El Centro 2015

Aviation events in the United States and Canada
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197cup
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El Centro 2015

Post by 197cup »

Hello everyone, My two uncles and I are heading to the states for our first ever stateside show. I'm basically after any information you guys think would be useful?
Is it worth getting there on the Friday to see the arrivals or rehearsals?
Any tips photography wise?

Thanks in advance :smile:

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boff180
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Re: El Centro 2015

Post by boff180 »

See you there :smile:

I've never been the show before but I have "spotted" there before.

The dirt track running East to West here 32.825588, -115.652314 provides excellent landing/turning in shots. It's a dirt road so publically accessible, easiest access is from here: https://www.google.co.uk/maps/place/W+A ... 5ab58629d9

Here's an example of what can be grabbed, expect it to be busy car wise though:-
https://www.flickr.com/photos/evansavio ... 698666237/

Andy

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Fumbles
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Re: El Centro 2015

Post by Fumbles »

Seeing as there will be no Aviation Nation this year... El Centro is on my list of shows for 2015, also since the show is on the the tail end of Red Flag 15-2 it'll be a busy week and a bit for me.
Nellis for a few days, Rainbow Canyon for two days, Going to try out the Needles in Sequoia National Forest for a day or two before moving onto Yuma and then finishing off at El Centro.

From my one time experience at El Centro in early 2014.... We had emailed the Public Affairs office the details of our rental car a couple days before arrival, we also listed our passport details, names and such and approximate days we would be around the base. Glad we did..... We did get talked to by base security and they asked for our ID, they radioed in our info and to the PAO and when everything checked out. We were given our ID back and we were allowed to stay. But there were two others who didn't call in or email their info. When the security called in their ID and the PAO didn't already have those two guys info. Those two were given their ID back and asked politely to leave the area. But later returned after leaving the area and then phoning into the PAO and given permission.

I don't know how picky the security is the day before the show... But I know for the Friday I'll be emailing my info just in case.

Ian A.S.
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Re: El Centro 2015

Post by Ian A.S. »

Some feedback to Rod and others that may help those going to this years show. Last year for the first time the Authorities placed " No entry barriers" preventing access to the number of dirt roads between the hard roads and the dirt tracks ( which run adjacent the fence) that are indicated on Andy`s map. They introduced these for the arrivals day and show day last year, which pushed back the outsiders points to take images from.The highway police did keep a close eye on compliance.
On the other hand arrivals/practice day is worthwhile with a full practice from all "acts" including of course the Blue Angels- also some good static types usually arrive on Friday, including visitors from Miramar and keep your ears open for the fantastic and only flying Privateer which normally hops over from Casa Grande. At least the organisers managed to avoid last years date clash with Yuma - which is where I shall be this year. Enjoy.

Ian A.S.

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197cup
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Re: El Centro 2015

Post by 197cup »

Thanks very much for your replies, Do you guys think it's worth Emailing Nellis with our details as my Uncles and I are doing red flag for a few days?
Thanks again :smile:

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boff180
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Re: El Centro 2015

Post by boff180 »

As long as you don't park on the same side of the road as the base perimeter at Nellis down the speedway end you will get no bother whatsoever. You will find a large number of American enthusiasts parked there too.

If you park on the perimeter side of the road, expect a visit, a search, and a bit of bother.

Andy

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197cup
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Re: El Centro 2015

Post by 197cup »

Okay cool thanks mate :smile:

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boff180
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Re: El Centro 2015

Post by boff180 »

Flying participants list is being released at 1200 PST on Monday

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197cup
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Re: El Centro 2015

Post by 197cup »

Can't wait :smile: :smile:

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RichPittman
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Re: El Centro 2015

Post by RichPittman »

Doesnt the show Week limit what maybe detached?
Always remember "If you cannot turn tight...you cannot fight!"

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boff180
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Re: El Centro 2015

Post by boff180 »

US Navy Blue Angels with Fat Albert
501st Legion
Bill Cornick
Spencer Suderman
The Red Eagles
Metal Mulisha
John Collver
Greg Colyer
UK Apache
USAFA Wings of Blue Jump Team
CAF Hellcat/Zero aerial demo

alizam
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Re: El Centro 2015

Post by alizam »

boff180 wrote:US Navy Blue Angels with Fat Albert
501st Legion
Bill Cornick
Spencer Suderman
The Red Eagles
Metal Mulisha
John Collver
Greg Colyer
UK Apache
USAFA Wings of Blue Jump Team
CAF Hellcat/Zero aerial demo



Apparently the UK Apache has been removed from the list according to the website and there is the addition of the US Navy TAC DEMO :)

Andyph
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Re: El Centro 2015

Post by Andyph »

pretty uninspiring lineup.

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st24
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Re: El Centro 2015

Post by st24 »

Andyph wrote:pretty uninspiring lineup.


Indeed, possibly the worst U.S. airshow line up I've ever seen... :surrender:
You caaan't trust the system... Maaan!

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boff180
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Re: El Centro 2015

Post by boff180 »

It's the first in the season before most acts are up and running. Still hoping for a decent static lineup.

It also shows what state the U.S. is in regarding support from the military for airshows and puts in to perspective the little support European shows have been getting from the U.S.

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st24
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Re: El Centro 2015

Post by st24 »

boff180 wrote:It's the first in the season before most acts are up and running. Still hoping for a decent static lineup.

It also shows what state the U.S. is in regarding support from the military for airshows and puts in to perspective the little support European shows have been getting from the U.S.


Fair points, must admit early shows I've been to stateside have been a little lacking. We should still be thankful for what we get over here, even if we have to out up with the Vulcan and 2 bloody Lancasters droning around... :snack:
You caaan't trust the system... Maaan!

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stingrays4
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Re: El Centro 2015

Post by stingrays4 »

Hi I am one of 197 Cup uncles :smile: As he has said this will be our first and hopefully not the last visit to a USA airshow. Thanks for all the information so far,any last minute tips? This time next week we shall be well excited :biggrin:

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boff180
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Re: El Centro 2015

Post by boff180 »

stingrays4 wrote:any last minute tips?


Sunscreen, hat, water... El Centro is regularly a very hot place!

Oh and one last tip....

http://www.famousdaves.com/dinein/El-Centro

See you there next week :biggrin:

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RichPittman
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Re: El Centro 2015

Post by RichPittman »

Yuma

Held there there show yesterday. Helped by the home team I guess v22,f5,f35,av8 displays.
Always remember "If you cannot turn tight...you cannot fight!"

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boff180
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Re: El Centro 2015

Post by boff180 »

The warbird statics have been published, no news on military static at the moment....

Not a bad list of warbirds....

AN-2 - CAF Ghost Sqn
B-25J - Planes of Fame
C-45 - Private
C-47 - Palm Springs Air Museum
F-4U-1 Corsair - Planes of Fame
F8F-2 Bearcat - CAF Ghost Sqn
L-4 Grasshopper - Inland Empire CAF
P-38J Lightning - Planes of Fame
PB4Y - Private
P-40N Warhawk - Planes of Fame
P-47G Thunderbolt - Planes of Fame
P-51 Mustang - Palm Springs Air Museum
P-51D Mustang - Planes of Fame
P-63 King Cobra - Palm Springs Air Museum
PT-17 Kaydet - Palm Springs Air Museum
IAR-823 - Private
PT-22 x2 - Private
SNJ-5 - Private
AT-6 - CAF Ghost Squadron
Spitfire XIV - CAF Ghost Squadron
T-6 - Inland Empire CAF
T-28 Trojan - Palm Springs Air Museum
TBM-3E Avenger - Planes of Fame
YO-55 - CAF Ghost Squadron

The final countdown has begun, fly out to San Diego Thursday, hopefully see some of you guys out and about!

Andy

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197cup
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Re: El Centro 2015

Post by 197cup »

Looks good, Can't wait :smile:

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197cup
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Re: El Centro 2015

Post by 197cup »

Have you guys noticed the B29 is in town just up the road at the Palm Springs aviation museum?, My Uncles and I are paying a visit to there on the Friday before the show :smile: .

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Re: El Centro 2015

Post by boff180 »

Half the museum is at the show, didn't think it was worth the 4hr divert to/from San Diego.

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Re: El Centro 2015

Post by boff180 »

The VFA-106 Tacdemo will be using an F/A-18F.... Which means only one thing..... shock cone!!!!!

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Re: El Centro 2015

Post by boff180 »

Military static is now online....

WAH-64 Apache - UK AAC
B-52H - 89thBS USAF
CH-46 - HMMT-164 USMC
F-5E - VFC-13 USN
F-16C - 148thFS USAF
F/A-18C - VMFA-232 USMC
MH-60R - HSM-35 USN
MH-60S - HSC-4 USN
T-6B - VT-6 USN
T-6B - VT-10 USN
T-34 - VFA-122 USN
T-45 - VT-22 USN


With just 2 USAF aircraft on the ground, that level of support doesn't bode well for shows outside of the US.

Andy

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