Firebird wrote:
Xray wrote:
And at this point, unfortunately it doesn't look very good for Collings and obviously can have a trickle down effect on other operators.
Sadly, yes it doesn't look good for CF, and yes, the trickle down effect could also be equally bad for others, just as we've pretty much seen the almost total ending of jet warbird operations here in the UK as a result of the Shoreham Hunter crash.
Crash in UK was indeed horrific, tough to even watch.
Not many people/groups with the capability and finances to operate jet warbirds [as you know] ... Outside of a few F-86's and Mig 15's, we have [had] a flying F-100 for a few years due solely to the efforts of 1 man, not sure what its status is now, hasn't made many shows last couple of years. Same with the F-4 Phantom, was reputed to be undergoing an avionics upgrade, don't think it has flown in at least 3 years.
Had a pair of F-104's flying the airshow circuit and I saw them once, don't think they are operational anymore. And there is a civilian A-4, can't think of any others they are truly a rarity. Has been talk for years of a civilian operated F-14, not holding my breath for that.
But my point is, even if they placed restrictions or an outright ban on civy operated jet warbirds, the effect would be almost unnoticeable. I think the effect will be felt mostly on groups that rely on finances from giving rides, Yankee AF for one in Ypsi MI with a flying B-17 and B-25.