Blue Angels, Saturday report #1: Plane swap midshow

That’s Blue Angels jet number six getting inspected after its participation in today’s Seafair airshow abruptly ended after just a few minutes: It wasn’t long after all six took off that this one came back in to Boeing Field to land; once it was parked, its pilot got into one of the two #7 backup jets, took off, and rejoined the show. More than a dozen people were last seen working on #6 after it was towed to a spot on the east side of the area where the jets are headquartered during their Seattle visits. For our fellow Blue Angels fans, more later on today’s Museum of Flight/Boeing Field sightings.

Todd August 2, 2008 (3:29 pm)

I saw this one head back to Boeing, from WS. Seems like every year on Sat or Sun, one plane has to come back. Nice that #7 could join up this time unlike previous years when they just made due with 5. One year, Steve Raible spent the whole hour with the narrator trying to get the scoop on why there were only 5 planes.

Rick August 2, 2008 (7:28 pm)

I was listening on my scanner near boeing field today,here’s what happenned.Right after takeoff by the two solo pilots one asked the other if his gear was up or not.He had a warning light on saying gear was down,but was advised by other solo gear was up.he cycled the gear twice and still had the warning light so landed to switch to the backup.

WSB August 2, 2008 (7:30 pm)

Thanks – I don’t generally monitor aviation frequencies so would never have heard that!

Eddie August 2, 2008 (8:04 pm)

You probably wouldn’t have picked it up on the civilian air frequencies. MILAIR listening is a whole different ballgame.

grr August 3, 2008 (12:35 am)

Yup! I took a shot and went to Boeing Field today. It was VERY cool. Got to see a couple of great flyovers, take offs and landings and all the preshow hoopla. Beats the crap out of the crowds down on the lake :)

Sorry, comment time is over.