I watched the Blue Angels perform today at the Reno Air Races. It was the first time I’d been to an air show in the US in nearly 10 years, but have seen them in Singapore and the UAE.
The F18s as well as the C130s flew directly over the grandstand both from the front and rear at perhaps 500 feet above the spectators.
Since when have they been allowed to do this? Even back when the Italians crashed bad in Germany at an airshow killing scores, this practice was not allowed in the US. Did something change?
The show today was overly militaristic in nature and far too “USA! USA! USA!” for my taste. Is the military allowed to fly over 30,000 spectators at 500’ now to fuel the cheers of “war!”??
Sorry, it was a very odd cultural experience being back visiting my own country after a long time away.
Chicago Air and Water Show circa mid August, 2009. The US Air Force Thunderbirds and the Canadian Air Force Snowbirds thrilled 40,000 plus Cubs fans with pass after pass over Wrigley Field during the Cubs vs. Pirates games. It was awesome!
The rules vary slightly by aircraft type, but generally speaking straight and level is OK over grandstands, acrobatics, sharp turns, etc… are not. The Blues have that soloist who comes screaming over the crowd from the back at around 700 mph and 50 feet in the “Sneak Pass”.