Phoenix-Mesa Gateway Airport (AZA, KIWA, IWA) "Willie"

Joe Copalman · August 29, 2011, 05:45:56 PM

SLAM 93 turning tight for final on a 30C landing.

Matt Ottosen · August 29, 2011, 06:47:18 PM

McDonnell Douglas AV-8B Harrier II Plus
Marine Attack Squadron 542 (VMA-542) "Tigers"

Jeff D. Welker · August 29, 2011, 09:47:36 PM

I was out at Willie earlier today at the same time as Joe trying to catch the Globemaster inbound from PAX. While we were waiting, a nice surprise showed up - an EC-130H Compass Call out of DM. It bounced several times; giving Joe and I time to reposition our cars to get the best angle of approach. The light was typical AZ for mid-day summer - very bright, nearly straight overhead, with aggravatingly clear skies. Here is the DM Electroherc on final into Three Zero Right.

Joe Copalman · August 29, 2011, 10:19:20 PM

Great detail on that shot, Jeff. You're right - light was harsh, and the heat-haze was a shot-killer too.

Matt Ottosen · August 30, 2011, 06:53:59 PM

Lockheed P-3A Aerostar

Jeff D. Welker · August 30, 2011, 07:25:58 PM

Very nice catch Matt. Am I correct that Aero Union has folded its tent? What happens to such a cool aircraft? Is it possible you caught its last visit to Willie?

Joe Copalman · August 30, 2011, 08:03:29 PM

Yup, Aero Union went ~~tits~~ er, tanks-up last month in the wake of losing the USFS contract. No idea what will happen to their aircraft.

Solid static shot, Matt.

Joe Copalman · August 30, 2011, 08:04:30 PM

Another white whale harpooned. Guardrails are rare at Willie, and every time one shows up, I'm usually unable to get out there.

Jay Beckman · August 30, 2011, 10:40:15 PM

Should we call you Ishmael?

Joe Copalman · August 30, 2011, 10:52:30 PM

Nah. I'm luckier, and my "whales" don't destroy my ride home.

Jay Beckman · August 31, 2011, 12:01:28 AM

The Guardrail Tasks Me...

Jeff D. Welker · August 31, 2011, 04:45:22 AM

Quote from: Jay Beckman on August 31, 2011, 12:01:28 AM
The Guardrail Tasks Me...

Well said

Nice catch Joe - is this Guardrail reading our minds or will all those antennas cause brain damage?

Jeff D. Welker · August 31, 2011, 05:29:11 AM

Head-On Nightmare...

Jay Beckman · August 31, 2011, 04:42:19 PM

Quote from: Jeff Welker on August 31, 2011, 04:45:22 AM
Nice catch Joe - is this Guardrail reading our minds or will all those antennas cause brain damage?

I knew you were going to say that...

Matt Ottosen · August 31, 2011, 06:05:44 PM

Quote from: Jeff Welker on August 30, 2011, 07:25:58 PM
Very nice catch Matt. Am I correct that Aero Union has folded its tent? What happens to such a cool aircraft? Is it possible you caught its last visit to Willie?

Thank you, Jeff! It is possible that this was her last visit to Willie.

Quote from: Joe Copalman on August 30, 2011, 08:03:29 PM
Yup, Aero Union went ~~tits~~ er, tanks-up last month in the wake of losing the USFS contract. No idea what will happen to their aircraft.

Solid static shot, Matt.

Thank you, Joe!

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Phoenix-Mesa Gateway Airport (AZA, KIWA, IWA) "Willie"