhat shallow at 450kt CAS and bleeding off speed until 400kt and then starting the pull into the loop? Is that correct?
Is 450kt the usual starting speed for those types of maneuvers?
Also, what is the typical starting altitude that the diamond begins most of the manuevers?
Lastly, I know that nowadays with the newer Block 52 models, the show opens with the diamond loop takeoff, however I was wondering about the take-offs in the pre-Block 52 days... What was the intial climb altitude after takeoff and in the circling turn just before the clover loop?
That's all I'll throw at you for the time being. I don't want to wear out my welcome in my first post!
![Smile :)](./images/smilies/icon_e_smile.gif)
Any enlightenment from the the experts would be sincerely and gratefully appreciated!
Thanks in advance!
Greg G.