United States - California - California International Airshow 2008 - Salinas - 09/26/08

[todd_atwood]

Anyone know why the Blues can take off and land at Salinas but the T-birds can't?   

[Inverted]

Because the Takeoff length the F-16 needs. Hornets leave the ground pretty quick.

[Fly-SoCal]

The main reason for the Thunderbirds / F-15E flying from Monterey is due to Air Force regulations for their demo team aircraft.

Thunderbirds, F-15C, F-15E, F-16 and F-22 Demonstration aircraft must have a 7,000 foot long runway and at minimum 75 foot wide runway to takeoff and land from. The A-10 Demo is allowed to operate from a 5,000 foot long and 75 foot wide runway (minimum) for his performances.  All Navy Demos require a 5000 x 75 minimum (Blues, F-18C, F-18F). Not sure what the CF-18 requires, but given they are an F-18, it's probably similar to what the US Navy requires. Salinas' main runway is 6,004 x 150. Monterey is the closest airport with a runway that meets Air Force guidelines., with a 7616 x 150 main runway.

There have been waivers in the past for certain air shows - for example, Traverse City, MI, where Viper West has staged for his demo. The runway at Cherry Capital Airport is around 6000 feet in length, but there is no other airfield anywhere for a long distance that even offers that length. Also, I've seen Air National Guard F-15s land at Portland-Hillsboro airport. They dont have the same requirements as the demo teams, though, as they are not Air Combat Command.

[Midnight Storm]

Good info to know.

[ems cat]

Hmmm, I didn't realized the T-birds would be flying from MRY.  Do you think there will be anything to shoot at SNS on Friday?

[kamurasta]

Yep - TBirds and F-15 have been launching and recovering from MRY in past years.

Sorry it's my first time at salinas and I am a little confused here.Is there not enough runway to launch the t-birds at the salinas airport?Also I bought the flight deck tickets.Are those good seats...you know like close to the show center?

[Kedar]

I hope they will still fly their practice air show on fridays, as they have done it in the past. There maybe no fireworx and all the other night stuff.

[Inverted]

Sorry it's my first time at salinas and I am a little confused here.Is there not enough runway to launch the t-birds at the salinas airport?Also I bought the flight deck tickets.Are those good seats...you know like close to the show center?

Longest runway is 6004 feet and thats runway 8/26. I could probably do 12 touch and goes on that runway lol. When we did the west coast Hornet demo we were 5,000 feet minimum. Air Force is higher.

I'm getting pretty excited. I just hope there is no fog Saturday morning so I can fly in.

[Canadian Airshow Fan]

Looking forward to this great show as well. I'll be heading down Friday morning.  There is no Friday night performance this year - from what I understand, the night show  is an 'every other year' kind of deal. Just a couple more days.....

[M.F.C]

well the thunderbirds have arrived they in this morning also the F-15E'S , i saw a C-130J circling over salinas,its callsign was Roady-34

[Inverted]

Yes!!!!!!!!!!!! I am excited...

Hey anyone who is in the area how is the morning and evening fog?

[M.F.C]

ive some shots on the monterey thread

[b52hbuff]

well the thunderbirds have arrived they in this morning also the F-15E'S , i saw a C-130J circling over salinas,its callsign was Roady-34

From the Rhode Island National Guard.

[M.F.C]

just been over to watch the practice ill have pics up later

[M.F.C]

some pics from today