July 1st 05, 11:31 PM
Jay Honeck wrote: (Although the T-birds flew short a plane -- I suppose one
of the
pilots was under the weather?)
Here's the reason, found on EAA's website of all places:
The Thunderbirds announced in June that they would fly a five-airplane
formation until a newly assigned right wing pilot completes training.
The team normally performs with six planes in formation, but they have been
without their right wing pilot since May 7 when a medical condition
sidelined Maj. Brian Burns. He has since been cleared for flight, but
because of the demanding requirements of flying in close formation, Air
Force officials decided to reassign Burns.
Maj. Chris Callaghan, right wing for the 2002-2003 Thunderbirds, will
complete the season. He was flying the F-15C in Elmendorf AFB, Alaska before
returning to the team.
The right wing pilot flies in the diamond formation and is responsible for
scheduling and assisting the operations officer.
of the
pilots was under the weather?)
Here's the reason, found on EAA's website of all places:
The Thunderbirds announced in June that they would fly a five-airplane
formation until a newly assigned right wing pilot completes training.
The team normally performs with six planes in formation, but they have been
without their right wing pilot since May 7 when a medical condition
sidelined Maj. Brian Burns. He has since been cleared for flight, but
because of the demanding requirements of flying in close formation, Air
Force officials decided to reassign Burns.
Maj. Chris Callaghan, right wing for the 2002-2003 Thunderbirds, will
complete the season. He was flying the F-15C in Elmendorf AFB, Alaska before
returning to the team.
The right wing pilot flies in the diamond formation and is responsible for
scheduling and assisting the operations officer.