|
 |
|
|||||||||||||
| Q:
HOW MANY AIRPLANES DO YOU HAVE? A: We currently have 11 jets. The numbers one through six jets we fly during air shows are the most visible. We also have three single-seat spares and two two-seat number seven jets. Finally, the C-130 aircraft known as "Fat Albert" is a vital part of the Blue Angels team. So that's 11 jets and one turbo-prop transport � twelve planes in all. Q: HOW FAST CAN YOUR JET GO? A:
While our Blue Jets (F/A-18 Hornets) can reach speeds of almost Mach 2 (1,400 mph),
we keep it below the sound barrier. The fastest we go is 700 mph (just under Mach
1) and the slowest is about 150 mph.Q: HOW DO YOU HANDLE G-FORCES? A: I don't wear a G-suit because, unlike combat flying, I know precisely when and how each G-force experience will occur. By anticipating, I can combat the effects of 'G' by doing the 'Hook Maneuver,' contracting the muscles of my stomach and neck. Q: CAN YOU GET HURT? HAS ANYBODY DIED DOING THIS? A: Naval aviation is an inherently dangerous job. Since the team began flying F/A-18s in 1987, there have been no pilot fatalities. But, there have been when the team flew other aircraft designs. The last Blue Angel pilot fatality was in 1985. Q: DO YOU EVER GET SCARED? A: No. The Blue Angels have specialized training and safety procedures that give me great confidence in my abilities as well as those around me. If I didn't feel safe, I wouldn't go fly! Q: WHY DO YOU HAVE SMOKE IN THE SHOWS? A: Two reasons. First, the smoke provides a traceable path for the spectators to follow. That way they can see the flight profile being flown. Second, it enhances the safety for the solo pilots who have maneuvers where they approach each other at high speeds. By turning on the smoke, they can pinpoint each other's position more quickly. And, by the way, the smoke poses no hazard to the environment. Q: WHAT MAKES YOUR PLANE SMOKE? A: Our jets have a special paraffin-based oil that is squirted directly into the left engine's exhaust nozzle. When the oil hits that super hot air coming out of that engine.WHAM! The oil is instantly vaporized and turns into smoke. Q: HOW MUCH FUEL DO YOU USE DURING A SHOW? A: On average, an F/A-18 will use about 8,000 pounds of fuel (1,300 gallons) during an hour of flight time. The fuel is a special mixture for jet aircraft and is called 'JP-5.' For those 1,300 gallons, it costs about $1,400. Q: HOW CAN I BECOME A BLUE ANGEL? A: Blue Angel demo pilots are chosen from the ranks of active duty Navy and Marine Corps tactical jet pilots who have at least 1,500 flight hours. The competition is tough, let me tell you! So, if you want to be a Blue, stay in school and stay away from drugs and alcohol. Q: CAN A WOMAN BE A BLUE ANGEL? A: We have female Blue Angels right now. They are support personnel, and without their help, we couldn't go fly. Currently, there are no female Blue Angel demonstration pilots, but there are many very capable women pilots in fleet squadrons who could possibly become future Blue Angels. Q: HOW CAN ONE GET A RIDE WITH THE BLUE ANGELS? A: Orientation flights are given to three members of the local media at each air-show site. We find this helps 'get the word out' about naval aviation and our scheduled appearance at an upcoming air show. There are also a small number of VIP orientation flights given to select individuals from the movie, television, music, and sports industries. These select individuals generate national media coverage and convey a positive image of the squadron and the Navy as a whole. |
||||||||||||||
|
|
||||||||||||||
