Long Island Aviation

An Unofficial Site based on Official Information

2008 Jones Beach Air Show

Memorial Day Weekend
Saturday, May 24th and Sunday, May 25th
10:00am to 3:00pm
Wantagh, NY


Why I'm Here

Welcome to your one-stop place for all information regarding all aircraft and air show activities on Long Island. If you have any questions or know of other information about any events, please drop me a line at...

admin@longislandaviation.info

Current Weather

Update 5/10

Small change to the show lineup: The heritage flight with the F-22 will be performed with a P-47, not a P-51 as originally scheduled.

Update 5/3

Here's a few updates about some goings-on at Republic:

Four Navy T-34C Trainers stopped by the other day, though I am not sure if they have departed yet. There is also a US Coast Guard HH-65 Dolphin sitting nearby on the Sheltair ramp, which suffered a bird strike. The damage was minor, but still requires repair before it can leave.

Many of you may remember Felix 101, the F-14 that landed at Republic about a year and a half ago. Around midnight on Monday and into Tuesday morning, she will begin her trip via truck to her final resting place atop a post outside of Northrup Grumman's Bethpage headquarters. If you don't mind the late hours, it might be an interesting sight to see. I do not know the exact route it will take, but I can't imagine that it will be moving very fast, so it shouldn't be that hard to keep tabs on it.

Update 4/28

For everybody who will be in the NYC area Tuesday afternoon (tomorrow the 29th)...


THE FAA HAS NOTIFIED THE CITY OF NEW YORK THAT TWO (2) MILITARY F-16 FIGHTER AIRCRAFT WILL BE PERFORMING A FLY-BY OVER MANHATTAN ON TUESDAY, APRIL 29TH, 2008 BETWEEN 1:30 PM & 1:45 PM.

THE AIRCRAFT, FLYING AT 5500 FEET AND 250 KNOTS, WILL TRAVEL UP THE HUDSON RIVER, TURNING AROUND IN THE VICINITY OF THE GEORGE WASHINGTON BRIDGE PRIOR TO HEADING SOUTH ALONG THE HUDSON RIVER AGAIN, BEFORE EXITING THE AREA.

THIS FLY-BY IS A MEDIA EVENT FOR NORAD CELEBRATING THE ONE MILLIONTH SORTIE IN SUPPORT OF THE GLOBAL WAR ON TERRORISM.

IF THIS MISSION CANCELS DUE TO WEATHER, THE RAIN DATE WILL BE ON THURSDAY, MAY 1ST AT THE SAME TIMES.

Sponsors

Update 4/24

Unfortunately, not all of us are able to spend the entire weekend roaming around Long Island to watch cool airplanes. Don't you wish there was a way for you to check in on the action from your home or office? Or maybe you want to listen in to all of the airport radio action, but don't have the extra cash for a scanner. What's an aviation fan to do?

That's where W2LIE.net comes in. They provide live-streaming scanner feeds, and each year they provide a special feed dedicated to air show activities. All you need to do is visit their home page, go through a short and free registration process, then you are ready to browse the Long Island airwaves through the versatility of the internet. The air show feed will start in time for the practice sessions (currently unscheduled, but most likely on Thursday or Friday), and run through Monday.

Update 4/9

Adding another Jones Beach veteran performer to the list...

Matt Chapman

We are still waiting for Mike Mancuso's final schedule to come out. Last year, Mike and Matt did an excellent formation routine, and it would be quite a thrill to see them in the air together again.

Update 4/8

Hello Folks,

I'm attempting to update this website a bit, and expand my presence on the internets. For starters, I've created a new domain,

LongIslandAviation.info

Currently, it just redirects to this page, but the address is much easier to memorize than the real thing. So if you're trying to tell your good chums about this amazing website/blog that tells you everything you need to know about the Jones Beach Air Show and beyond, you can simply give them that address instead of fumbling around with the original one. I have also updated my email to

admin@longislandaviation.info

so please update your address books and use this from now on.

Update 3/23

Earlier, I mentioned that Sean Tucker would be returning to the beach this year. What I failed to mention was that he will be bringing a whole new routine and experience with him, known as

The Collaborators

 It's a four-ship performance including the talents of Sean Tucker, Bill Stein, Ben Freelove, and Eric Tucker (Sean's Son). Expect to see some solo performances by some of these members as well.

Another item I forgot to mention (I seem to be forgetting a lot of things lately...) is that the V-22 Osprey will be in town for the NYC Fleetweek. There is a possibility that she might swing by the beach to say hello, but nothing has been confirmed as of yet. As usual, I'll do my best to keep you posted.

Update 3/22

Just a few updates on show logistics for this year:

-The Blues will be based out of Republic as expected. The F-22 will be based out of Gabreski Airport in Westhampton. They have the arresting cables, runway length, and all of the other items required for a successful visit by the Raptor.
-The show will run from 10:00am to 3:00pm, and parking fees remain $8.00. No surprises there.

Sponsors

Update 3/4

They say you should always eat a good breakfast because it's the most important meal of the day. Well, in terms of air shows, I believe you need a good diet of quality civilian performers to have a well-balanced aviation experience. Jones Beach will be serving up another helping of quality aerobatics with the return of

John Klatt

to Long Island in his Staudacher S-300D. History is another integral component of any air show, and for that there will be an

F-86 Heritage Flight

to tag along with the F-22. It's quite a sight to see how aviation technology has changed over 50 years.

Update 3/2

Fast jets are fun, but there's something about big, old, smoky radials that bring some personality to an air show. Luckily, we've got a few to add to the Jones Beach lineup today. First up, the

B-17 Yankee Lady

from the Yankee Air Museum will be in town from May 23rd through the 26th. In addition, the Commemorative Air Force will be sending over their

B-24 "OI-927"

for the air show. As always, they will be based at the American Airpower Museum, and will most likely be offering "flight experience" rides throughout the weekend.

Update 2/22

Another Jones Beach regular will be returning this year in his beautiful red, white, and blue Dream Machine. His name?

Ed Hamill

And, while we're at it, lets welcome back the

Geico Skytypers

as well as the amazing vintage fighters from the

American Airpower Museum

along with

Warbirds over Long Island

Update 2/8

Some of you may have heard a little bit about the Air Force's new fighter jet. It can go pretty fast, it can turn on the edge of a dime, it's stealthy as a fox, and its turned the heads of both friend and foe. And, ladies and gentlemen, the

F-22 Raptor Demonstration Team

will turn your heads as well, as it makes its first appearance at the Jones Beach Air Show!

Update 1/25

Check off another returning visitor to the Air Show this summer: the thrilling, heart pounding aerobatics of

Sean D. Tucker

in his Oracle Challenger.

Update 1/23/08


The Red Arrows from the Royal Air Force will be going on a little tour of US for about a month this year, starting around June 7th and going until July 7th. On June 26th, they are planning a flyby in the NYC area. No further details as of yet, but this will be a great chance to see a team that most would have to go across the Atlantic to witness. If you want to see their full aerobatic routine, you might want to plan on heading up to Rhode Island on June 28th and 29th for the show at the ANG base up there.

Update 12/25

For many people, this will be the first air show they ever experience. Chances are, they will have no idea what the heck is going on. The best person to talk them through all the thrills, twists, and hammerhead stalls will be returning to the Jones Beach Air Show for his fifth consecutive appearance as the show's announcer. That person is none other than the winner of the 2007 ICAS Sword of Excellence,

Rob Reider

Update 12/17

I'm a little late on this one...Blue Angel #'s 5 and 6 came into Republic today between 3:30 and 4:00 pm, probably to do some show-site scouting. They're located at the main terminal building.

**Update: Expected departure Tuesday around 12:00 or 12:30pm.

Update 12/11

It's the middle of December. Its freezing out. There's snow on the ground. I haven't done any Christmas shopping yet. I still have finals to study for. What's the best thing that someone can do in this situation? Start thinking about air show season! Hot off the presses, we have our first team on the lineup for the 2008 Jones Beach show!

US Army Golden Knights

And, as expected, we will be welcoming back the

US Navy Blue Angels

for their bi-annual performance. Only five more months! Oh, yeah, and happy holidays everyone!

Update 12/6

We've had the pleasure of viewing many great acts at the Jones Beach Air Show over the past few years. One of those excellent acts, the Red Barron Pizza Squadron, was recently decommissioned by its owner, the Schwans Food Company. They have been flying for 28 years, and are considered by many to be an important historical asset, with their fleet of four beautiful and nimble red and white Stearmans. The administrators of America's number one air show information site Airshowbuzz.com recently started THIS PETITION in order to try and get this skilled flying team back in the air. If you can, please sign it, so we may once again experience the sights and sounds of the Red Barron Pizza Squadron.

Update 12/1

It's been quite a while since I've added an update, but that doesn't mean there's a lack of activity at Republic Airport. Within the past few weeks, we've had some interesting visitors, including an Air Canada A320 with a hockey charter, Dale Earnhardt Racing's EMB-145, an old Sky West E120, and a few 727s and 737s. And they come and go so quickly, I don't even have the time to update my site. So that's why it's always a good idea to check out Flightaware.com so you can find out what will be coming in before it shows up. However, this doesn't track all flights, so continue to keep an eye on this site for special military visitors and the like.

Update 11/2

The Cradle of Aviation will be hosting a weekend of "Open Cockpits" this Saturday and Sunday, November 3rd and 4th from 11am-5pm. Also, an HH-60 from the 106th ANG out in Westhampton will be paying a visit during the afternoons, landing in the Nassau Community College parking lot adjacent to the museum.

Update 10/22

Mid-air collision over Deer Park

Article in Newsday: http://www.newsday.com/news/local/suffo ... _headlines

A Piper Saratoga and a Cessna 152 collided while on final to Republic on Sunday evening. Both pilots were able to land safely. The Cessna escaped with windshield and some wing damage, while the Piper lost between  8 and 12 inches off one wingtip, and punctured a fuel tank.

The tower frequency audio can be found on liveatc.net. Its amazing that nobody was hurt. Considering the amount of traffic in the area you would think there would be more of these such incidents,  but it just goes to show you how good our controllers are. Safe flying, everybody.

Update 10/16

Sorry folks, but it turns out that it wasn't a Harrier, but an EA-6B Prowler that came into Farmingdale last night. In the dark, I can see how that mistake can be made. But hey, its still and awesome bird and a welcome visitor. She's parked by the main terminal and should be leaving around 4:00pm today.

Update 10/15

Just got word that a Harrier made a stop at Farmingdale at 6:30 this evening. The last time one was here it ran off the runway, but we might not get the pleasure of such an extended stay this time around. If possible, go try and find it. I would like a picture!

Oh, and I greatly apologize for the lack of updates. Activity in the area has been a little slow, plus I've been plenty busy with more important items on life's agenda.

Update 9/23

The October 1st date for the Tomcat move has been scrubbed. I talked with someone with the American Airpower Museum at the Grand Old Airshow, and he told me they originally planned to move that day, but Grumman needed to postpone. A new date for the move has yet to be set.

Also, it's that time of year for the UN General Assembly. You can go check out a bunch of interesting foreign aircraft visitors in the area, with a bunch of bizjets at Republic and larger heavies at JFK.

On another random note, this page broke 20,000 hits recently. Thanks again for your support and repeated visits!

Update 9/17

Almost a year ago, the last F-14 Tomcat to grace the skies, Felix 101, landed at Republic airport. Since then, she has been decommissioned and has taken up temporary residence at the American Airpower Museum. In the dead of night on October 1st, she will be moved to her new home atop a pedestal outside of the main entrance of Northrup Grumman in Bethpage. I don't know what time at night they will start their journey, but if you ever wanted to see a Tomcat being tugged down the road, this is your chance.

Update 9/7

Here's info on a few more goodies hangin' around Farmingdale. The Goodyear Blimp has been around for the past few days for the US Open. I'm not sure if she is still there or when she will be departing, but it's worth a look. Also, an Alligent MD-80 arrived this afternoon, most likely for a charter. So now we have two unusually large jets at Farmingdale.

On a much sadder note, GEICO Skytyper #6 crashed this afternoon at the NAS Oceana Airshow in Norfolk, Virginia.  As may you know, this group calls Republic Airport home, and I am sure you have seen them flying around. The effect this will have on their scheduled performance at the Grand Old Airshow has yet to be determined.

From ICAS:

WILDBERGH KILLED IN VIRGINIA ACCIDENT

Jan Wildbergh, a pilot with the Geico Skytypers, was killed when his North American SNJ-2 crashed while landing after a media show performance at NAS Oceana in Virginia Beach, Virginia. Other details on the accident are not yet available.

About Flight Leader Jan Wildbergh, from skytypers.com...

As a child I saw both Zeros and Spitfires in action and became very interested in aircraft.
Once I completed my school I applied for pilot training in the Dutch Air Force. I was sent to the USA in 1953 where, 22 months later, I completed my training and received my wings. Back in Holland, I flew first generation jet fighters, F 84 G and later the F 84 F during the Cold war. After my military service I immigrated to the USA and remained involved in aviation. I flew many different types of private aircraft, ran a flight school and worked for an airline. I joined the Skytypers in 1986.

Update 10/16/2006

For anyone who couldn't make it to the final flight, or for those who just want to relive it again, here is an amazing video/slideshow of the Tomcat's last flight and demilling process, created by Long Island's own Fred Miller.

http://fromtheflightdeck.com/VideoLIW/F-14-640.wmv

Update 10/11/2006

It's been a while since I put an update up here, but I have been very wound up in all of these Tomcat Sunset events. Felix 101 arrived at Farmingdale on schedule, making one last hard break before coming in for the final landing. She is currently being de-milled at the American Airpower Museum, and it sure is a sight to see the engines taken out of her. She will stay at the museum for several months, eventually being moved to be displayed at Northrop Grumman in Bethpage sometime next year, possibly in the spring.

Tomcats forever, baby.

Updae 10/3/2006

Here's the latest from Northrop:

 "Get set to watch the skies tomorrow morning for a once-familiar sight: the F-14 Tomcat.
 
The U.S. Navy’s last F-14 Tomcat will return to Long Island – where it was built and where it will be enshrined.  The Navy is permanently loaning the aircraft to our Retiree Club.
 
This Tomcat - the next-to-last produced by the company - will fly from Naval Air Station Oceana, Virginia, and land at the American Air Power Museum in Farmingdale. In the process it will make a final fly-by over the Bethpage complex. After standard demilitarization, the F-14 will remain at the museum until next year, when the Bethpage display site is completed. Watch Friday Fast Facts for more information.
 
The F-14’s arrival at Republic Airport is set for approximately 11 a.m., so it will cross the Bethpage complex several minutes earlier. Sector Communications will issue an email broadcast once we learn of the “wheels up” in Oceana, and Security will make a broadcast over the loudspeakers.
 
Please note: The museum arrival ceremonies are free of charge to employees and members of the Retiree Club. An ID badge or Club membership document will be required.  Guests will have to pay the standard admission fee. In addition, this is not a company event: If you want to attend you’ll need to use vacation time to attend during working hours."

Just to reiterate, the arrival time is around 11:00am EST. She should leave Oceana a little after 10.

Be there. Early.