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Are these the most beautiful planes in the air....

Beautiful shots!
 
We all think so...and some great photography. Also kudos on that paint shine :)
 
Credit for the photography goes to Erik Johnston out of McKinney TX. He has a YouTube channel - he will probably have the video up in the next couple of weeks. Check out his channel for some great airplane videos. Erik was an expert at getting the plane placed exactly in the sun where it would look the best. He took the pictures / video from a 172 that was just a few feet above and ahead of me. The pilot of the photo ship was Kevin Lacey of "Airplane Repo" fame. That was the reality based TV show that showed Kevin sneaking into airports and repossessing airplanes.

I did clean the plane getting it ready for the shoot. That is the original 1995 paint job, but the previous owner (Mathen George out of Long Island) did a great job taking care of this great airplane until I purchased it in June of last year. The paint does not look 24 years old.

The best part about this day was learning how to fly in formation. Very intense and definitely not as easy as those who are good at it make it look.
 
Super job on detailing. Looks great!!:cool:

Formation; Try and anticipate what lead or the guy you're flying off is going to do next.
'Small' power adjustments.
Evenly spaced is more important than flying 'close' to your wingman. Most won't care if you are tucked in half a wing's length when the guy flying off of you is 5 wings width away.
Takes practice and repetition. Don't be afraid to call 'knock it off' if things get too close or uncomfortable.
And - watch out of the Commander's wake turbulence.
Former owner, Todd H. was flying close to my six S-turning during cruise (His TC was a bit faster than my plane) when suddenly he was sidewise thinking he's just snapped a control cable. Definitely got his and Maggie's attention.:eek:
 
Beautiful air to air shots! Your Commander looks fab.
 
Beautiful ship Stephen!
On another beautiful Texas day!

Don'tcha feel bad for all the people who don't live in Texas???

Bill.
 
Did they open the 172's windows for the shots? I've seen that done before and it certianly gives the clearest results.
 
Merlin83b said:
Did they open the 172's windows for the shots? I've seen that done before and it certianly gives the clearest results.
Click to expand...

Yes. The window actually stays all the way open against the bottom of the wing once enough air speed is gained after takeoff.

38976_zps5yy90gd9.jpg
 
sshore said:
The window actually stays all the way open against the bottom of the wing once enough air speed is gained after takeoff.
Click to expand...

I remember that from learning in C150/152/172.

Another great photo! Is it the gopro we can see sticking out form under the wing on the first picture a the top of the thread?
 
Merlin83b said:
I remember that from learning in C150/152/172.

Another great photo! Is it the gopro we can see sticking out form under the wing on the first picture a the top of the thread?
Click to expand...

Yes, GoPro under the pilot's side wing / on top of the co-pilot's wing.
 
You should invite him to Fredericksburg in September. I’m sure he would have a line of business
 
Cool video ....
 
Great photos.
 
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