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On Sep 3, 2004, at 7:20 PM, Marvin Kaye wrote:
Posted for "larry zeliadt" <lzeliadt@earthlink.net>:
Have any of you fellows ever flown formation ?
Hi Larry, that's what clinics are about. Those that either a) have not and would like to, or b) have without proper training (very dangerous!) are what clinics are for. Just because you have not done it, does not mean you cannot be properly trained to enjoy this type of flying safely. You don't have to be the ace of the base to be a competent wingman, just a little hand eye coordination and a lot of discipline. Guys with less than 100TT are flying formation safely in the services (and out)...there's really no magic to it.
I'm sure I'm not the top guy on the totem pole around here - in fact, I'm sure I'm far from it - but for a civilian I have a fair amount of experience flying formation (300+ hrs.) and organize the largest event in my "other" community called All Red Star (www.allredstar.com - it's still set up for last years event, but you'll get the idea). Some may have seen it featured Monday on the History Channel's "Tactical to Practical." 60+ airplanes come in for 5 days of airshow training centered around FAST (Formation And Safety Training). We also teach the next level of formation called "Tactical Formation" and simulated air combat (ACM). Most of our IP's are ex-military, many with "in theater" if not combat experience. It's one of the great things (for me, anyway) about flying these warbirds - the fact that you get the opportunity to meet guys who have actually been there and hung it all out on the line so we could do things like fly cool airplanes here at home.
I didn't intend to give you a bio or resume, but I figure I should let those out there with some trepidation with either the concept or me have a clue as to where I come from on this. Again, I don't need to be the leader of the pack, my responsibilities with the Red Star Pilots Association, the ARS event, and two other advanced tactical clinics that I run keep me plenty busy. I'm just trying to get the pulse of a community that I am new to and see if there is an interest. I love to fly, I love to share my flying with others, and I love the satisfaction of doing something positive for any community I'm involved with.
But at the end of the day, it's the people. I have met more of my closest friends through flying than any other part of my life. I look forward to getting to know you folks a whole lot better, and if there's anything I can do to help with running and organizing events, I'll do my best to be there.
Cheers,
Barry
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