Joint Strike Fighter Makes First Air Show Appearance

An aircraft carrier variant of the F-35C Joint Strike Fighter flies over Andrews Air Force Base, Md., during the Joint Service Open House. This is the first public appearance of a joint strike fighter aircraft at an air show. Lt. Cmdr. Eric "Magic" Buus piloted the aircraft. The F-35C is a fifth generation strike fighter with stealth capability and has larger wing surfaces and reinforced landing gear for the demanding carrier environment. The aircraft is undergoing test and evaluation at Naval Air Station Patuxent River. (U.S. Navy photo by Andy Wolfe courtesy of Lockheed Martin/Released)

ANDREWS AIR FORCE BASE, Md. (NNS) -- The F-35C Joint Strike Fighter made its first public appearance at an air show May 21.

Piloted by Lt. Cmdr. Eric "Magic" Buus, the F-35C made a single pass down the show line at the Joint Service Open House at Andrews Air Force Base, Md.

The flight commemorated 100 years of naval aviation by highlighting the future of tactical air power for the U.S. Navy. The F-35C variant of the joint strike fighter is distinct from the F-35A and F-35B versions with its larger wing surfaces and reinforced landing gear for greater control in the demanding carrier take-off and landing environment.

The flyover originated from the F-35C's primary test site at Naval Air Station Patuxent River, Md. and was executed in the same manner as any controlled test sortie. The aircraft, CF-2, flew within its approved flight envelope and was accompanied by an F-18 Hornet flying chase.

The F-35 Lightning II Joint Strike Fighter program is in the system development and demonstration phase, focusing on delivering three different and new aircraft variants to the U.S. Marine Corps, Navy and Air Force. All three variants integrate advanced low observable stealth into a supersonic, multi-role fighter.

By Mass Communication Specialist 2nd Class Sunday Williams, Navy Public Affairs Support Element East Detachment Southeast

The U.S. Coast Guard demonstrates how they conduct a search and rescue during the 2009 Sea and Sky Spectacular. The Sea and Sky Spectacular is part of the Week of Valor at Jacksonville Beach. (U.S. Navy photo by Mass Communication Specialist 2nd Class Sunday Williams/Released)

By Mass Communication Specialist 2nd Class Sunday Williams, Navy Public Affairs Support Element East Detachment Southeast

JACKSONVILLE, Fla. (NNS) -- Thousands of people gathered Nov. 7-8 at Jacksonville Beach in Jacksonville, Fla., for the 2009 Sea and Sky Spectacular.

With more than 20 performers, including the U.S. Navy Blue Angels, spectators had plenty of sky filled entertainment.

"We come every year, and we never get tired of it," said Emily Chase, a 2009 Sea and Sky Spectacular participant. "There are just so many talented performers and, of course, we love the Blue Angels. This is also a great way to come out and support our military."

There were also over 24 different ground activities for people to partake in, such as a rock climbing wall, rides, booths and games.

"There were so many great things this year, and we went by the care package booth to learn how to send packages to our heroes overseas," said Clarence Townsend, another participant.

People viewing the air show were not the only ones that enjoyed themselves; members of the Blue Angels said they really enjoyed their visit to Jacksonville.

"It's just an awesome show for us. Anytime we can fly over the water and bring in large crowds, we love it, and since Jacksonville is close to home for us and is the birth place of the Blue Angels, there is a reason why we are here every single year," said Lt. Cmdr. Frank Weisser, a Blue Angels pilot.

The Sea and Sky Spectacular is held annually, alternating between Jacksonville Beach and Naval Air Station Jacksonville.

The U.S Navy flight demonstration team, the Blue Angels, perform during the 2009 Sea and Sky Spectacular. The Sea and Sky Spectacular is part of the Week of Valor at Jacksonville Beach. (U.S. Navy photo by Mass Communication Specialist 2nd Class Sunday Williams/Released)

Fort Worth Alliance 2009 Airshow Report

From the DFWScan List:

120.8250 Airboss
139.8150 BA Comcart (NFM)
142.6150 BA Comcart B (NFM)
237.8000 BA Diamond - BA Solos
284.2500 BA Showbox Diamond
305.5000 BA C-130 Fat Albert

Cocoa Beach 2009 Airshow Report

An anonymous source passes along the following report for the 2009 Cocoa Beach Florida airshow. Thanks to this member of the MMP team for sharing this information.

118.9000 FAA Space Coast Regional Tower (SABER, VIPER recovery)
122.4750 USAF Heritage flight air-air (SABER-VIPER)
123.1500 Airshow Discrete (also possible PA feed)
123.4750 USA Golden Knights air-ground
124.5750 USAF Air Boss / Patrick Tower
128.5500 NASA Tower (C-17A HIRE 81 recovery)
132.6500 FAA Orlando Approach
157.1000 Marine Channel 22A 920th RQW Demo KING or JOLLY with GONDOLA CHARLIE
251.9000 USAF Patrick AFB 920th RQW Demo JOLLY-KING air-air
255.5000 USAF Patrick AFB 920th RQW Demo JOLLY
384.5500 USAF VIPER Demo

California Capital 2009 Airshow Report

MMP reporter Claude "b52hbuff" Cartee checks in with a report from the California Capital Airshow at Mather AFB in Sacramento last weekend. The marquee act was the USAF Thunderbirds. Thanks for sharing your observations with our MMP readers Claude.

If you have attended an airshow this year and used your scanner to enjoy the action, I could use your field monitor report. It will go into our folder to help me prepare for the 11th edition of our annual airshow monitors guide that will appear in the March 2010 issue of Monitoring Times magazine. Of course, we can post your report here on MMP or you can remain completely anonymous, the choice is yours.

Even though the season is starting to wind down there are still some good shows out there to attend and monitor. Before you go be sure to download our 2009 Airshow guide from the Monitoring Times website. It is free and will help you get that scanner ready to tune into the action.

Now Claude's report from Sacramento.

Airshow
119.150 Airboss
123.150 Discrete

Demos
127.300 Patriots Jet Team http://www.patriotsjetteam.com/
376.025 F-22 (Hope and Change Demo)

Thunderbirds
141.075 Diamond
235.250 Solos

216.725 PA Audio
216.975 PA Audio

413.275 Thunderbird Maintenence / "MOC" (Maint Operations Center) / Public Affairs (DCS 431)

CIAS 2009 Airshow Report

The 2009 Canadian International Airshow (www.cias.org), still has one day left (Monday) and some of my blog readers might be interested in what has been monitored. Airshow report courtesy of the ScanOnt team from Canada.(It's a Yahoo email group.)

Air show organizers:
119.200 Air boss
123.100 Holding
123.600 Air-to-ground/PA

Horsemen P-51s:
122.925

Blue Angels:
139.8125 Air-to-ground
237.800 Solos
275.350 Diamond
284.250 Box
(No startup/apron frequencies noted since this is an off-airport show)

F-16 and F-22 Demos:
376.025 Air-to-ground and also air-to-air while co-ordinating hand-off from one display to another

USAF Heritage flight (F-16, F-22, 2xP-51s):
123.600 (one of the discrete air show frequencies)

Snowbirds:
246.500 This is unusual - it is not a new frequency for them but they have been on 272.100 or 116.00 at every Canadian show I've been to for at least 10 years

California International Airshow 2009 Airshow Report

MMP reporter Claude "b52hbuff" Cartee checks in with a report from the California International Airshow in Salinas last month. Thanks for reminding me Claude that I had this. I stuck it in the airshow folder instead of the blogpost folder. My bad and a thousand lashes with a wet penguin flipper. Let the flogging begin.

Salinas Airshow
123.1500 Discrete
127.3000 Airboss
134.7000 Discrete: Hog (A-10) Safety Observer, Heritage Flight
462.7125 Robosaurus spotter (D464/FRS7)
467.6375 Rich's Incredible Pyro (233.6 Hz PL/FRS11)

Blue Angels
139.8125 Comcart B Maintenance
142.6125 Comcart A "Comcart" / Tower spotter
237.8000 Solos - out of show box
275.3500 Diamond - out of show box
284.2500 Show box - Diamonds & Solos
305.5000 Bert (C-130) / Maintenance Officer
346.5000 Preflight checklist

Thanks for sharing your intercepts with MMP readers Claude.

St. Thomas 2009 Airshow Report

I would like to thank Cat Balue for the report below from the St. Thomas airport.

116.0000 used extensively by the Canadian Snow Birds. when regrouping with the main body of planes, they used this frequency.

122.2500 used by all aircraft at the show, very busy.

122.7000 St Thomas main airport frequency.

242.6000 used by Snow Birds when performing.

272.1000 used by the Snow Birds on the way to the airshow and used during their practice session.

Other frequency used by can identify who used them other than the planes must have been at the air show.

236.6000 266.3000

323.3000 used by Toronto Maple ( not familiar with the name but it involved about three F18's.

333.3000 also used by T.M. this is also a frequency, that I have listened to over the last year, it seems to be quite active. I find that this frequency is used a lot year round.

After the airshow some planes went back to thier respctive bases and this is what I heard.

225.7000 was used to hand off the Snow Birds from 135.6250 (Toronto Center)

294.5000 Hawk 11 was handed off to this frequency on another Toronto Center frequency.

135.3000 (294.5000 is also used year round)

Ellsworth AFB 2009 Airshow Report

From a MNP gang up north, here is a report on the Ellsworth AFB 2009 Airshow. Thanks guys.

Just as the Thunderbirds started flying, they used 141.0750 (AM), 235.2500, and 216.9750 MHz (audio from planes).

Also had traffic on 139.8000 MHz, ref: "5 and 6 are on the deck," but not sure if TB maintenance or whomever. Possibly had 413.1000 (one hit) and 416.7250 MHz (very weak).

Hill AFB 2009 Airshow Report

Byron on the SoCalMilcom filed the following report for last weekend's airshow at Hill AFB:

"The Thunderbirds Preformed at Hill AFB Utah last weekend. There seemed to be some new frequencies used. The following frequencies were heard:

141.075 MHz for diamond formation during show and during departure for cross
country Air to Air back to Nellis. (AM)

235.250 MHz Solo aircraft during show (AM)

363.500 MHz was also heard weakly. Maybe announcer?"

As followers of this blog know 141.075 MHz was originally posted here at the beginning of the season. As for the 363.500 MHz frequency, it is a Utah Test and Training Range (UTTR) freq: Range Control (Clover): R-6402A/B, DPG, R-6405, R-6406A/B, R-6407, Sevier MOA, Gandy MOA, Gandy ATCAA, AR-642E, AR-659. It is definitely not a TBird assignment.

Remember if you have a report from one of the airshows, we can use your help. Remember, even if we have a freq you heard, pass it along as that verifies and keeps our list up-to-date. Please pass your report along to the email address above and you can remain anonymous if you want or need to.

If you need frequencies remember the 2009 MT Airshow Guide has been posted to the net at http://www.monitoringtimes.com/MT_Air_Show_Guide_2009.pdf.

Also remember to check out the links on the Milcom Blog Guide to Airshows in the strip to the right of this post for late breaking info and frequency updates.

And this weekend the flight demo teams will be performing at the following shows:

USAF Thunderbirds and US Army Golden Knights
June 13-14 Ocean City, MD - OC Air Show http://www.ocairshow.com/

US Navy Blue Angels
June 13-14 Denver, CO - Front Range Air Show '09 http://www.rmrfi.org/airshow.htm

Canadian Forces Snowbirds
June 13-14 CFB Bagotville, PQ - Bagotville International Air Show

Air Force Academy Graduation Demo Report -Update

Adam, out in the Colorado Springs area, monitored the US Air Force Academy graduation on Tuesday and confirmed that the Thunderbirds used their 141.0750 MHz (designated Victor-1) during their demonstration.

Dale, W5ACP, also attended the event and reported the solos using their normal 235.2500 MHz.

Thanks to Adam and Dale for their reports, and remember if you have a report from one of the airshows, we can use your help. Remember, even if we have a freq you heard, pass it along as that verifies and keeps our list up-to-date. Please pass your report along to the email address above and you can remain anonymous if you want or need to.

If you need frequencies remember the 2009 MT Airshow Guide has been posted to the net at http://www.monitoringtimes.com/MT_Air_Show_Guide_2009.pdf.

Also remember to check out the links on the Milcom Blog Guide to Airshows in the strip to the right of this post for late breaking info and frequency updates.

And this weekend the flight demo teams will be performing at the following shows:

AF Thunderbirds: Ellsworth AFB, SD - Dakota Thunder http://www.ellsworth.af.mil/ and http://www.dakotathunder.com/index.html

Navy Blue Angels: Janesville, WI - Southern Wisconsin AirFEST http://www.swairfest.org/

Golden Knights: Janesville, WI - Southern Wisconsin AirFEST http://www.swairfest.org/ and Rochester, NY - Rochester International Air Show

Canadian Snowbirds: Rochester, NY - Rochester International Air Show

Early Rochester NY Air Show Report

Here is an early report from the Rochester NY Air Show.

Air Boss 122.4750
Civi Performers 123.1500
Golden Knights 123.4750
Snowbirds 116.0000 272.1000
F-18/F-15E/A-10 Demos 376.0250

Remember if you have a report from one of the airshows, we can use your help. Remember, even if we have a freq you heard, pass it along as that verifies and keeps our list up-to-date. Please pass your report along to the email address above and you can remain anonymous if you want or need to.

If you need frequencies remember the 2009 MT Airshow Guide has been posted to the net at http://www.monitoringtimes.com/MT_Air_Show_Guide_2009.pdf.

Also remember to check out the links on the Milcom Blog Guide to Airshows in the strip to the right of this post for late breaking info and frequency updates.

And this weekend the flight demo teams will be performing at the following shows:

AF Thunderbirds: Ellsworth AFB, SD - Dakota Thunder http://www.ellsworth.af.mil/ and http://www.dakotathunder.com/index.html

Navy Blue Angels: Janesville, WI - Southern Wisconsin AirFEST http://www.swairfest.org/

Golden Knights: Janesville, WI - Southern Wisconsin AirFEST http://www.swairfest.org/ and Rochester, NY - Rochester International Air Show

Canadian Snowbirds: Rochester, NY - Rochester International Air Show

Jones Beach NY Airshow Report

Our friend up New York way, Phil - W2LIE, passes along this excellent airshow report for the Jones Beach Airshow held last weekend. Thanks Phil and welcome to the MMP team.

141.0750 MHz -- Used by the Thunderbirds as their diamond formation frequency both on and off the ground.

235.2500 MHz -- Used by the Thunderbirds solo artists during the show. Once the show was over this frequency was quiet.

123.4750 MHz -- Used by quiet a few of the performers. Unfortunately I didn't keep track of who was using it when. It did pop up on the scanner several times during the day. A few days prior to the show, 123.4750 MHz was also used for the media press shots of the planes flying by local landmarks. I have some archived audio that I need to put online for that.

128.2500 MHz -- One late find was the Thunderbirds were referring to Republic Airport's clearance delivery frequency as the "Airshow Frequency."

My Jones Beach Airshow thread has any log info for the week.
http://www.w2lie.net/e107_plugins/forum/forum_viewtopic.php?4607

In addition to the airshow at Jones Beach, Fleet week was underway in New York City (approximately 45 min to 90 minutes west of here depending on the time of the day)

The USMC Helicopter Demo team did a tour of the local area. They did a performance at one of the local parks so I took a trip over there. Two years ago they used 315.4000 MHz (as captured via Close Call). This year, the frequency was sent through the PA system setup around the demo perimeter. We were able to hear them coming into the park before we heard the choppers. Once overhead, the scanners locked right on. 237.4000 MHz AM was the frequency in use this year. This seemed to be the only frequency the scanner picked out. More info on the event can be found here: http://www.w2lie.net/e107_plugins/forum/forum_viewtopic.php?4651

I will have some pictures on my site in the gallery. Shots from two years ago are here: http://www.w2lie.net/e107_plugins/gallery2/gallery2.php?g2_itemId=4119

Phil -- Long Island Live Scanner Feeds and Forums, http://www.w2lie.net/

If you have a report from one of the airshows, we can use your help. Please pass them along to the email address in the masthead above. You can remain anonymous if you want or need to.

And if you need frequencies remember the 2009 MT Airshow Guide has been posted to the net at http://www.monitoringtimes.com/MT_Air_Show_Guide_2009.pdf. Also remember to check out the links on the "Milcom Blog Guide to Airshows" in the strip to the right of this post for late breaking info and frequency updates.

Andrews AFB Airshow Report - VHF Freq Reported

I am happy to post that I have received a report of frequencies used by the T-Birds and Golden Knights last weekend at the Andrews AFB airshow. And contrary to what has been posted elsewhere on the Internet, the T-Birds did use a VHF frequency.

In fact, it was the new VHF frequency first posted to this blog back in March (noted at the El Centro show) and several times since -- 141.0750 MHz. So to the folks on that list who theorized that the T-Birds were moving to other freqs in the UHF spectrum only, you need to untheorize, it isn't happening.

Here is the Andy Airshow report from our anonymous contributor (and thanks a million for sharing).

123.4750 MHz -- Golden Knights. Communication between the ground and jumpers giving wind speed and conditions etc.

141.0750 MHz -- Victor channel simulcast

235.2500 MHz -- T-Birds solos. Also monitored the pre-flight brief (high show etc.) and their pre-show "poem."

235.2500 and 379.2000 MHz -- T-Birds traffic. Unfortunately I didn't note which of these two was the primary air-air for the formation flying. I heard all of it, so it has to have been on one of these two.

413.2750 MHz -- T-Birds ground team at the comm cart communicating with team prior to take-off (mentioning lots of FOD on ramp etc.)

This weekend the T-Birds at Wantagh, NY (Jones Beach) - Bethpage Federal Credit Union New York Air Show at Jones Beach http://www.jonesbeachairshow.com/. More details including a streaming audio link at http://mt-milcom.blogspot.com/2009/05/jones-beach-air-showt-bird-freq-updates.html

The Blue Angels at performing at NAS Patuxent River, MD, the NAS Patuxent River Air Show 2009.

If you have a report from one of the airshows, we can use your help. Please pass them along to the email address above.

If you need frequencies remember the 2009 MT Airshow Guide has been posted to the net at
http://www.monitoringtimes.com/MT_Air_Show_Guide_2009.pdf. Also remember to check out the links on the "Milcom Blog Guide to Airshows" in the strip to the right of this post for late breaking info and frequency updates.

Jones Beach Air Show/T-Bird Freq Updates and an "Atta Boy"

Received a nice email from Phil, W2LIE:

Google Alerts notified me this morning that you posted my info onto your blog site. I just wanted to let you know that I couldn't put the Air Show online if it wasn't for the MT Airshow Guide (http://www.monitoringtimes.com/MT_Air_Show_Guide_2009.pdf). Without it, I wouldn't have any frequencies to listen to. Thanks for all of the hard work. I will be trying to capture the F/A-18 frequencies for you this week. They are landing Thursday morning so I will be along the fence with my scanner on.

I wanted to let you know that the Thunderbirds have landed. I can confirm with out a doubt 141.075 MHz (the new diamond freq) is in use. They were using it both in the air and on the ground while coming into town.

Thanks again & 73
Phil / w2lie

So contrary what has been reported elsewhere on the net in the last week, the T-Birds are NOT leaving their VHF for freqs in the 200 MHz and UHF milair ranges. If you don't hear any of the freqs listed in our guide at a show, put your scanner in search or close call modes. I guarantee the T-Birds are still using their VHF freqs for the diamond (as noted by Phil above).

Remember as first reported on this blog keep an eye out on the following VHF frequencies for T-Bird diamond activity:

139.2250, 139.8000, 140.7000, 141.0750 (New for 2009 and first reported on March 22 on this blog at El Centro airshow), 143.2500, 143.7000, 148.1250, 148.8500, and 150.1500 plus all the other freqs listed on page 2 of our MT Airshow Guide.

Thanks for the kind words Phil. Also thanks from the entire monitoring community for streaming the Jones Beach Airshow. Remember you can monitor Phil's stream at
http://www.w2lie.net/airshow. Up to the minute schedules can be found at http://www.longislandaviation.info/. You can track updates and feed activity on his site in the forums: http://www.w2lie.net/e107_plugins/forum/forum_viewtopic.php?4607.

Airshow Report - Keesler AFB

The T-Birds performed at Keesler AFB this last weekend and Tom M. reported the following frequencies:

139.800 V2 used on the ground, control checks
141.075 V1 used on ground and throughout show
235.250 U1 used on ground and throughout the show
322.950 U? channel name not called out, used on the ground
413.275 Maintenance DPL431

Thanks Tom for the report and confirming the channel designators and 141.075 MHz usage, again.

Haven't seen anything from the Blues performance at Tuscaloosa yet.

If anyone else has nything to add from Keesler please pass it along and I will updte this post.

Tyndall AFB 2009 Airshow Report

Mr. Anonymous has sent along a report from the Tyndall Airshow last weekend. Thanks a million for passing it along.

"The air show at Tyndall was rained out for the most part on Saturday,but here are the few frequencies monitored from my location around 25 miles from the airbase for Sunday March 29, 2009.

119.350- Usually used as the airboss frequency the usage this year was air to air during the scheduled time for the P-51/F15 flight. The Heritage flight was suppose to
be up around the same time but the comms. Seemed to be between two aircraft only.

123.150- Heard active during the scheduled Tim Weber Geico extra 300 event

123.475- Golden Knight's streamer drop

133.950- Tyndall's tower frequency seemed to be the frequency all aircraft were using to talk to the airboss this year.

384.550- Air/Air in the timeframe of the Heritage flight/F22 Demo and the P-51/F15 flight.

And the Blue Angels were heard on these frequencies to close out the show -- 237.800 275.350 284.250 MHz."

Thanks a million for the report Mr. A. Just the way we like it.

OK, this weekend the TBirds will be at Keesler AFB, MS http://www.keesler.af.mil/
and the Blues will be at Tuscaloosa, AL - the Tuscaloosa Air Show http://www.ci.tuscaloosa.al.us/index.asp?NID=846

If you attend either of the shows, how about a field report of what you heard. Any and all freqs are appreciated 9even if we have them on our list). And you can remain anonymous if you wish or you can grap a bit of the Milcom MP spotlight. Send your report to the email address in the masthead.

Good luck and good hunting this weekend.

Airshow Update and T-Bird VHF Freq Confirmation

This last weekend the Blue Angels performed at Tyndall and the T-Birds performed at MacDill. I did not receive any Tyndall reports, but did get two field reports from the MacDill performance. And I am happy to report that both reports confirmed my earlier post on the first T-Bird airshow of the season and a new VHF freq for the team of 141.0750 MHz.

A-10 Flight Demo 122.4750 MHz
Ed Hamill Hamster Bi-plane 123.1500 MHz
F-15 Eagle 376.0250 MHz
Heritage Flight (F-15/A-10/P-51) 136.6750 MHz
MacDill Airboss (various acts) 126.1500/292.2000 MHz
T-Birds 141.0750/235.2500 MHz

So did anyone attend Tyndall with a scanner?

This weekend the T-Birds are performing at Keesler AFB, Mississippi - Thunder on the Bay http://www.keesler.af.mil/ and the Blues are at Tuscaloosa, Alabama - Tuscaloosa Air Show http://www.ci.tuscaloosa.al.us/index.asp?NID=846.

Any and all field reports are appreciated, even if the freqs are already on our frequency list. Confirmation of active freqs at each location is important in keeping our annual airshow guide up-to-date.

You can send your reports directly to me at n5fpw at brmemc.net. I want to thank both of the anonymous reporters who sent their freqs in from MacDill for this week's report. Thanks fellows for thinking of the Milcom Monitoring Post (MMP).

AirFest 2009 complete success.

by Staff Sgt. Patrice Clarke, 6th Air Mobility Wing Public Affairs

MACDILL AIR FORCE BASE, Fla -- AirFest 2009 ended in a resounding success.

The event gave Team MacDill an opportunity to show our appreciation to the local Tampa community by opening our doors to the public and inviting them to enjoy some of what the men and women of the U.S. Military do every single day.

Saturday provided a spectacular backdrop for dynamic aerial displays along with the ground attractions and static displays. Though the skies dropped much needed rain on the Tampa Bay area cancelling Sunday morning's performances, the afternoon skies cleared for exceptional ariel viewing.

The U.S. Air Force Thunderbirds headlined AirFest 2009, returning after more than three years. This year, the Thunderbirds celebrate 56 years of representing the more than 500,000 Airmen, National Guardsmen and Reservists worldwide. While at the AirFest this year, the team embodied the same pride, precision and professionalism that all the men and women of the U.S Air Force exhibit every single day. While here, the Thunderbirds attended local area schools and put on a special performance for children in the Make a Wish foundation, Children's Cancer Center and the Shriners Hospitals for Children.

As true professionals, the team also took the time after their performances to meet the members of the Tampa Bay community and to sign autographs. They took every opportunity to engage, by mingling with spectators, accommodating photo requests and letting the Tampa community get a closer look at the Thunderbirds.

Safety was paramount this year. More than 300 Security Forces and Office of Special Investigation Airmen were available to provide water, sunscreen and ear plugs to all members of the public. Security Forces also received 370 trained Air Force volunteers and support from 11 local security agencies to assist with the security of the event and ensure the safety of the local community. To respond immediately to any medical emergency, the 6th Medical Group was also available with medical personnel located throughout the spectator area with additional medics in vehicles ready to respond to any incident.

We would like to thank the entire Tampa community for the part they played in the success of the event. The Tampa Police Department, Tampa Fire and Rescue and corporate sponsors all played in an integral part in ensuring the success of the AirFest 2009. A special thanks is also given to the local media outlets that came out this year to help cover this important event. As a result of the hard work of all these agencies, the spectators were able to come out and enjoy a one of kind show in Tampa.

Airshow Update and New T-Bird VHF Freq

Mark Johnson in Anaheim sent all some airshow confirmations and (he thinks) a new Tbird freq.

3/14 El Centro:
Blue Angels used 346.500 305.500 284.2500 275.350 and 237.800, all per our MT show guide descriptions as to usage.

3/21 Luke:
Thunderbirds used 413.275 216.975 216.725 235.250 and (new?) 141.075 MHz (new on my list Mark-Jefe).

All were per MT show guide descriptions with 141.075 being used for the Diamond. I didn't catch a designator for this (Victor xx) as I didn't find it until after the Diamond was aloft.

All heard using Radio Shack Pro-60... you left this one out of your guide of discontinued but usable air show radios. Maybe I've got the last five which work? ;)

Thanks Mark and great to see that the T-Bird VHF frequency chase will probably continue this year as well.

Blue Angels Perform at NAF El Centro - First Show of the New Season

Dan "the man" Harvison was out in the desert near El Centro on March 14 and monitored the first Blue Angel flight demonstration team performance of the 2009 airshow season.

He heard the formation team on 275.3500 and 284.2500 MHz. He also heard the solo aircraft on 237.8000 MHz. Thanks for sharing those freqs with the rest of us Dan.

Also Ike Mizuguchi monitored the team during their training period in El Centro. He confirms that 139.8125 MHz and 142.6125 MHz are being used for maintenance and ground communications.

So based on these first two reports, I see no changes so far in the lineup of BA freqs from what I published in the 2009 MT Airshow Guide (the March 2009 issue of Monitoring Times magazine available from Grove Enterprises in paper and electronic format).

This coming weekend both teams will be in action. The Blue Angels will be performing
in Punta Gorda, Florida at the 2009 Florida International Air Show (http://www.floridaairshow.com/)

The T-Birds will be at Luke AFB, Arizona at the Luke Days 2009 airshow (http://www.luke.af.mil/).

I hope that those who attend these events will report what they heard.

And remember, we can always use your reports of what you heard at the airshow. Every airshow report is important and helps us put together and keep accurate the only airshow monitoring guide of its kind -- the annual MT Airshow Guide. Even if you just confirm the frequencies that we already have, those sort of reports are extremely important to us. And if you want to remain anonymous, we can do that also.

So please, if you attend a show this season, and use our airshow guide and this blog, how about sending along a report of what you heard. These reports are the backbone of our annual airshow guide and are sincerely appreciated by all that use it.

I have been asked by someone when I will publish the free edition of the airshow guide online at the MT website? As a courtesy to the paying readers of MT (they make the magazine possible and we do appreciate these folks a lot), I will not release the free edition until late April or early May. If you want a copy any earlier, you are gonna have to shell out some cash. The free bunch will have to wait a bit to get a copy.