I've spent 27 years doing everything BUT learn how to fly... FBO line guy (twice), flight sim (countless hours), Flying Magazine-Plane&Pilot-Airways (stacks of em), Demo Flights (at least 6). In August of 2007 I became a licensed pilot, follow along as this aviation nerd lives the dream of flight.
Thunder over Michigan (TOM) 2007 was definitely an airshow, and that's a BAD thing. TOM has turned into just another airshow, and I don't think I will be going back next year if it is to be more of the same. TOM in years past was a very "cozy" event, you could walk up and down the flight line (there really was no static display area because almost every plane goes flying) and really get up close to the aircraft. Volunteers would scurry around, making a path through the crowd for the aircraft to exit, and people crowded around to see what was going flying next. Last year, there was a land battle re-enactment with air cover (strafing) provided by P-51's and P-47 "Jugs":
This year's theme was "Mitchell Madness" and it was the only redeeming part of the show. 16 B-25's were present, and it was an awesome sight to see. A gullwing Corsair, 3 P-51's and a pair of P-47's showed up as well. I like Shawn D Tucker and the Blue Angels just fine, they just made TOM feel that much more like a regular air show. More food vendors, bigger parking area, and a higher admission price, and so it goes...
I am a member of YAM, and totally agree with you comments. When I first started attending our Thunder, it was unique in the fact that it was all about the WW2 Warbirds. That is what we were all about, but I'm afraid it is going to become just another airshow as you said. I am doing what I can to keep it about the old warbirds. I like the jets and all, but there just isn't anything like the WW2 Warbirds. People like you should contact Yankee, and let them know how you feel. I know for a fact that 2 of the P-47's didn't show because of the "jet set". It just isn't the same!!
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I am a member of YAM, and totally agree with you comments. When I first started attending our Thunder, it was unique in the fact that it was all about the WW2 Warbirds. That is what we were all about, but I'm afraid it is going to become just another airshow as you said. I am doing what I can to keep it about the old warbirds. I like the jets and all, but there just isn't anything like the WW2 Warbirds. People like you should contact Yankee, and let them know how you feel. I know for a fact that 2 of the P-47's didn't show because of the "jet set". It just isn't the same!!
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