Dayton Airshow 2008

Vectren Dayton Airshow Dayton International Airport Vandalia, OH - Dayton, OH 2008

I was really looking forward to this show this year. After the fiasco with the Joint Services Open House security checkpoint delays, I wanted to come to Dayton primarily for the F-104 Starfighters as I had missed them at JSOH and I had never seen them flying.

More importantly, while planning the trip, I noticed they had a special Photography Tour Pass and Photo Pit Pass add-on. The show organizers had the terrific idea to allow a select few who signed up (and paid) early, behind the scenes access to the static displays and the performer aircraft before the show opened the doors to the general public. Having the opportunity to shoot static displays without the crowds is a rare opportunity as well as full access to the performer aircraft which is even more desirable... I could not pass it up. We had early morning light which turned out to be fantastic.

The tour had an add-on pass to a special section on the flight line for photographers with free water all day and a tent with tables, chairs and a Porto-San... very nice indeed. However, the location of the special area, while great for shooting the taxiing aircraft, was in a horrible position in relation to the flight line. One could only really shoot the right side of the line.

The show in general was terrific. But the flight line is very far from the spectators. Even at 400mm I could not fill the frame on my D2Xs. Adding to the frustration was not so great atmospheric conditions. It was a hot and hazy day and that usually equals poor light and too much heat shimmer. The 20 hour round trip from-to New York was ultimately worth it, even if only for the pre-game show :-)