Warbird Information Exchange

Does anyone know if ATSI (Advanced training Systems Inc - the guys who fly A-4s for training) is still around? I tried emailing the website and got a returned mail failure notice. The number on the web just rings and rings . . . .

Thanks,

Tom P.

Tom, I think they are on veerrryyy thin ice,...if they haven't already fallen through.

Thanks - no offense Rick but they are closer to me than you are and I was thinking that maybe a static display A-4 would be cool at our show.

An aside - if they fallthrough, what happens to all those scooters??

Tom P.

No offense taken, Tom. But I don't believe that they can make airshow appearances, they fly on a pretty restricted ticket. They are set up for R&D or as public use aircraft flying under a govt. contract.

We however are set up to do exactly what you need. Experimental Exhibition ! Besides, why in the world would you want to have an A-4 static when you get an honest to goodness FLYING A-4 DEMO !

Just a guess,

$$$$$$$$$$$

Mike,

Its all good - I'd love to get Rick and the Scooter out West, its just getting a few other shows to host them so we can all enjoy a reduced cost!

No thoughts on the status of ATSI's planes though? They are already here, I understand there are a few in restoration to fly (besides Collings') they should be able to sell them!! my .02

Tom P.

Have you considered giving ATAC a call?

http://www.atacusa.com/index.html

Would make some great displays for your show. They are just south of you in Newport News, VA.





Shay
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Semper Fortis

Shay - I thought of that - would LOVE to see thier Kfirs or Draken. Alas, Wendover is on the Utah/Nevada border. Unless I could get several shows to "join up" the fuel costs would be prohibitive

Tom P.

Oops sorry, for some reason I was thinking New Jersey. I hope it works out for you.

Shay
____________
Semper Fortis

A buddy of mine in the "red air" gov't contracting business says that ATSI is selling all its aircraft and spares. The US Navy bought 50+ F-5s from Switzerland to reconstitute its red air capability vis a vis the USN Reserve. The ANG has a couple red air dedicated unit as well. The active USAF also reconstituted red-air dedicated jets at Nellis AFB to include F-15s--so the USN and USAF are set, leaving ATSI without two of it's biggest revenue customers. Lastly, fighter lead-in training for international pilots is being picked up by the ANG at Tucson AZ. Anyway, this is second hand, not confirmed but he's been a reliable source of info in the past.

The USAF is still putting all internationals through the active IFF units at Moody, and this next spring when the IFF units disperse to the SUPT bases internationals will still go through lead-in with the active duty AF T-38s.

There was an effort to create a company in Tejas flying ex-Norwegian F-5s to contract the lead-in buisness for internationals...but that bid has not taken place yet.

ATSI was supplying jets to Cold Lake to provide threats in Canada. Their other main contract was with a State Dept sponsored contract to train UAE pilots.

Thanks for the info Rick! A company called Top Aces is doing the red air at Cold Lake with Alpha jets as part of the Canadian CATS (contracted airborne training services) program where the T-33s used to fly as targets, EW ships and Delmar target towers. It is possible others may be augmenting Top Aces. This aforementioned buddy of mine is a civilian contract EWO consultant to Top Aces.

And thanks Randy, I was hoping you'd confirm some of this info as well...