Phantom on Deck

Phantom on Deck, originally uploaded by big_pixel_pusher.

This is an amazingly restored McDonnell Douglas F-4 Phantom II fighter bomber on the flight deck of the USS Midway aircraft carrier museum which is located in San Diego bay. No longer in active service with the U.S. military, the Phantom was an all weather, two seat, twin engined aircraft used extensively during the Vietnam war. This aircraft is located in the landing area of the flight deck. A volunteer docent who was a former F-4 pilot with over 600 carrier landings was available to explain how Navy aircraft are recovered aboard.

Oxcart Decendant

Oxcart Decendant, originally uploaded by big_pixel_pusher.

The Mach 3+ SR-71 Blackbird greets guests to the Udvar Hazy Air and Space Museum at Dulles International Airport, Chantilly Virginia. This 10 shot HDR sequence was taken using my Gorillapod Focus camera support system. Udvar Hazy does not allow tripods but the guards seemed unsure what to say about my articulated wonder.

Vietnam Era Aircraft

Vietnam Era Aircraft, originally uploaded by big_pixel_pusher.

The Smithsonian National Air and Space Museum Udvar Hazy Center in Chantilly Virginia has multi-level walkways from which you can view the various aircraft that are on the hanger floor or suspended at various levels from the ceiling. I was able to wrap my gorilla pod to the hand rail of these walkways to steady my camera. This allowed me to take my typical 10 shot HDR's and avoid the security guards who zealously enforce the "no tripods allowed" rule.

Sabre Jet

Sabre Jet, originally uploaded by big_pixel_pusher.

This incredibly restored Korean War era F-86 Sabre fighter's skin is actually quite smooth. The HDR process brings out so much detail that in this case minor imperfections are enhanced. This aircraft is flown regularly and often travels to air shows. The F-86 is considered a "sweet ride" by pilots for it's nimble handling qualities.

Goodnight Sweetheart

Goodnight Sweetheart, originally uploaded by big_pixel_pusher.

An experimental Yakovlev fighter witnesses another beautiful California sunset at the Chino Planes of Fame Museum.

I had been at the museum all day and had decided to wait around for sunset to see if it would be a nice one. Closing time had come and gone but I thought if I kept a low profile I might be able to stay inside until the sky got really pretty.

Right after I took this sequence the security guard came over and started closing the hanger doors. When he saw me with my camera and tripod he was ready to give me the boot but I pointed at the dramatic sky outside and asked if I could take a few more sequences. He took one look, said "wow that's amazing!" and agreed to give me a few more minutes.

It's funny how we often don't see the beauty around us until someone points it out to us. 

Tomcat in Repose

Tomcat in Repose, originally uploaded by big_pixel_pusher.

This newly restored F-14 Tomcat is a great addition to the Yanks Air Museum in Chino California.

Jet-Age Rivals

Jet-Age Rivals, originally uploaded by big_pixel_pusher.

The Russian built Mig-15 Fagot and the American F-86 Saber jet fighters were adversaries during the Korean war. Very closely matched, either could be deadly in the hands of a good pilot.

Boneyard - Ghost Flightline

Boneyard - Ghost Flightline, originally uploaded by big_pixel_pusher.

Panorama of the Planes of Fame airplane boneyard. These aircraft are awaiting restoration to flight status.

Merlin Undercover

Merlin Undercover, originally uploaded by big_pixel_pusher.

The P-51 Mustang "Wee Willy II" awaiting its afternoon flight. The amazing Rolls Royce Merlin engine transformed the Mustang from a lackluster low altitude patrol aircraft into the premiere front line fighter of world war 2.

Wee Willy II - Plate 3

Wee Willy II - Plate 3, originally uploaded by big_pixel_pusher.

P-51D Mustang "Wee Willy II" shining in the late afternoon light with its hanger in the background.