The Aviation Magazine No 49 March-April 2017 | Page 59

RV kit aircraft together , and Chuck Coleman in his Extra 300 aerobatic monoplane . Each of the three performers showcased the aerobatic capabilities of their aircraft before setting the stage for the upcoming warbirds and modern fighters . After the finish of the aerobatic part of the show , spectators got to witness a very special Nellis Heritage Parade which featured a wide variety of rare aircraft from the Commemorative Air Force and Planes of Fame Air Museum . The first phase of the parade featured a BT‐13 Val Replica , P‐40 Warhawk , T‐6 Texan , B‐25 Mitchell , one of only two flying P‐39 Airacobras , and the only flying PB4Y Privateer in the world . The next round of aircraft included the P‐51 Mustang , T‐33 Shooting Star “ Ace Maker II ,” F‐86 Sabre , MiG‐15 Fagot , and two T‐28 Trojans . A MiG‐21 Fishbed was originally scheduled to participate but had to cancel due to a fuel leak prior to departing for the show . Concluding the parade was a very rare performance by the QF‐4 Phantom II based out of Tyndall AFB , FL . The QF‐4 performed six passes for the crowd and showcased one of it ’ s last public aerial demonstrations before going into retirement in December .
Once the Heritage Parade was finished , Gregory “ Wired ” Colyer flew his T‐33 known as “ Ace Maker II ” to perform a solo routine . During his performance , he showcased the aerobatic capabilities of the T‐33 . Later , Colyer was joined by Bill Braack in the Smoke ’ n ’ Thunder Jet Car for a race . Their race took place across the front runway and even featured the Wall of Fire in the end . Following a fantastic lineup of rare warbirds in the air , the air show shifted to modern day aircraft stationed at Nellis . Starting out the Nellis Capabilities Demonstration was the Air‐to‐Air simulation featuring two F‐16 Fighting Falcon Aggressors featuring the Splinter and Arctic camouflage paint schemes , along with two F‐15D Eagles .