Warbird Information Exchange

That's a little harsh isn't it? I mean, sure if a bomb hits the dirt, or a building it's going to send dirt and shrapnel flying. On the other hand... if it hits something like the USS Arizona, or Ploesti, or a munitions dump, it could be pretty spectacular. So I think it's fair for the guys to err on what pleases the airshow hosts (and the crowd they serve). I know that the pyro guys, for the most part DO know how to make things look more realistic. A bunch of them have participated in events like the Iwo Jima reenactment I attended in Fredericksburg back in 2005 and had much more realistic effects with sand and mulch on top of charges. I don't think that would be appreciated at an airshow because of the FOD possibilities.

Ryan

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Aerial Photographer with Red Wing Aerial Photography currently based at KRBD and tailwheel CFI.
Websites: Texas Tailwheel Flight Training, DoolittleRaid.com and Lbirds.com.

The horse is prepared against the day of battle: but safety is of the LORD. - Prov. 21:31 - Train, Practice, Trust.

And if it brings the crowds where's the problem ?
It's an airshow not meant to be real life .

I have said this before and will say it again- it is great that the folks on this board appreciate the planes for the planes, but the unfortunate fact is that if we are to keep them flying inot the future airshows must be run as a business. With so much money and RISK at stake in putting on a show you need to do what ever you can to get folks in the gate. If money is lost on the event they won't put on another show "next year" and then there will be a huge loss in the financing that keeps the planes in the air

I agree and I think from a personal point of view the pyro is uselss. Too many times I have been unable to watch an otherwise great fly by because of the smoke from a grass fire in my eyes.

HOWEVER - as someone who has been involved with putting on a show I know that Pyro gets folks in the gate and in the end makes them come back for the next show, which in the end means that the planes get to keep flying into the future.

Also to the comment of money- the warbird owner operatores usually don't pay for the pyro- that comes from the organizer of the event. Knowing how these folks work they wouldn't do it if it didn't generate more revenue than it takes to produce.

Steve S

Airshows are a business that provides ENTERTAINMENT!!! They are competing with sporting events, Disney World-type places, tourist traps, etc. for people's hard earned money. Pyro is just a part of the entertainment that draws some of the people in. The more people that attend, whether they be aviation nuts or just somebody looking for something to do on an afternoon, the more money is made. The more money that is made, the better off the performers are. The better off the performers are, the more likely they will continue flying their aircraft and us aviation nuts will get to see them perform in the future.

I personally have no problem at all with pyro, as long as it's professionally done. As has been pointed out in other posts, pyro can provide a "Wow" factor that people will remember. They might not remember all the planes they saw at a particular show, but sure as s*&t they will remember the big explosion and heat wave. If that is what it takes to make them come back and spend their money again, then so be it.

Just my $0.02...

Zack

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Curator - EAA Aviation Museum, Oshkosh, WI
"Let No Story Go Untold!"
http://www.timelessvoices.org

Just realized I basically restated everything Steve wrote in the post prior without having read his post. Sorry 'bout that

Zack

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Curator - EAA Aviation Museum, Oshkosh, WI
"Let No Story Go Untold!"
http://www.timelessvoices.org

NO worries Zach- glad to see I am not the only that feels that way.

If it would get FIFI some new engines or TEXAS RAIDERS repainted I'd say...
LET'S GO FOR THREE MILES AT MIDLAND AIRSHO!!!

Have a great week everybody.

I am off for Spring Break from the funny farm for the next few days.

Going to get some tail dragger flying time in and some quality B17 time and see some friends from TORA at West Houston Squadron's Hangar Dance.

Stay Safe,

SPANNER

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Support Your Local Warbirds! KBO!
The only reasons the airplanes matter is what the veterans did with them... and why.

NOOOOOOOOOOOOOOO unless you are planning on helping out three miles is much toooooooo long! The wall we did two years ago was long enough for my liking. The walls of fire take more time and effort to set up than almost the rest of the show combined.

Just kidding, if we had the funding, time, and help, I would love to be a part of it!

But then again, airplanes in the air quicker.......

Chris
CAF Blastards/EOD

I would love to get involved with the EOD, it brings a historic value to the show. Even though it would be hot but just being so close to warbirds flying over would be cool.

flyingsailor said NOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOO......

My thought exactly, but not about the 3 mile WOF, but to painting Raiders. It has that "been there, done that" look to it.
Chunks