Viper West, off topic

My son Geoff, his wife LeAnne, and their son Geordan were here from last Thursday until late this morning. Geoff had his Viper West F-16 Flight Demo Team here for a big weekend air show. We had the three support guys Bernie, Chris, and Sticky here at the house for Thursday evening and we all throughly enjoyed it, fine young men they are. Julian Pecheco, the pilot, Arrived on Friday afternoon and missed out on one of Doris's fine home cooked meals. The other guys had the option of going to Outback Steak House but chose to come here, they eat out all the time and beiing here was a real break for them. They didn't have to "talk shop" all evening and that was a big break too.

Viper West is a single airplane demonstration and well worth seeing. Watching the guys bring Julian out of the chocks is a choreographed show in itself. Geoff took a mundane thing and turned it into a work of art. Julian is a buisy guy in the sky and really wrings that little Falcon out good, his rolls are flat and curves are tight, and his high speed pass is right on the edge of Mach 1; he got Very close on Saturday, probably .9.9.

The team will be in some of you guys area this summer and where they show is usually in combination with some of the best air shows to be seen. They were, however, little disappointed in Cedar Rapids Iowa two weeks ago. While Jusian was in his act he radioed to Geoff that the crowd looked like a family reunion.

Here is their 2003 schedual: <http://www.hill.af.mil/388fw/ViperWestLink/>

Just click on schedule in the top bar, there's some info about the team there too as well as several photos.

John, we are very familar with the F16 and the pilots who "drive" them. You are right about it being a great show. I would encourage everyone and their familes to go if the team is in their area. They won't be disappointed.

Not coming to Colorado. Bummer.

For those that have not seen the ground portion of those shows, make it a point in the future to see them also. They are great.

I just read your sons bio. You certainly have a son to be proud of …No if he could only get US a rid in one of the fighters :>)….No kidding you should be very proud your son has been chosen over thousands of sergeants to show the world what a high caliber person we have searing in our aimed forces.

One for Canada: I have seen their flight display team (very good show!) and the ground crew was an important and totally fascinating part of the performance. Excellent ambassadors!

I am Very proud of him Mickey. I didn't know what medals he had untill I read thet bio. I've seen some of his other awards and I dont have a room in my house with enough wall space to hold them all. The one with the Samuri sword is huge.

Go Canada Go!!! :o) I really enjoy the Snowbirds, and I don't blame JDW for being proud!! I would be too!!

I saw the Snowbirds in St. Louis quite a few years ago. Every act has something that is their very own and nobody else does. With the Snowbirds it's their Maple Leaf. The flight comes straight at the crowd and pulls up while fanning out in 5 vertical directions, red, white, and blue smoke on. It's a beautiful showpiece but nearly impossible to video record unless you've seen it before. I plan to be set for it next time.

If any of you want to see an incredible aerobat stunt by a Russian Yak let me kno and I'll send it to you.

I do!! I love those Yaks!! We have three guys that love to play together in there Yaks, they do it in an area where I work quite often!! Obviously not pros, but fun to watch!!

Sorry. It's a Sukoi, but it's on te way to you now.

Love them too!!

i'm going to try and make the Long Beach show in October. would be fun to drive the B to the show. (if she's ready by then) I'm sure i'd be in a whole nother mindset on my drive home after watching F-16's :)