So You Want To Shoot Air To Air?

[Jay Beckman]

I woudln't be surprised if donations are made.  

(Although I bet renting SJ doesn't come cheap...)

[Matt Ottosen]

No, her operating expense is $2000 per hour.

[Jay Beckman]

Now that puts the seminar cost in a different light...   

[Joe Copalman]

I'll say.

[Matt Ottosen]

Just heard from the Wing Leader at the Arizona Wing.  Here's what he had to say, "The vendor that was wanting to do this was not able to get it organized with funding on his part for the operational costs for our aircraft."

[BillOz]

Sounds like if you're signed up for this, you may want to check with the organizers, and find out what aircraft you will be doing air-to-air with.  It may end up that the target ship is a Cessna 172 instead of the B-17.  Now for learning technique purposes, it probably doesn't matter what the target is, but to advertise it will be with a B-17, and 2 P-51's, then show up with something less, might be somewhat deceiving.  Maybe they have another unique and interesting target bird.  Most any warbird would do fine.   Would be a neat opportunity to learn with some pros.  Wish I had that kind of disposable money.

[Jay Beckman]

Guess I'll just see how things shake out.  I'm not on the hook for any cash yet but I'll definately want some clarification on how this will work and their refund policy.

As for it being "disposable money," well, it really isn't but I figure it's an investment in my growth as an aviation photographer.  I'd rather spend this money under these circumstances then try and pull off an amateur shoot with un-qualified pilots and end up on the desert floor to be picked up with a sponge.

Oh, and in the right light, even a C172 can look good A2A...   

[Joe Copalman]

I'm sure there won't be any shortage of good subjects even if the CAF aircraft aren't on board.  I'm guessing Stang and Cripes will be the -51s?  If that Bearcat at Falcon makes it up - hot damn! 

I was assuming MitS was going to be the photo platform, was this the case?  That might certainly cramp their style if they can't line up the photo-ship. 

[Jay Beckman]

A lot is going to depend on what ends up being the camera platform.

Not interested in stuffing a bunch of people in a Baron or Seneca and risk Prescott all over again.

I'm dying to do this but I don't want to die doing it!  I'm pretty sure it would void my warranty!

[Dave S.]

Hey all,

Found this under their description of the workshop.

Our Mesa event is planned to feature B-17 Flying Fortress "Sentimental Journey," two Mustangs, and a mix of classic, antique and general aviation aircraft providing a mix of subjects illustrating most subjects you may shoot in the real world. As with any activity including aircraft, the specific aircraft available on shooting days is subject to maintenance, but similar backups are in place.

Using the phrase '...the specific aircraft available on shooting days is subject to...' may be a way of dealing with variations between the advertised aircraft vs. what ends up being used that day.

[Dave S.]

Also, since Nikon is a sponsor, are you still allowed to shoot with your own equipment, for those non-Nikon users?  The reason I ask is due to differences between the systems.

Say I just figure out where to get $3000, I don't want to have most, if not all, of my shots ruined because I wasn't familiar enough with the camera to make on the spot adjustments, as needed.

[Joe Copalman]

Not interested in stuffing a bunch of people in a Baron or Seneca and risk Prescott all over again.

Good point, but chances are you won't be flying through a MiG-21's wake in whatever platform you go up in. 

[Jay Beckman]

@ Dave: I saw that disclaimer and I honestly figured that getting SJ was an absolute best case scenario.  I have it on good authority that Canon shooters are welcome but "Please at least try the nice Nikon gear provided..."  I assume that with Richard and Moose on hand, there will be instruction on using Nikon.  Color me intrigued.  The best way to understand your adversary is to study them.   

@ Joe: Yeah, no MiGs thanks!   

[Paul Dumm]

Reading Sun Tzu  "Art of War" are we now Jay??

[Jay Beckman]

Just recently saw a documentary on how the prinicples of AoW can be applied to various conflicts over time...