Random aviation photos

a reply to: cmdrkeenkid

ERA Helicopters and Bristow Group merged in 2020, and is now one of the largest offshore operators, doing oil rig flights, and pipeline surveillance among other things. They were most likely contracted for launches for security teams. It looks like the Air Force isn't providing Pave Hawks anymore for security for SpaceX launches anymore, so this is probably their own security.

a reply to: cmdrkeenkid

Actually the paint scheme is an identifier that the aircraft is a dedicated SAR bird. USCG aircraft are painted like that because SAR is a primary mission. Navy aircraft that are dedicated to SAR have almost the same scheme. Yes, it's probably a contractor. I saw ads about two years ago, looking for "wet SAR crewmen". With what they were paying, I was sorry that I was too old and too banged up to apply.

a reply to: Zaphod58

there was government security last time they launched something interesting.

also when they launch from the Cape you would have to be crazy to go closer than the block houses

what would the drones do anyway? not like they could take out a ground 'target' with out the POTUS and others to give the OKAY to touch someone on the ground.

am surprised they didnt have fighters flying around for a few of them.

a reply to: cmdrkeenkid

i 'obviously' didnt take the pic as i just joined but i would say yes that is where the pics were taken.


I have a ton of them but they have my face or other people in them

Visit to Luke last week.

OME71, Omega 707 tanker with F-35Bs out of Yuma.

Red Flag 23-1.

a reply to: Zaphod58

Those look terrific Zaphod !

Zaph, your photos are awesome! Thank you for sharing all of these!
I hope it's alright if I share one of my own--the birds I tinker around with as a hobby are a little older than the heavy tech you've been photographing here, but history is cool too! That's me in the back. I'm a qualified pilot but it's not my jet! I got some training in this bird from aerobatics to simulated flame outs. It's a kitten to fly. This trainer is a 1966 Aero L-29 Delfín (NATO: Maya), she's Czechoslovakian-built.


(ETA--this jet is privately owned and operated in the US)

a reply to: wavelength

Very cool! I love older jets. So many of them have class that the newer jets just don't seem to.

a reply to: JohnnyAnonymous

Thanks. I was trying some new stuff with my editing and pushing things more than I usually do.

A view past the FOD check line at Nellis after a visit to the Thunderbirds Museum last year.

originally posted by: Zaphod58
a reply to: wavelength

Very cool! I love older jets. So many of them have class that the newer jets just don't seem to.

once again, a great contribution

I have a few questions so i sent you a DM

2023 Heritage Flight training

a reply to: Zaphod58

Great pics.. my favorite was the last one DSC_4829

Raven Aerostar high altitude balloon this evening.

a reply to: Zaphod58
So pretty