Air Show 2010

It wouldn't be the 4th, without attending the Battle Creek Air Show with our VIP tickets. At least, that seems to be the tradition anyway. I know it's going to be difficult go back to general public admission after getting spoiled with the VIP tickets. When the temps are in the high 80's, blazing sun, it's nice to be able to stretch out, grab a free cold drink whenever you feel like it, and not have sweaty rednecks spilling beer on you. Though, I did seem to gain a special friend who found it necessary to chat with me the whole time I took pictures. Never in the down time between acts or during the acts I didn't care about, only the performances I wanted to take pictures of. Helpful!

This year was different from years past, a true headlining group wasn't booked for the air show. Instead, the showcase performance was a single plane, the F-22 Raptor. Overall, I do like watching the precision of multiple planes flying in formation, so this year was a bit of a let down. The Raptor is a very cool aircraft, it's not to say it's performance was lacking, it just didn't seem as exciting. Though in terms of awesomeness, the single F-22 could probably take on every other military plane at the air show, plus the Thunderbirds and the Blue Angles at the same time and shoot them all down. So, I wouldn't say I enjoyed the prior air shows better out of fear of what it could do to me.

I did get to see two other aircraft I hadn't seen before too, the Harrier and the F-4 Phantom. The Harrier was Becca's favorite. I can see why, a plane that can take off and hover like a helicopter is unique. I couldn't help tease her about it though, for much of it's performance all it did was stand still, which isn't much different than if was just parked on the ground!

They also had rides in a B-25 WWII medium bomber for $400. Even though it would be once in a lifetime type of experience, if I'm going to spend $400 for a plane ride, it better be taking me someplace tropical! Though, I suppose a Raptor ride, I could be talked into paying $400 and landing at the same airport I took off from.