Lockheed F-16 Fighting Falcon (92-0409)

These two F-16A Fighting Falcons were the leaders of a long, long, long line of twenty-nine military warbirds waiting to take off. On my immediate right and stretching back behind me the length of Bravo taxiway and then around the corner and down Alpha taxiway, twenty-seven other aircraft were lined up waiting to launch. All aircraft were holding as preparations were in place for an E2D Hawkeye to make an emergency trap landing on runway 25. The trap was executed flawlessly ... and then activities got back to normal ... if "normal" means a combined group of F-16s, F-18s, and F-5s totaling 29 aircraft taking off in groups of four and two nonstop. Those who have been on an aircraft carrier when the aircraft on it are launched would probably have not been very amazed, but for a fulltime landlubber like me, the sights (and the afterburner-enhanced sounds) of those few minutes were fantastic beyond description!!!

A very nice capture with a great Nevada post storm sky.

Very impressive, Gary... and yes, those 29 aircraft taking off had to be quite the experience to enjoy and witness. You were in the right place at the right time!!!

"5" stars, Gary, and deserves more!

Amazing shot!

That's a great shot, Gary! And it must have been a very cool experience. But I didn't realize that the Navy had/flew any F-16s. So, that is also cool. Anyway, nice job!

Cliff, Dwight, and Greg ... Hey, guys, howdy. TYVM for the comments/complis. I was having such a fantastic time snapping the shutter that it didn't occur to me until too late that perhaps I should have just shot a continuous video. I'm not really all that "into" videos; I much prefer photos, but that nonstop launch would have made a pretty dang good You Tube vid. One other thing worth mentioning ... The air temp was 38 degrees F and there was a fairly strong and steady wind blowing all afternoon, so the wind chill made it below freezing out there. BUT, for those few minutes when all those military metal warbirds were lighting their burners to depart, it was toasty warm there at the intersection of Bravo and 31L. (Big grin)

Thanks, Gary.

Outstanding! Way more than 5***** !

perfect Gary!!

Hot shot by the spotter boss!

Dave, Uwe, and Roy ... Your comments are always appreciated very much. (Wave to each of you)
Dave and Uwe ... I'll be sending a pic I received from Northrop Grumman. Dave, do you know Darryl's addy? I'd like to share the NG pic with him, too. If you have contact with him, tell him he can email me at [email protected]. Tks.

Greg, The US Navy flies the F-16 in the "Aggressor Squadron" role at their Top Gun school. The F-16 is not capable as a carrier-borne aircraft as you no doubt realize. The unusual camo color scheme is the giveaway to their role. Usually the numbers on the intakes are edged in red to give them a more "Russian" appearance.

Aw man,,,,color and snow...= A+ calendar shot

Thanks for the info, Alan! And still a great pic, Gary!