FYI - Fat Albert is currently flying over NC right now and heading Northeast,
so it looks like it's heading to FRG and will probably arrive early this afternoon.
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FYI - Fat Albert is currently flying over NC right now and heading Northeast,
so it looks like it's heading to FRG and will probably arrive early this afternoon.
Blues are practicing at 1:00 their time in Pensacola so guessing if they get #5 running they would have to fly one of the.pilots up after the practice to take her home.
1:15 nothing yet but small crowd in the lot and some official vehicles on the other sideQuote:
Originally Posted by Chris S
Amy updates?!
Fat Albert just flew over Old Bethpage heading to runway 14.
3:35 Fat Albert has landed
4:20 Fat Albert left but will return to pick up the maintenance crew and a ton of equipment that was offloaded. Capt Higgins told us they had an engine problem enroute and had to divert to Stewart to get fixed. One engine went out. I believe they are returning the Stewart crew to their base and will be back. # 5 is definitely heading out today.
5:30 Fat Albert is on Final for 19!
So you can't make this stuff up!! We were all hanging by the fence line watching the crews load up the C-130 and they were getting the Hornet ready. All of a sudden we see the big Fire-Rescue Truck racing to the north and we look to see that a PLANE HAD CRASHED on Runway 19. Smoke was rising from the plane and a bunch of us ran to the other side of the fence and we can see both pilots out, no fire!! Not sure what happened but it was on its belly and both props were severely bent!! It was a Swearigen SA-226.
So guess what? Fat Albert and Angel 5 are going no where tonite!! Airport is closed and the plane is blocking both runways. One of the crew chiefs came over and told us the bad news that they were bunking in L.I. tonite!!
Kinda Ironic if you ask me!!
Gerard thanks for all the great updates.
Did if they say what time tomorrow ?
Wow. You are right, you cannot make is stuff up. Any guess on a departure time tomorrow? I would love to come down but would need an idea on time...
Glad to hear the pilots of the crashed plane got out!
Yeah thanks for the info! That sucks. It's cool though that it sounds like they were coming over and talking to people. Wasn't happy I couldn't get down there but maybe tomorrow depending on departure time.
Are the flags and stuff still in the fence?
Crew Chief said sometime in the morning, I'm thinking early.
When the pilots came out of the C-130 they all acknowledged us at the fence and pointed to the makeshift shrine and patted their heart and waved to us. Later Capt Katie Higgins came over with autographed pictures of the C-130 and chatted with a bunch of us for awhile!! What an absolutely delightful and lovely young lady and she told us how much the whole team really really appreciates the support and love they have received from us and they were all touched by the tribute on the fence which they had known about from pictures!! Gotta say almost had a few tears in my eyes !! That was so nice of her to come over!!
Thanks Gerard.
Wish I could have been there. What a class act.Quote:
Originally Posted by Gerard
I'm hearing activity according to my people on scene!! As of 10:30
The crews must have slept in this morning
Personnel arriving now...canopy up on #5
Just heard they are scheduled to leave between 11:30-12:30. Wish I knew that at 6:00 this morning! ��
Or waiting for skies to clear! Don't blame them for sleeping in though seeing as it was a long day yesterday and weren't planning on spending the night!Quote:
Originally Posted by Gerard
11:30 they headed up into the Wild Blue Yonder followed by Fat Albert!! Safe trip!!!Quote:
Originally Posted by TerryB14
When do we start counting down till they are back in 2018? ��
Just a few more observatiions from Captain Higgins chatting with us.Quote:
Originally Posted by TerryB14
They REALLY love coming to Long Island and wish they could every year but they switch with the TBirds!! We kinda ragged on how the TBirds dis Republic and go to Islip!! She took the high road for the most part lol
They hope to be getting the Super Hornets as soon as next year and even Fat Albert will be jumping up to a "J" Model.
For the time being they will fly as a 5 plane team. There is a new pilot in training and hopefully he willl be ready before the end of the season. He is now undergoing centrifugal training which of course is essential. They are not sure of the next two shows in Michigan and Indiana but really want to be ready for Pensacola on July 16 for all the obvious reasons!!
Once again it was very cool her talking with us!! Good stuff!!
Very cool that she talked with you guys Gerard! Interesting that they're training a new pilot if they are going to use him for the demo team seeing that Tyler Davies would be next in line for the #6 spot. Unless they plan on moving Tyler to the #5 spot next year?
Someone actually asked her that but she couldnt say who because that info hasnt been officially releasedQuote:
Originally Posted by dekdawg21
http://airshowstuff.com/v4/2016/us-n...or-maintenance
Now Albert having issues!!