Who flies backseat?

[Grant]

Random question...

At the '05 NAS Fort Worth airshow, there was someone riding in the backseat of the Blue Angels #7 jet during the demonstration. I'm curious as to who this might be, as I was unaware of any NFO's being part of the Blues...?

Also, VFC-12 had someone riding in the backseat of one of their 2 seater Hornets. I didnt think they'd have NFO's either, since the fleet Navy squadrons dont have NFO's in F/A-18C squadrons.

I wouldnt think that they'd be giving VIP rides during the demonstration. I've read that those usually occur the days leading up to the airshow. So does anybody know who these backseaters are? Am I mistaken that NFO's are not part of the above mentioned squadrons?

 

[Brett327]

Random question...

At the '05 NAS Fort Worth airshow, there was someone riding in the backseat of the Blue Angels #7 jet during the demonstration. I'm curious as to who this might be, as I was unaware of any NFO's being part of the Blues...?

Also, VFC-12 had someone riding in the backseat of one of their 2 seater Hornets. I didnt think they'd have NFO's either, since the fleet Navy squadrons dont have NFO's in F/A-18C squadrons.

I wouldnt think that they'd be giving VIP rides during the demonstration. I've read that those usually occur the days leading up to the airshow. So does anybody know who these backseaters are? Am I mistaken that NFO's are not part of the above mentioned squadrons?

We're everywhere, man!

Brett

 

[Schnugg]

The blues have an NFO. # 8
I served with him on the Stennis when he was in VF-211.

Shaun A. Swartz
Lieutenant, U.S. Navy
Events Coordinator

Bio: http://www.blueangels.navy.mil/2005%20officers/Bios/08.pdf

 

[Road Program]

Poor bastard..."Hey, we need hotel reservations, van reservations, and make sure you come up with a script for the show." I did that stuff for my team (minus the script) when I was in college and it sucked a$$.

 

[zab1001]

I'm gonna go out on a limb and guess ol' LT Swartz probably isn't calling hotels and AVIS for 10 man vans. I would think/hope the Blues have a dedicated events department.

then again...this is the Navy...

 

[Schnugg]

I'd think it's all boilerplate. Not too much to really plan.
They've already been to most of the airfields they plan to do shows at.

But most importantly...remember, he volunteered.

 

[FlyingFortress]

My bro went to high school with that guy here in Overland Park, KS. Correct me if I am wrong, but I think he was an F-14 RIO? Small world.

 

[Grant]

Thats really cool.

What exactly would the NFO be doing during the demonstration? Obviously he isnt just sitting there twiddling his thumbs, but since #1-6 jets are single seaters, I'd imagine that the pilot of the #7 wouldnt really "need" the NFO back there to perform, since weapons systems arent used. Does anyone happen to be in-the-know as to his in-flight duties?

 

[TurnandBurn55]

My bro went to high school with that guy here in Overland Park, KS. Correct me if I am wrong, but I think he was an F-14 RIO? Small world.

Indeed. As Schnuggapup said, he was in VF-211. "VF" in the Navy indicates an F-14 squadron. I believe they're currently transitioning to the dark side, aren't they? There's a fair number of instructors in VT-86 who are former -211 guys...

 

[A4sForever]

Seek and Ye Shall Find Dept: "Who flies backseat" ... with the Blues??? Is that the question??? G.I.B.'s .... who's the "guy in the back"??

If so, the answer is: Orientation flights are given to three members of the local media at each show site. Individuals must be accredited members of the media and are recommended by Navy recruiters and air show sponsors, then reviewed and approved by the Blue Angels. A small number of VIP orientation flights are also offered each year to individuals from television, sports, music and the movie industry.

Bottom line .... who gets into the back seat is usually who will give the Blues and Naval Aviation the most visibility and "face-time" ..... no chumps allowed.

 

[rare21]

Bottom line .... who gets into the back seat is usually who will give the Blues and Naval Aviation the most visibility and "face-time" ..... no chumps allowed.

Chumps you say? I can think of two....Dr. Phil and Christopher Titus...why did they get to ride backseat?

 

[Grant]

If so, the answer is: Orientation flights are given to three members of the local media at each show site. Individuals must be accredited members of the media and are recommended by Navy recruiters and air show sponsors, then reviewed and approved by the Blue Angels. A small number of VIP orientation flights are also offered each year to individuals from television, sports, music and the movie industry.

Thanks A4s, I appreciate it, but I've heard that before. I was wondering who rode along during the actual demonstration, and now its been said to be #8. I saw on the "Military Channel" during their series on the Blues that the orientation flights are usually conducted a day or two before the actual show...?

..... no chumps allowed.

Well damn.

 

[A4sForever]

Chumps you say? I can think of two....Dr. Phil and Christopher Titus...why did they get to ride backseat?

Why?? Easy answer. The aforementioned .... P.R. value, a.k.a. "face time"

 

[Grant]

...Dr. Phil ...why did they get to ride backseat?

Because Oprah's fat ass wouldnt fit in the cockpit.

 

[zab1001]

chris titus? the guy from the sitcom?