Final Fly-by

Panasonic DMC-G1, Nikkor 200mm f4

#7 is a two-seater. I wonder how one gets selected to ride in the airshow every year. :) I've photographed #7 many times through the years.

I found the answer in the Blue Angels' FAQ online:

What are the policies / requirements governing back seat flights in the number 7 jet?

The Blue Angels give three backseat flights at each show site for selected personnel. All three riders fly with the #7 pilot in the two-seat jet. Two of those riders are selected from the Key Influencer (KI) program and one rider is a credentialed media representative. The KI program selects individuals who shape attitudes and opinions of youth in their communities. KI's may be experts in their field, public figures, leaders of youth organizations, teachers, guidance counselors or school administrators. They are not always the person at the top of an organization, but rather individuals that have a strong impact on recruiting youth and/or a specific target audience. Flying these candidates, in coordination with media presence, is intended to promote the Navy and Marine Corps as professional and exciting organizations in which to serve. To be selected as a Key Influencer, you must first be nominated by a commanding officer of a Navy or a Marine Corps recruiting district. For more information, see your local recruiter or contact your local air show.

--Warren

Four at the GG Bridge

Panasonic DMC-G1, Nikkor 200mm f4

Here's one of mine with the traditional GG Bridge background. :)

--Warren

Four in Formation Flyby

Panasonic DMC-G1, Nikkor 200mm f4

I liked how the sun reflected off of the tails of the planes.

--Warren

High Speed Turn

Panasonic DMC-G1, Nikkor 200mm f4

I like to catch pictures of the Blue Angels flying by with vapor trails during high speed maneuvers. In this one, you can see the vapors just above each wing.

This was taken on Saturday. Gail and I were out there with Dan, Lea, & Tyler. Unfortunately, it was so crowded that we split up while catching a bus from the Fillmore District down to the waterfront, and we lost Dan for the rest of the day.

--Warren

Blue Angels on 10/10/10

Panasonic DMC-G1, Lumix 45-200mm

A United jumbo jet was part of the Fleet Week airshow yesterday. You don't normally see a giant passenger plane circling SF Bay with tight turns. My vantage point was just north of the Municipal Fishing Pier at Aquatic Park, about 1/8 of the way up the hill towards Ft. Mason. The Lumix 45-200mm was just "okay" for shooting the action. AF was not always accurate, and I haven't figured out how to efficiently use the lens in MF or continuous focus mode yet. I still managed to get some decent shots though.

Notice the crowds of people viewing the show on the roof of Alcatraz.

A seagull races the Blue Angels during the final fly-by :).

--Warren

The Patriots Jet Team

Nikon D100, Nikkor 300mm f4.5

They were part of the Fleetweek Air Show last Saturday.

--Warren

Bridge Fly-by in Delta Formation

Nikon D100, Tamron 24-135mm

This shot actually precedes the previous picture ("Angel Trails").

--Warren

Angel Trails

Nikon D100, Tamron 24-135mm

It was another picture perfect, gorgeous day on the Bay. We watched the airshow from Fort Point which is at the south end of the Golden Gate Bridge. I wasn't out to specifically photograph the show, but since I was out to see them anyway, well of course I couldn't help taking a few shots...

--Warren