View Full Version : Final flight of the F-14 to land on LI October 4th!
MORS-AB-ALTO
2006-09-19, 12:36 AM
Still trying to confirm this, but word on Fence Check has F-14 #164603, originally destined for the Virginia Air Museum slated to arrive on LI October 4th. The Museum in Richmond received a bird last week that was previously scheduled to go to AMARC. According to the current fly-off schedule for the rest of VF-31's Tomcats this will be the final Tomcat flight...ever. Unless you live in Iran that is. My fingers are crossed!
What??? LI as in LONG ISLAND??? I am tired but are you saying it may land at Calverton....er... McArthur....omm.....Farmingdale???
MORS-AB-ALTO
2006-09-19, 02:10 AM
Final location is slated as Grumman/Bethpage so Republic would be my guess. If true how fitting an end to US Navy Tomcat operations this would be.
K9DEP
2006-09-19, 07:44 AM
Calverton is a closed airfied
Jonesbeach
2006-09-19, 07:47 AM
Sky Dive Long Island operates out of Calverton. (See Below)
http://www.skydivelongisland.com/facilities.shtml
Calverton is a closed airfied
Yep...but you can call up the owner and have clearance for landing granted.....My friend went there last year for a pitstop in a 152.....
Could you imagine if they brought it to Calverton???
mirrodie
2006-09-19, 09:05 AM
DO please keep us advsied. When It happens, I won't be taking photos. Moments like that need to be felt seen smelled and heard!
GrummanFan
2006-09-19, 09:21 AM
So this a one-way trip, meaning LI could be getting another static Tomcat memorial? Maybe Northrup Grumman wants to set something up if the final destination is Bethpage.
T-Bird76
2006-09-19, 09:36 AM
Wow this is very cool news!! Lets hope if they do land her at at Calverton they open it up for people to come and watch. I knew I heard somone scream last night, now I know it was Fred! LOL
MORS-AB-ALTO
2006-09-19, 10:08 AM
Wow this is very cool news!! Lets hope if they do land her at at Calverton they open it up for people to come and watch. I knew I heard somone scream last night, now I know it was Fred! LOL
You must have heard 2 screams because I was first!
MORS-AB-ALTO
2006-09-19, 10:10 AM
DO please keep us advsied. When It happens, I won't be taking photos. Moments like that need to be felt seen smelled and heard!
You could not be more correct Mario. I'll be an emotional wreck so I wouldn't get any clear pictures anyway! :cry:
MORS-AB-ALTO
2006-09-19, 11:33 AM
To quote renowned Tomcat photographer and author David F. Brown, "IT IS WRITTEN, LET IT BE DONE. I HEREBY CONFIRM 164603 WILL ARRIVE OVER LONG ISLAND, 4 OCTOBER 2006, THEREBY MAKING THE LAST TOMCAT LAUNCH, BREAK FOR AND LANDING IN HISTORY."
And Fred, it's a Wednesday. So you will be among the hundreds, if not thousands, on hand to witness a most historic and melancholic day in aviation history.
T-Bird76
2006-09-19, 11:37 AM
Well I won't be going @#$#@$#%#@#$@ :x :x :x
HELL YEA! Please let me know the desination and ETA when available...if not, I will have to sleep over at the airport! :lol:
Thank you SOOOOOooooo much for keeping us in the loop on this one!
Bitter/SWEET! I never thought I would see her fly again!
GrummanFan
2006-09-19, 01:59 PM
I PREY to every supreme being in existance that it is in the afternoon so I can catch a train to get there in time...I will gladly spend a hundred bucks to see this.
Quick question to anyone familiar with the LIRR: I assume going from Penn to Pinelawn, I will have to change trains at Jamaica? (Sorry, I don't ride the rails too often, want to make sure i get this right)
cancidas
2006-09-19, 02:32 PM
what time is this all supposed to happen? i don't have to work until 1400 and would definately want to drive out there for that, even if it would mean going out to CTO... by the way, you can land at CTO just need prior permission. i did it once, and thought the wheels would fall off. that strip definately isn't maintained well...
MORS-AB-ALTO
2006-09-19, 04:45 PM
Republic it is! I assume in the late morning or early afternoon since this is when all the other museum arrivals are scheduled.
Grumman Fan you may want to look into taking the train to Amityville or Farmingdale then the bus or cab respectively. Stopping at Pinelawn can be a real hassle if your're not on the right car, plus stops are half as frequent.
Right on! I'll be at work from 8-5 tho, maybe I can take off. Rob where are your Oceana pics?
Steven Holzinger
2006-09-19, 11:14 PM
If I can get out of working at the computer lab that day, I WILL BE THERE. The Tomcat Sunset ceremony is this weekend, and yeah, I'm not going there. October 4 is the real Tomcat sunset.
h2opunk1822
2006-09-20, 12:19 AM
this is going to be amazing.. figuring the 14 did 1 night pass at oceana :(... i cannot wait!
MORS-AB-ALTO
2006-09-20, 12:35 AM
The aircraft will be a repeat vistitor. It's the pencil nose CAG bird we saw back in June as seen here.
http://i71.photobucket.com/albums/i121/MORSABALTO/TOMCAT%20FLY-IN/b1cba0dd.jpg
glennstewart
2006-09-20, 02:22 AM
<---------------------- I love swing-wing aircraft!
Very sad day! I've always been a Tomcat fan. I'll be just as unhappy when our F-111's retire...
cancidas
2006-09-20, 09:10 AM
going ot try to get that day off as well.... need to be there.
for taking the LIRR to pinelawn you have to be in the last two cars in order to get off, just from experience.
MORS-AB-ALTO
2006-09-20, 09:51 AM
<---------------------- I love swing-wing aircraft!
Very sad day! I've always been a Tomcat fan. I'll be just as unhappy when our F-111's retire...
I've never seen the Earth Pig fly so I gotta get over there before they're gone. 2010 is the date right now I think, although I think the RAAF is looking to extend that and save some money as well by pushing off the F-35 another couple of years.
glennstewart
2006-09-20, 10:32 AM
I've never seen the Earth Pig fly so I gotta get over there before they're gone. 2010 is the date right now I think, although I think the RAAF is looking to extend that and save some money as well by pushing off the F-35 another couple of years.
They're old, but they are certainly a much loved aircraft in the RAAF. The Amberley base keeps them in very good shape. I think good enough that in an exercise in the US a few years back with many of the allies, the RAAF F-111 was the only aircraft to maintain a 100% availability record. That says something for an aircraft so old that the USAF has already retired them (Australia and the US were the only countries of course to use the F-111 - and we have been grabbing spare parts from the US for our fleet.... keeps 'em nice and shiny).
The Hornet's are being upgraded at the moment. They're quite good too, but they lack the F-111 range.
Personally, I think the F-35 might end up being a white elephant. I'd love my government to get their hands on the Raptor, but that's highly unlikely (and highly unaffordable).
Apart from that, the latest purchase of four C-17's for the RAAF is the biggest bit of good news. The first one will be delivered from Long Beach into Sydney in November this year.
cancidas
2006-09-20, 05:49 PM
i've got the day off... will be there.... wherever it is!
glennstewart
2006-09-20, 10:47 PM
Looking forward to seeing some great last shots of the Tomcat! I suppose they'll put a couple out at Intrepid.
Looking forward to seeing some great last shots of the Tomcat! I suppose they'll put a couple out at Intrepid.
They have one...here is a few shots I took this past summer
http://www.longislandwallpapers.com/photos/70068731-L.jpg
http://www.longislandwallpapers.com/photos/70059391-L.jpg
glennstewart
2006-09-21, 05:17 AM
They have one...here is a few shots I took this past summer
Pity Intrepid will be closed for my visit :cry:
She looks gorgeous in that livery. Is that the original test aircraft livery?
It is not the original, but it was the test scheme for the re-engined SUPER TOMCAT....
mirrodie
2006-09-21, 10:58 AM
Glenn, Ill email you. I think the Cradle is in your future. ;)
Yep, and the Cradle has the oldest F-14 still around!
The oldest F-14 Tomcat
While the 1st prototype suffered hydraulic failure on its second flight and crashed into the woods on final for Calverton 12-30-1970 and the 2nd prototype was written off 05-13-1974 when the aircraft suffered an in flight hydrazine APU fire. It landed safely but was listed as a write off due to extensive damage.
The 3rd prototype.......BuNo-157982
was used for non-destructive structural testing.
http://www.fromtheflightdeck.com/Stories/FMCradleofAviation/P2082205.jpg
http://www.fromtheflightdeck.com/Stories/FMCradleofAviation/P2082217.jpg
Seen here during the test in which she was developed
http://www.fromtheflightdeck.com/Stories/FMCradleofAviation/stories_no3_02.jpg
And then you have the F-14 at Grumman Memorial park...
The F-14A Tomcat
Bureau Number 160902
Delivered to Fighter Squadron One-Hundred-One
(VF-101, "The Grim Reapers") on September 27, 1979
http://fromtheflightdeck.com/Stories/FMCalverton/P3140503a.jpg
http://fromtheflightdeck.com/Stories/FMCalverton/IMG_0002.jpg
http://fromtheflightdeck.com/Stories/FMCalverton/IMG_9972.jpg
http://fromtheflightdeck.com/Stories/FMCalverton/IMG_0005.jpg
GrummanFan
2006-09-21, 08:37 PM
It has been confirmed that this bird was aquired by Northrup Grumman, and will be set up on display outside of their main entrance by the intersection of Grumman Rd and S. Oyster Bay Rd. Still waiting for word on an arrival time...
heheehehehhehehheheeeheehehehe!!!!! :D SWEET!
A little off topic, but just wanted to share
I took this shot yesterday of my good ole friend
http://www.longislandwallpapers.com/photos/97289318-L.jpg
moose135
2006-09-25, 12:28 PM
Here's the latest, courtesy of a friend who's a former Grummanite:
F-14 Tomcat: The final homecoming
Mark October 4 on your calendars. That's the day that the U.S. Navy's last F-14 Tomcat will return to the place of its birth, where it will be enshrined. The Navy is permanently loaning the aircraft to our Retiree Club. The company will prepare a display for the aircraft on the Bethpage site. While time and other specifics of the October 4 event are still to be determined, the F-14 (the next-to-last produced by the company) will fly from Naval Air Station Oceana, Virginia, and land at the American Air Power Museum in Farmingdale. A final fly-by over Bethpage is expected. After standard demilitarization, the F-14 will remain at the museum until the Bethpage display site is completed, sometime next year.
I've already arranged to take the day off - be there or be square!
GrummanFan
2006-09-25, 01:09 PM
The earliest I can get there is 9:15, the latest I can stay is 3:30. If she comes at some time not in that window, you're not going to want to hang around me that day...
Photofpd
2006-09-27, 07:17 PM
I'm taking my father in law to see this grand event. He was a 30 yr employee of Grumman before retirement 5 yrs ago.
Where is the best place to see this, I normally hang out by the tower, by the 56th fiighter group, but I think there's must be a better place at the airport?
Thanks
Jeff
GrummanFan
2006-09-27, 07:47 PM
I'd say hang out along New Highway. Chances are she will land on 32-14, so you'll get a better view of the landing and flyovers, if any. Make sure to get there early, because the place is gunna be swarmin with people.
hiss srq
2006-09-27, 08:06 PM
I will be there! :)
cancidas
2006-09-28, 12:28 AM
who is going to be there and where? would the parking lot next to the terminal be a good spot? anyone have any clue as to what callsign they might use?
hiss srq
2006-09-28, 12:51 AM
I have no clue where I will be as of yet on the airport per se but I will not miss this that is for sure.
Well, it depends greatly on conditions....If it is early, I want to be on New
Hwy where the sun will be from my back left as I look east....The aircraft
will be landing on the longest runway wich is parrallel to New Hwy...The
million dollar question is going to be...."IS IT COMING FROM THE
NORTHWEST OR SOUTEAST".
If it is coming from the south, I want to be about 200ft north of the
touchdown point for this shot
http://www.longislandwallpapers.com/photos/75847830-M.jpg
http://www.longislandwallpapers.com/photos/75847603-M.jpg
http://www.longislandwallpapers.com/photos/75847933-M.jpg
http://www.longislandwallpapers.com/photos/75848195-M.jpg
If it comes from the north... I will be at the bend in the road further north.
The spot IS the shot and I want the approach shot, smokey last
touchdown and the aircraft with the tower in the backround.
SCOTYDEMCO
2006-09-28, 11:37 AM
I'll be there. Won't find out the departure time until the night before. Keep eachother posted. I have no clue as to where I'll be. I think that will be a crap shoot. I would say, if I had to gues, they will land 32, like they did last time, but who knows. Def 14/32. As for a call sign, not sure. Listen for Felix. :D
GrummanFan
2006-09-28, 12:25 PM
Ill be joinin whoever's along New Highway. Ill be walking from Pinelawn train station, so I'll just keep going unitl I see that famous silver CRV...
MORS-AB-ALTO
2006-09-28, 01:21 PM
who is going to be there and where? would the parking lot next to the terminal be a good spot? anyone have any clue as to what callsign they might use?
Believe it or not the usual call-sign for VF-31 is "Tomcat". Might want to keep a listen for "Felix" or "Bandwagon" as well.
Although not the best spot for flyby's and waveoff's I'm going to the end of the runway on my ladder so I can be as close to the Turkey as possible and soak it in. With the close call during the opening ceremony at Oceana last week and the flat final flyby I would not be surprised if all we get is a break for landing. I'll have to see if the jets going to Miami, North Island and Palmdale do anything extra today and tomorrow.
Ill be joinin whoever's along New Highway. Ill be walking from Pinelawn train station, so I'll just keep going unitl I see that famous silver CRV...
Yea baby!!!! ONE LAST TIME.....AGAIN!!!! :D
mirrodie
2006-09-28, 03:26 PM
To reinterate, what is the time and date again?
I might just watch it from the office :)...oh, maybe the roof of the office!
GrummanFan
2006-09-28, 05:44 PM
Date: Wednesday, October 4th, 2006
Time: Unknown until flight plan is filed on the 3rd.
But now that I think of it, Northrop is supposed to have some sort of event-thing for its retiree members and current emplyees, so I'm sure once the time info gets out for that we will be able to figure out her arrival time before the official flight plan is filed. So if you know people that work at Bethpage, make sure you force them to immediately call you when they find out that info. Thanks.
Steven Holzinger
2006-10-01, 08:49 PM
I will be there for sure!!!!!
GrummanFan
2006-10-02, 12:48 PM
Latest numbers I'm getting is a landing between 11:30 and 11:40am, with a Northrop Grumman ceremony around noon. Still waiting for a confirmation.
moose135
2006-10-02, 02:02 PM
Latest numbers I'm getting is a landing between 11:30 and 11:40am, with a Northrop Grumman ceremony around noon. Still waiting for a confirmation.
Hope that's correct - I took the day off, and I will get to see the 'Cat land, and have time to get to the Mets playoff game at 4 :D
Someone film it! I can't make it.
Steven Holzinger
2006-10-02, 05:28 PM
Someone film it! I can't make it.
Got it covered.
Someone film it! I can't make it.
Got it covered.
I be backup! :D
MORS-AB-ALTO
2006-10-03, 10:00 AM
God is a Tomcat fan so weather is looking very good! I was a bit concerned late last week. I'll be there around 9 to see what runway is active and then set up. That's with my ladder Scott :0! It should be a very proud, sad and historic day.
I will be shortly after that time....I should be about 9:25-9:40.
I will be setting up on New Hwy... I have an idea but it may change as usual!
SCOTYDEMCO
2006-10-03, 01:05 PM
I'm bringing my ladder too Rob!!
GrummanFan
2006-10-03, 02:19 PM
Oh, how I miss standing on top of my truck... :cry:
Steven Holzinger
2006-10-03, 04:28 PM
Same here... but hey, at least I'm not getting 15 mpg on the highway now!
mirrodie
2006-10-03, 04:49 PM
I might be on the roof of the office. Any word on the runway use?
moose135
2006-10-03, 05:20 PM
Imagine they will be on 14/32. Forecast is for winds from the southwest, so maybe landing 32?
Midnight Mike
2006-10-03, 09:13 PM
This is the perfect reason why it was time for the Tomcat to be retired:
However, the Navy had to use the standby aircraft for the final flight, as the first aircraft had mechanical problems.
Steven Holzinger
2006-10-03, 09:51 PM
Everyone with scanners... you'll probably be listening for FELIX 11...
This is the perfect reason why it was time for the Tomcat to be retired:
However, the Navy had to use the standby aircraft for the final flight, as the first aircraft had mechanical problems.
If we retired every aircraft that ground aborted we'd be a very sparse Military.
Steven Holzinger
2006-10-04, 01:02 AM
I will be carrying F-14 Tomcat DVDs with me in case anyone wants to get them...$20 a pop. They contain demonstrations of Tomcats as well as Tomcats in action, whether it be Fleet airshow stuff or spotting!
hiss srq
2006-10-04, 08:11 AM
It looks like on another note there will be a 727-200 from Express.Net inbound around the same time as the Tomcat from LEX
Midnight Mike
2006-10-04, 08:23 AM
This is the perfect reason why it was time for the Tomcat to be retired:
However, the Navy had to use the standby aircraft for the final flight, as the first aircraft had mechanical problems.
If we retired every aircraft that ground aborted we'd be a very sparse Military.
Nick
I was being a wise ass.... :lol: (Just so that you know, I was in the Navy as a Mechanic, working on the P3 & the A3, so, I am quite familar about working on old aircraft....) Also, the F14 happens to be my one of my favorite military aircraft....
mirrodie
2006-10-04, 09:29 AM
still slated for 1130-1140?
Art at ISP
2006-10-04, 09:49 AM
I thought I heard something a few minutes ago--sounded like a fighter--too early though?
Greg_NY
2006-10-04, 09:54 AM
I should hope so<G> I haven't left yet...
hiss srq
2006-10-04, 09:54 AM
I hope not I am just leaving Long Beach
mirrodie
2006-10-04, 12:24 PM
well I just got back. I had 10 minutes between patients and the F14's execution on time was perfect. touchdown at 1137
I went through the St Charles Cemetary and simply watched out. As I said earlier, I wasnt too interested in photos as much as I was witnessing an event.
So she did a pass over runway 32, wings swept, with a bit of wing waving to the crowd. As soon as she reached the museum, she banked starboard and over the cemetary and re-aligned with 32.
I lost her in the trees but I loved listening to it. The engines were in a flurry of high and low spooling, which sounded as if the pilot was doing quite a bit of last minute thrust changes while descending.....too fast too slow, etc. But the sound was thrilling.
Then she popped out again and flared for the landing. The engines ceased their rollercoaster sound effect and she touched down. As I drove off, I could hear the engines spooling up again and down, probably as she was taxiing away.
It was nice to see. And while I am not the worlds biggest F14 lover, I knew that many watching today shared similar feelings I held when Concorde last powered out of JFK. Goodbye and thanks.
lijk604
2006-10-04, 01:19 PM
All indications were that he would come in on 14, I heard the tower announce he was entering the pattern and sprinted from my desk downstaris to the car where my camera was. That was the first time the other people in the office understood my passion. Even they all got up to see this beauty arrive. They did throw us a curveball, pattern was arrivals on 14 and he came in for 32. I managed to catch him just as he was over the treshold for 32 on his pass. Will find out tonight if I have some nice memory shots.
But to echo Mario's statement, when he came back into land...I put the camera down and just took it all in, knowing that was the last F-14 I'll ever see fly.
.......But to echo Mario's statement, when he came back into land...I put the camera down and just took it all in, knowing that was the last F-14 I'll ever see fly.
Not me...I clicked away like crazy!!! :D :wink:
h2opunk1822
2006-10-04, 01:38 PM
the only pictures i took was of her taxing.. as she flew over my hear w/ the wings swpet back.. the hair on my arm rose out of pure awe of such an amazing plane!.. she will be missed and you bet i will be ther tonight takin pics of her at the museum!
hiss srq
2006-10-04, 01:49 PM
She was amazing Me Scott and a few others were right under it all on New Highway. Amazing when she screamed overhead. On final she made a ton of power and atitude changes. That guy was defineately working it . Afterwards we went over to the airpower museum. Truely a memorable time for me. On a side note we saw the 727 come in ahead of the Tomcat. It is all history now though
MORS-AB-ALTO
2006-10-04, 01:58 PM
I'll have some more up after I pick-up the kids from school.
http://i71.photobucket.com/albums/i121/MORSABALTO/lastlandingtext.jpg
Yea Baby!!!!!! That will be the touchdown shot hands down!!! Bravo!
I got a few but the touchdown was too far away. I will post some teasers
http://WWW.longislandwallpapers.com/photos/100012211-L.jpg
http://www.longislandwallpapers.com/photos/100012559-L.jpg
http://www.longislandwallpapers.com/photos/100012582-L.jpg
hiss srq
2006-10-04, 02:52 PM
Fred where were you parked I assume no place near us but I went over to airpower after. Too bad to all that missed this it was Amazing to be wittness to history today
It's at the airpower museum? Can I go take a look or will mr friendly chase us away again?
T-Bird76
2006-10-04, 05:07 PM
I'm going to stop by on the way home to take a look. I'm in a bright Orange shirt, easy to spot. Don't want to hear it Mel....... :wink:
SengaB
2006-10-04, 06:12 PM
Heres my contributiuon. Other than the sun and haze it was a pretty good day. The Tomcat has always been my favorite fighter ever since I got my first plastic model of an F-14 Tomcat in 1980 when I lived in Korea (3 years). I wish I had seen more of them over the years. Either way I was quite happy to whitness todays final flight.
I also am a cat lover Felix RAWX :)
http://www.nycaviation.com/hosting/tc03.jpg
http://www.nycaviation.com/hosting/tc04.jpg
http://www.nycaviation.com/hosting/tc05.jpg
http://www.nycaviation.com/hosting/tc06.jpg
http://www.nycaviation.com/hosting/tc08.jpg
http://www.nycaviation.com/hosting/tc10.jpg
Senga
Steven Holzinger
2006-10-04, 06:23 PM
I was VERY lucky to get off work today to be able to go see the last of the Tomcats. With the help of a friend of mine, I was able to catch everything from on Republic Airport (he began his overhead break right over my head) and decided to shoot video of the break and landing. Made the trip from one side to the other side to "watch" the dedication and took a bunch of pictures of the jet. As of now she's being towed to another part of the airport to begin demilling.
Below is the video of her landing. Pictures coming up...
http://www.metacafe.com/watch/257695/final_f_14_tomcat_landing/
hiss srq
2006-10-04, 08:29 PM
DOogqsbxfJo
Quite the memorial to the Tomcat
Greg_NY
2006-10-04, 08:49 PM
Thanks Steve,
Excellent video - nice touch with the tower audio ...
GrummanFan
2006-10-04, 09:11 PM
Well, 500+ miles and 110 dollars later, Im so glad I got a chance to see this. All of my in-air shots got ruined because I stupidly exposed my film when changing it, which pretty much has convinced me to get a Rebel XT by next airshow season. But really it doesn't matter, becuase I was one of the last to see her fly, to hear the cat purr, to watch the final bow. Its going to be really hard to beat the sentimental value of this event.
It was great seeing a bunch of people from here, really great shots from everyone.
Steven Holzinger
2006-10-04, 09:12 PM
Thank you! The pilot and his RIO are very interested in any pictures you guys got today...
SengaB
2006-10-04, 11:36 PM
I did forget to mention before,
It was nice to finally meet Fed (Derf) and the other LI locals
:)
Senga
MORS-AB-ALTO
2006-10-05, 12:52 AM
a few more from today...
http://i71.photobucket.com/albums/i121/MORSABALTO/headon.jpg
http://i71.photobucket.com/albums/i121/MORSABALTO/f-14landoct4.jpg
http://i71.photobucket.com/albums/i121/MORSABALTO/fulllandoct4.jpg
http://i71.photobucket.com/albums/i121/MORSABALTO/lastlasding.jpg
http://i71.photobucket.com/albums/i121/MORSABALTO/f-14landdirty.jpg
http://i71.photobucket.com/albums/i121/MORSABALTO/taxirunway.jpg
http://i71.photobucket.com/albums/i121/MORSABALTO/pressf-14.jpg
hiss srq
2006-10-05, 12:54 AM
i love the touchdown shot man did he plant it someone forgot to remind him it was not a carrier trap i think lol
Here are some more from today
http://Derf.smugmug.com/photos/100141766-L.jpg
http://Derf.smugmug.com/photos/100141850-L.jpg
http://Derf.smugmug.com/photos/100141906-L.jpg
http://Derf.smugmug.com/photos/100142061-L.jpg
moose135
2006-10-05, 01:26 AM
Fred, love the way the flash caught the falling rain in the first picture! Nice shots, as usual. Sure wish we could have gotten some better night shots.
(Now I gotta finish my shots from today so I can get to bed!)
cancidas
2006-10-05, 02:34 AM
wow, great shots everyone. kinda wish i was there though....
derf, love the rain getting caught by the flashlight, and i love how you can see the different shades of glass in the hangar doors.
night all!
moose135
2006-10-05, 03:10 AM
Final approach and landing:
http://moose135.smugmug.com/photos/100127913-L.jpg
http://moose135.smugmug.com/photos/100127933-L.jpg
http://moose135.smugmug.com/photos/100127951-L.jpg
http://moose135.smugmug.com/photos/100142383-L.jpg
http://moose135.smugmug.com/photos/100142388-L.jpg
http://moose135.smugmug.com/photos/100142434-L.jpg
After shutdown:
http://moose135.smugmug.com/photos/100152878-L.jpg
http://moose135.smugmug.com/photos/100152903-L.jpg
http://moose135.smugmug.com/photos/100152920-L.jpg
Daughter of the Tomcat pilot:
http://moose135.smugmug.com/photos/100157659-L.jpg
Post flight ceremony:
http://moose135.smugmug.com/photos/100157701-L.jpg
http://moose135.smugmug.com/photos/100157711-L.jpg
President of the Grumman Retiree Club signing the papers transfering the Tomcat over to the Club:
http://moose135.smugmug.com/photos/100157813-L.jpg
http://moose135.smugmug.com/photos/100157837-L.jpg
http://moose135.smugmug.com/photos/100157846-L.jpg
Dan N
2006-10-05, 08:15 AM
Hey all, first post here.. Great site by the way.. I'd love to get out to JFK with some of you one of these days.
Anyway, here a few from yesterday...
I was up in the old tower adjacent to New Highway for the break....
http://danneri.com/f14/finalflight/2006%20_DAN5181%20F-14%20Tomcat.jpg
I couldn't see the wheels touch down because they decided to land on 32, but did get to look straight down and watch her taxi to the museum...
http://danneri.com/f14/finalflight/2006-_DAN5236%20F-14%20Tomcat.jpg
http://danneri.com/f14/finalflight/2006-_DAN5259%20F-14%20Tomcat.jpg
As soon as she was out of fuel, the crew gave her a final salute:
http://danneri.com/f14/finalflight/2006-_DAN5361%20F-14%20Tomcat.jpg
One of the many signatures on the aircraft:
http://danneri.com/f14/finalflight/2006-_DAN5486%20F-14%20Tomcat.jpg
The woman pictured here is the President of the Northrop Grumman Retiree club. She signed the official paperwork taking over ownership of the aircraft.
http://danneri.com/f14/finalflight/2006-_DAN5574%20F-14%20Tomcat.jpg
And finally... one of the other photographers there was nice enough to grab a few shots of me and Felix....
http://danneri.com/f14/finalflight/2006-IMG_3677%20F-14%20Tomcat.jpg
PhilDernerJr
2006-10-05, 08:20 AM
Hi Dan, welcome to the site! Some REALLY nice shots you got there. :)
Hope to see you out there with us soon. :)
lijk604
2006-10-05, 01:20 PM
Dan, welcome to the site! Great shots!
Mellyrose
2006-10-05, 01:25 PM
Welcome Dan! Super shots :)
Welcome Dan...here are some more shots from last night!
http://Derf.smugmug.com/photos/100401086-L-1.jpg
http://Derf.smugmug.com/photos/100401261-L.jpg
The "Chick Magnet" for Mel!!!
http://Derf.smugmug.com/photos/100401395-L.jpg
http://Derf.smugmug.com/photos/100401467-L.jpg
http://Derf.smugmug.com/photos/100401529-L.jpg
http://Derf.smugmug.com/photos/100401612-L.jpg
http://Derf.smugmug.com/photos/100401873-L.jpg
lijk604
2006-10-06, 09:24 AM
Terriffic as usual Fred!
hiss srq
2006-10-06, 09:31 AM
Defineately beautiful. Those engines look untouched. Pretty sweet.
Thanks....Those engines are cool as hell! Can anyone guess what this is?
http://fromtheflightdeck.com/temp/nycaviation/5/IMG_1514.jpg
Dan N
2006-10-06, 10:11 AM
Not sure of the actual term, but they look like the afterburner injectors.
Yep...Fuel lines and connections for the Burner!
I love the Jet engine....actuall I love ALL engines. I always wanted to fix
all types of engines and started with 2 cycle then to four stroke, Ya
know... intake, compression, ignition, exaust.... then you move to the
big guns.
http://fromtheflightdeck.com/temp/nycaviation/5/IMG_1415%20copyb.jpg
hiss srq
2006-10-06, 10:34 AM
but much more expensive ha hahahahaahah
moose135
2006-10-06, 10:41 AM
Great shots Fred. When I saw the moon & clouds last night, I knew you would be out!
SengaB
2006-10-06, 10:37 PM
Wow nice shots there Fred,
Its kind of sad to know that just a few hours ago this plane was still fully functional. They didn't waste any time getting to it.
Senga
Tired....was up late at the airport again taking pictures.....got in trouble with wifie for being out with another girl (Tomcat) but told her that it was OK because she was declawed. I got shots of them taking out the gun, inserting the nozzles into the back of the engines. Then last night I got many shots and happened to meet another forum member in the process. Great Night, good friends and a complaining wife for being out so late....what more could I ask for!
Hope to see some pictures soon -Fred
GrummanFan
2006-10-07, 12:14 PM
So what's going to become of all these removed parts? Are they going to be scrapped, saved as spare parts, or possibly turned into museum displays? I'd love to see at least one of those engines stay intact as an exhibit.
I'm going out to pick up my pics now, I'll put em up as soon as I run 'em through photoshop...
So what's going to become of all these removed parts? Are they going to be scrapped, saved as spare parts, or possibly turned into museum displays? I'd love to see at least one of those engines stay intact as an exhibit.
I'm going out to pick up my pics now, I'll put em up as soon as I run 'em through photoshop...
Kept in a safe place just incase W want world domination....they are saved to support the fleet of F-14 that is in mothballs incase we go to a big war.... Lots of Tomcats in storage = Quick aircraft in case we get in trouble......but it would have to be BIG TROUBLE!
lijk604
2006-10-07, 03:23 PM
Finally got to my shots...
Making the final break:
http://i20.photobucket.com/albums/b233/lijk604/164603web.jpg
A note from the pilot to his bird:
http://i20.photobucket.com/albums/b233/lijk604/F14Pilotnoteweb.jpg
Right before engine removal in the morning:
http://i20.photobucket.com/albums/b233/lijk604/164603tailweb.jpg
The last 2 are dedicated to Derf...the leader of the night photographers brigade.
http://i20.photobucket.com/albums/b233/lijk604/164603nightenginetailweb.jpg
http://i20.photobucket.com/albums/b233/lijk604/164603nightrearweb.jpg
Nonstop2AUH
2006-10-07, 04:55 PM
Awesome pics guys, just beautiful. I am more of an airliner fan but what kid that grew up in the '80s didn't see Top Gun and want to fly one of these things? Now, if only Tom Cruise would retire so gracefully...
Who were the mech'w who tore her apart, they weren't Navy guys were they?
moose135
2006-10-07, 08:20 PM
Who were the mech'w who tore her apart, they weren't Navy guys were they?
No, the guy at the museum mentioned who they are, a contract outfit that does this type of work, but I forget the company name he said.
I think Fred has been living at FRG this week. I stopped by this afternoon, only to run into him at the museum. Of couse, I had to shoot some:
Inside the nose gear door:
http://moose135.smugmug.com/photos/100708693-L.jpg
http://moose135.smugmug.com/photos/100708632-L.jpg
http://moose135.smugmug.com/photos/100708654-L.jpg
The back of the ejection seat assembly:
http://moose135.smugmug.com/photos/100708609-L.jpg
http://moose135.smugmug.com/photos/100708595-L.jpg
Good to see there is a warranty on the seat - "If this seat fails to operate properly, please return for a full refund..." Of course, Martin-Baker seats rarely failed to operate properly.
SengaB
2006-10-10, 01:51 AM
Heres a few more angles of "Felix Zero One" we haven't seen yet :)
FS2004
http://www.nycaviation.com/hosting/felix03.jpg
http://www.nycaviation.com/hosting/felix04.jpg
http://www.nycaviation.com/hosting/felix02.jpg
Senga
MORS-AB-ALTO
2006-10-10, 09:16 AM
Nice shots Moose & LIJK. Felix 101 looks spot on for FS2004 except for the drop tanks from VF-103, The Jolly Rogers.
Nice working with you the other night Fred. These are dedicated to you. Although I was totally unprepared having no flash and only one battery coupled with dodging the rain I don't think I did too bad for a first timer at night.
http://i71.photobucket.com/albums/i121/MORSABALTO/DSC_0977.jpg
http://i71.photobucket.com/albums/i121/MORSABALTO/DSC_0960.jpg
http://i71.photobucket.com/albums/i121/MORSABALTO/DSC_0955.jpg
http://i71.photobucket.com/albums/i121/MORSABALTO/DSC_0980.jpg
http://i71.photobucket.com/albums/i121/MORSABALTO/DSC_1023.jpg
http://i71.photobucket.com/albums/i121/MORSABALTO/DSC_1000.jpg
http://i71.photobucket.com/albums/i121/MORSABALTO/DSC_0963.jpg
http://i71.photobucket.com/albums/i121/MORSABALTO/DSC_0979.jpg
http://i71.photobucket.com/albums/i121/MORSABALTO/DSC_1032.jpg
lijk604
2006-10-10, 11:04 AM
MORS:
Not bad for a first go. Those shots were my first foray into night work as well and I didnt have Fred around to help. So I didnt have the flash either. Looks like you had some better angles, all my stuff was shot with the tripod on the ground. Either way, it's cool to see these shots day after day to see the progress.
Hey Senga where'd you find those Aim-54's! Navy got rid of 'em some time ago.
SengaB
2006-10-10, 07:53 PM
Nick, great to see another Military weapons buff.
I totally forgot the Pheonix had been retired. The creator of this particular F-14 model uploaded it flightsim.net on 03-20-2004. The Pheonix left US service in September 2004 and that would explain why the developer of this fs2004 F-14 created it with the model. Too bad he didn't make a "clean" model. Maybe he updated it.
Senga
......Either way, it's cool to see these shots day after day to see the progress.
Hey guys....I have been down to the AAM about every day to take pictures mutible times a day. I have over 2000 shots EASY! I tried to document it as best I could. I was also the last person who was inside the Tomcat and took the last shots of it before they shut the canopy for good....THEY CAN NO LONGER OPEN IT without damaging the canopy itself. It was amazing this week, watched the gun come out...watched the entire interory get torn out after being kicked out of the cockpit by the crew so they could start.... ahh hell, It could take an entire day to type all the neat, but sad thing I witnessed.... The worst was the hydrolic fluid.
I have not updated any images since the first day because I have had NO SLEEP..... Now that the job is done, My job of sorting and posting starts....
Few days of rest first!!! PHEW!
(I can not tell you what an honor it was to be the last person in the last operational U.S. Tomcat)
Dan N
2006-10-10, 11:12 PM
Fred,
YOU SUCK!! LOL
That would have been real cool to sit in one again.. (remember the story Dad and I told you?).
Way cool bro... good for you. Were there anything instruments left in her??
GrummanFan
2006-10-11, 11:30 AM
You lucky bastard, Fred! But hey, you deserve it.
So I guess they're going to leave the cockpit clear, and not black it out?
Still working on my pics...
Its...light blue
Home Deopt only had navy, light blue and white
It was the best choice and looks nice!
SengaB
2006-10-11, 12:47 PM
SHEESH. I HATE it when they do that.
Senga
T-Bird76
2006-10-11, 12:52 PM
Its...light blue
Home Deopt only had navy, light blue and white
It was the best choice and looks nice!
It looks like crap IMO, looks like a toy now.
SengaB
2006-10-11, 12:53 PM
Can someone post a pic please.
It looks to bad when they do that to planes
http://www.nycaviation.com/hosting/mig1.jpg
Senga
They always paint the canopy for static display's. I of course would rather none...but the blue is different than the normal black they usually use!
Last night...first night with the paint....I also has the entire painting process.... Very Sad :(
http://fromtheflightdeck.com/temp/nycaviation/IMG_3763.jpg
hiss srq
2006-10-11, 02:47 PM
I do not get why they paint out the canopy. That is stupid if you ask me.
GrummanFan
2006-10-11, 03:12 PM
Well, I know they do it to prevent UV rays from getting in the cockpit and hurting anything, but I still hate it. Leave it clear, put a fake seat and insturment panel in there, and maybe some green lights to simulate the instrument lights, might look kindof cool.
SengaB
2006-10-11, 06:15 PM
I have seen several static aircraft that haven't had the cockpit lights painted over. I just wonder how someone can think its a good thing to do when the decide to.
Senga
Dan N
2006-10-11, 08:59 PM
When I was at the Museum the morning Felix came in, I overheard the gentleman from Northrop describing how she was going to be displayed at Bethpage to Cmdr. Howe of VF-31.
The plan is to have her up on a pole wings swept, in a bank.
I guess the idea behind the light blue is to simulate the sky through the canopy.
.....The plan is to have her up on a pole wings swept, in a bank.
I guess the idea behind the light blue is to simulate the sky through the canopy.
They are using the same look as an F-14 with the one single pole in
somewhere in Florida...
the color idea was simply.... Home Depot only had 3 colors of the type
they needed....White, Lt Blue and Navy... The gentleman below in the
picture made the decision at that time
http://fromtheflightdeck.com/temp/nycaviation/IMG_3354.jpg
SengaB
2006-10-11, 09:50 PM
Oh my, What crime that is! Someone stop that man!
Senga
Greg_NY
2006-10-11, 10:04 PM
What a shame! It really detracts from the appearance...
He worked for Grumman back in the day and I think with the hundreds of
Grummanites that showed up to visit their baby....little were more upset
that this gentleman was.... You could hear it when he was smacking the
canopy hardware to secure it with a hammer to make it impossible to
open! As he says... "I am just doing my job... I don't have to like it...but
it IS my job"
Would you rather the aircraft be sent to AMARC or displayed?
Would you rather the aircraft be sent to AMARC or displayed?
Hmmm...... AMARC it would be able to stored and could be fixed or
would probably have become a drone...but I hear they are chopping all
the F-14's and the only ones that are being saved are the ones for display
and 20 in the desert at AMARC....
I like to be able to shoot this... for the last 14 to land home, it is special.
But watching what was happening to this aircraft all week made me sad
yet pumped because I got to watch it. This shot is what the final
condition of the cockpit looks like. (Picture taken within 1 hour of closing
the canopy)
http://fromtheflightdeck.com/temp/nycaviation/IMG_3340.jpg
T-Bird76
2006-10-12, 09:38 AM
Fred that's a wild picture, amazing they can strip a plane that quickly. A lay man would never know just a week ago that plane was flyable. Rather a powerful shot for those of us who know the recent history of the plane.
hiss srq
2006-10-12, 09:48 AM
to think that one week ago she screamed over my head at probably 250 knots wings swept ready to go and now the only thing the scrap man has not taken yet is the landing gear lever, three handles and a red button. Crikey! Even the rudder pedals are out of that thing already.
MORS-AB-ALTO
2006-10-12, 10:11 AM
The only aircraft currently being converted to drones from Davis Monthan AFB are (Q)F-4 Phantoms. By the time they run out of the old Rhino there should be a gaggle of F-16's baking in the sun. I don't believe the Tomcat will ever be converted for use in a target program mainly because it would be cost prohibitive. Hornets make far better aerial cannon fodder anyway!
As far as number of F-14's at AMARC there are currently 115 A's, 36 B's and 18 D's.
SengaB
2006-10-12, 10:48 AM
Are there still any A-7 , QF-106 Drones left? When I visited Tyndall in the late 90s there was a fleet of A-7s (unshootable) QF-106s (Unshootable) and the F-4s.
I wish I tried a little harder then to get the A-7s and the QF-106s.
http://www.nycaviation.com/hosting/drones01.jpg
http://www.nycaviation.com/hosting/drones02.jpg
Senga
As far as numbers of F-14's at AMARC there are currently 115 A's, 36 B's and 18 D's.
THANK YOU, Now I feel a little better!
http://www.longislandwallpapers.com/gal ... /101844719 (http://www.longislandwallpapers.com/gallery/1966130/1/101844719)
I have about 200 shots uploaded... I wish I could show all but sum will have to wait to be seen....
:lol: :wink:
MORS-AB-ALTO
2006-10-12, 12:14 PM
The cockpit shots at night came out real good Fred. I like the production plate with the flag and bloodlike hydraulic fluid at night shots as well!
moose135
2006-10-12, 12:40 PM
Outstanding Fred! Glad that someone who cares was there to document her last days.
Greg_NY
2006-10-12, 08:14 PM
Fred, Fantastic photos!
Thanks for sharing them with us.
Ok, Phew.... last update to the site is now complete. The lastest batch has the Cockpit shots
http://www.longislandwallpapers.com/gal ... /101844719 (http://www.longislandwallpapers.com/gallery/1966130/1/101844719)
http://www.longislandwallpapers.com/photos/102197806-L.jpg
hiss srq
2006-10-13, 11:42 AM
It just seems so wrong
SCOTYDEMCO
2006-10-13, 12:52 PM
I agree Ryan. Sad!
FINISHED THE VIDEO!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!
Please let me know what you think
http://fromtheflightdeck.com/VideoLIW/F-14-640.wmv
Please send this to everyone!!!
Thank- Fred
Nonstop2AUH
2006-10-16, 02:54 AM
Thanks for explaining why they paint the canopy and make it look so crappy. When my friend was flying out of Myrtle Beach for a Fedex Feeder, there was an A-7 and an A-10 parked near the FBO to evoke the field's past days as an Air Force base. The canopies were sprayed black and I wondered what the reason was. It totally nixed any ideas I had of a Top Gun-style "need for speed" photo standing next to a warbird, because the paint makes it look kind of fake, like a mock-up or model. While I don't know what it is, there has to be a better way to address the issue of sun exposure AND preserve a realistic-looking cockpit!
GrummanFan
2006-10-16, 10:17 AM
Another aboslutely outstanding, breath-taking vid Fred! I love that time-lapse photo set at the end, brilliant!
Eckerd still has yet to finish my pics from that day...is it about time for me to hurl a brick through thier window yet?
They usually cover the cockpit to keep the UV out.....they paint it because
the plane on display is suppose to look operational, incact and ready to
pack quite a punch. If you were able to go up and see all the wires in the
cockpit with no instruments... It would be a reminder of an aircraft lost
and not the symbol of power it is suppose to give.
Everyone wants the canopy clear, Everyone would be disgusted lookin
inside. If you could see inside, people would want to climb ontop of it to
see....I WOULD WANT TO TOO!
My .02c
Another aboslutely outstanding, breath-taking vid Fred! I love that time-lapse photo set at the end, brilliant!
Eckerd still has yet to finish my pics from that day...is it about time for me to hurl a brick through thier window yet?
Thanks, AFTER post proccessing, it took around 5 hours
Glad it is over! ....The Video that is!
bluejuice
2006-10-17, 11:41 PM
Fantastic video great job
GrummanFan
2006-10-24, 03:16 PM
Took me long enough, but I finally had a chance to go through and work on my pics. Here's just a few.
I still shoot film, so please excuse the bad quality and photoshop skills.
http://i27.photobucket.com/albums/c180/GrummanFan/wheelwellsigs.jpg
http://i27.photobucket.com/albums/c180/GrummanFan/TomcatBWa.jpg
http://i27.photobucket.com/albums/c180/GrummanFan/tomcat_taxi1.jpg
http://i27.photobucket.com/albums/c180/GrummanFan/tailhook.jpg
http://i27.photobucket.com/albums/c180/GrummanFan/RIO.jpg
http://i27.photobucket.com/albums/c180/GrummanFan/jetintake.jpg
http://i27.photobucket.com/albums/c180/GrummanFan/blast.jpg
This one's still a work in progress, but you get the idea. Who needs a wide angle lens?
http://i27.photobucket.com/albums/c180/GrummanFan/wideinprogress.jpg
T-Bird76
2006-10-24, 03:50 PM
I have to say to all that posted pics in this thread you guys have done an amazing job! I've thoroughly enjoyed seeing everybody’s different perspectives of this historic event.
I had a very nice message left on my web site under a picture of the Tomcat...
http://Derf.smugmug.com/photos/102006147-L.jpg
"Hey that is me there!!!! I remember that day when I cut the stencil and painted it there!!
A/C 101 and 100 both have this stencil in the same spot! I was the LPO of the Corrosion
Control shop. I am very happy that this stencil will live on forever and all that see it will
wonder who these people are. If any one is interested in pictures that I took when this
Tomcat was painted just let me know."
It was written by AM1 (AW) Smith
Powered by vBulletin® Version 4.2.3 Copyright © 2024 vBulletin Solutions, Inc. All rights reserved.