NZFF

Posted: **Sun Aug 31, 2008 7:59 am**

I was asked recently to post some Red Checkers photos on a forum so have added them here as well.
Have flown with the 2008 team twice this year as well as the flight where Squadron leader Paul Stockley joined Ryan Southam in a Tiger at Wanaka.
Great bunch of guys and some great flying displays this year.

Posted: **Sun Aug 31, 2008 9:42 am**

As allways simply stunning photos, thanks for sharing Gavin

Posted: **Sun Aug 31, 2008 9:43 am**

Really a CT4 month this one ........ loaded with Nije,s brilliant little airtrainer , I wonder how many Real V Sim shots we can get

Posted: **Sun Aug 31, 2008 10:34 am**

Superb stuff Gavin, thanks for posting these up. They look awesome from the ground; even better from the air.

Alex

Posted: **Sun Aug 31, 2008 12:05 pm**

They are all gems, can't pick a favourite from that lot - too hard!

Posted: **Mon Sep 01, 2008 7:22 am**

Certainly are stunning pictures of those great aircraft Gavin

Thanks for posting

Posted: **Mon Sep 01, 2008 8:43 am**

Sure are all great!

It's interesting how everyone (unless doing something dangerous) will always look at the camera. It might look a bit better (not trying to criticize

) if they were looking forward. Or is it a "look ma no eyes" type of thing.

Posted: **Mon Sep 01, 2008 2:23 pm**

NZ255 wrote:
QUOTE (NZ255 @ Sep 5 2008, 08:43 PM) <{POST_SNAPBACK}>
Sure are all great!

It's interesting how everyone (unless doing something dangerous) will always look at the camera. It might look a bit better (not trying to criticize ) if they were looking forward. Or is it a "look ma no eyes" type of thing.

Interesting thought but not really possible.
The pilots are actually focusing on the reference points on the aircraft that they are formating on and not the photographer.
I use very obvious hand signals and radio calls when we need to change formations etc and the more aeroplanes you add the harder everything gets.

The only time the pilot would be looking ahead would be if he was leading a formation as his job is then terrain avoidance, radio calls, etc.
A good formation disciplined pilot just does the job and they will get into formation and pick reference points on the aircraft to determine distance and the formation angle required and focus totally on those points and they will take a brief glimpse at the photographer every now and agin to check all is ok.

Quite an interesting subject and one I could spend all day typing about but best I dont get to carried away.

Posted: **Mon Sep 01, 2008 3:22 pm**

Does sound quite interesting Gavin.
Great pictures as well

Posted: **Mon Sep 01, 2008 5:01 pm**

Stunning shots, Gavin. Love them all

Posted: **Mon Sep 01, 2008 6:17 pm**

Heard the Air Force was scaling down, took Gavin Conroy to spot how much...

Gavin Conroy wrote:
QUOTE (Gavin Conroy @ Aug 31 2008, 07:59 AM) <{POST_SNAPBACK}>

Posted: **Tue Sep 02, 2008 5:35 pm**

This photo was taken today and the pilot is looking ahead as he is leading us.
I quite liked the light in this shot.
We got some great photos of this aircraft despite some less than average weather but when you gotta go you gotta go.

This aircraft has been totally refurbished in Mandeville and is being delivered to an owner in Auckland, more on this machine later.

NZFF

Red Checkers team 2008.