While at the Geneseo Airshow this past weekend, I had the privledge of talking at length to Dale 'Snort' Snodgrass. One of the things I asked him about was the rumored 'civilian' F-14 for the airshow circuit. He told me that the plan was in the advanced stages and involved bringing about 12 F-14's from AMARC to St Augustine FL (Northrop-Grumman facility). 4 would be kept airworthy while the rest would be placed in ready reserve for the project as well as the Navy should the need arise. I believe he did say that they would have remained Navy property.

The airworthy Tomcats would have been used for contract work and airshow performances. They had a major corporate sponsor on board as well. It got up to the top Navy Brass where it was rejected after some consideration. The thought of seeing the F-14 in the hands of 'Snort' again...or in legacy flights... :cry: ....what might have been?

Have a look at Dale's latest project on his website:
http://www.americantopguns.com/

He will be hosting a reality series that will take MS Flight Sim gamer's and see if they can handle the real thing. Dale says the plan is to start them out in Extra 300's then move up to L-39's where they will square off. The winner will be going to Russia to fly in a front line Mig or Sukoi!

(For those who don't know who Dale is (since ASB is an Int'l website), his Bio is posted on the website. For starters he's the highest time F-14 pilot out there.)


Also at Geneseo I got to speak to 'Dangerous' Dan McCue. I first saw Dan back in the early to Mid 90s when he was flying his acro routine in a Yak-11 modified with a P&W engine. He also performed acro in an L-39, which was an aircraft he was very involved in importing into the U.S. as well as training would be owners. He told me that his most recent project involves purchasing from auction in Canada of former CF T-33's. Some will be sold off to owners here, but he will be keeping one for an upcoming acro routine on the show circuit.

Also Dan mentioned about some former CF F-5's that will be used for contract work here, but maybe one for the show circuit as well? Stay tuned!


Pete

Dangerous?

"From the right it's Dangerous Dan McQue in the Russian Yak-11!"

That's what the announcers always called him. It was great to meet him finally.

They call him Dangerous Dan because he is. Moreso in the bar than in the box mind you. Gotta love that guy.

Love that opening picture


Pete, did Dan mention where he'll be keeping the CF-5 or T-33's? When he had his L-39 he kept it at the next town over from me (skyhaven AP)

I didn't think to ask him that. I would imagine thats a good possibility for the T-33. The F-5's will probably be mostly for contract work, so may be wherever the work is. But I'm hoping to see him fly one at a show one day!.

Hi Carol,

It was great to meet you at Geneseo! I was with the Long Island guys in the Top Gun tent. The routine looked great, even though Charlie Fox said you looked like a hood ornament!

Pete