3/25/2008 - VHF Squadron- Flying for Charity
The annual Red Cross Heroes Take Flight event began in Auburn, Alabama about five years ago. However, not too far down the road in Lanett, the VHF Squadron was evolving at about the same time. No wonder the "Heroes" Fly In event at AUO has become a favorite place for the RV-8 pilots of VHF to perform their flying demonstration skill.
VHF with a DC-3 at AUO Red Cross "Heroes" Event
Veterans Having Fun or VHF is a group of current and retired military pilots flying their homebuilt experimental RV-8 aircraft. All members have flown some type of fighter aircraft prior to joining VHF. Their average flight time exceeds 20,000 hours each. Some are currently employed airline pilots. The flight leader of the group is Lanett's Mike (Fossil) Ballard who not only has experience in each pilot category above but is also an RV8 aircraft craftsman.
Pair of VHF RV-8s at AUO Heroes
Getting the pilots together for a demonstration flight date or practice time can be challenging. Their commitment to aviation and flying is what sets VHF apart. These pilots probably had the attributes to become skilled and disciplined fighter pilots from the womb. So now, continuing as VHF members and enjoying their aircraft is more than a hobby, it is a way of life. The best part is that the spectators are
privileged to enjoy the sight of their skillful aerial formations and the beauty of their homebuilt aircraft. At least four of the group will get together, sometimes as many as ten of them- schedules permitting, to perform.
VHF RV-8 Formation at Gulf Shores Fly In
After four years of perfect weather, the March 2008, 5th Annual Red Cross "Heroes" event experienced snow in the morning hours followed by westerly winds gusting to 30 knots with only a North South runway available. Snow, Rain, Cold and High Winds at Auburn in March! The number of planes in attendance this year was limited to say the least. But the "Heroes" Event took off as the weather eased and about 3,000 hardy souls attended. Pilots who were skilled in gusty conditions turned out for the crowd. The amount of funds raised to benefit the Red Cross deemed it a success in spite of the adverse conditions. The photo is a flyby but some aircraft were forced to recover back at their home bases with favorable east/west runways.
VHF Pre-flight Briefing at Gulf Shores
Even though it is early in the Alabama Spring Flying season, the next event for VHF was the 2nd Annual Gulf Coast Pilots Fly In at Jack Edwards, Gulf Shores last weekend. Weather conditions were much kinder to both the spectators and the pilots, about 50 aircraft attended. The event raised around $4,600 dollars for the American Cancer Society. The photos are RV-8s and five pilots of VHF (Veterans) Squadron doing the brief and flybys at JKA. The pilots include Nomad, Jato, Toga, Snake, and Fossil with photos by J3 and Bug.
VHF is all about precision and safety says ‘Fossil". Careful flight planning, pre-briefing and post briefs help to provide the crowd with a memorable sight. The unique formation of handcrafted aircraft flown with fighter squadron skill impresses the spectators. To see a VHF Squadron performance soon, attend the Lanett Airport Grand Re-opening on May 17, Armed Forces Day. More exciting details to be announced soon. FMI: Opelika Red Cross- Heroes Take Flight
Photos Courtesy of Mike (Fossil) Ballard who contributed to this story.
<-- Go Back
Click here for more news.
