flyovers

Are there pre game flyovers for the 2011 season? Was there one last weekend?  Also I case this thread dies with a simple I don't know or no, what was your favorite flyover? Mine was Uconn last year.

So, Orson asked the DOD to perform a flyover at his son's first birthday party.  I'm not going to weigh in on the merits of the flyover, but there are some key learning points we can all take from his somewhat flawed request. I deal with this shit at work, and need to let it out. Also might help Hoover over at NROTC get some solid flyovers next Fall.

1.  Flexibility is key.

Here, Orson has some positives and negatives. On the plus side, he's willing to accept any of the military's prominent demonstration teams. However, you'll notice in block 2 that he specifically requests only F-22 Raptors. They aren't based near Atlanta, Orson's hometown, thus requiring added logistical support. Accepting an AC-130 from Hurlburt or JSF from relatively nearby Eglin AFB might make his request more supportable. Perhaps even a T-34C Turbomentor from Pensacola.

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as 

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Kids, the military wants to help, help us help you and give us some flexibility.

Other negatives here: the request must be in at least 30 days prior. Planning is important.

2. Don't obviously lie.

Believe it or not, the people who approve flyovers are familiar with this form. Air Traffic Control approval is needed to fly in Atlanta's airspace--it's got one of the busiest airfields in the country. Honesty matters, regardless of what Jim Carey thought in Liar, Liar.

  NOT A CLASSIC!

3.  Okay, a little lying is okay.

Blocks 11-15, while seemingly innocuous, probably all need to be answered yes to be approved. Check that, the various public relations orders say they MUST be answered "YES."

Block 11. Does the local government approve? It approves by not actively disapproving.

Block 12. YouTube counts. After all, that's how this feedback was obtained:

Those guys aren't pilots anymore--probably.

Block 13. We know it's in the South, but seriously.

Block 14. See Block 13

Block 15. You aren't putting the Monty Burns' sun blocker up, right?

These are creative answers kids. Except 13 and 14. Don't be racist. Seriously.

4.  I think everyone is getting the point, but I've got one final thing to remind you of:

1:35 to a military pilot means either a) 0135 (1:35 am) or b) 0135 zulu (6:35 am on the east coast). Either would be a terrifying surprise.

Kids, anyone can get a flyover for their ridiculous public event. Just remember to fill out the form, give everyone 30 days notice, know someone important in the military aviation rank structure, and give some creative answers to very important questions. Work the system well enough, and you might just get this:

Get into the Air Force Academy and you might even get to see a flyover wearing those stupid hats.

Michigan Athletics Department News Release is provided in its entirety below.

Highlights:

• Get your free water and lapel pin. 
• Buy your commemorative program.
• Go see the band's pregame program and march.
• Go to the FanFest and the Victors Walk. 
• Walk around the newly renovated and expanded concourses and view the various wall hangings (the art deco Michigan Stadium letters, the Michigan county plaques).
• Get in your seats in time for the ribbon cutting and B-25 flyover. 
• Do not miss the MMB taking the field, playing The Victors, Varsity, and The Yellow and Blue.
• DO NOT miss the team being led out of the tunnel onto the field and under the banner (with a special stadium commemoration ribbon attached) by Brock Mealer. You should have a handkerchief or a pack of tissues. If you don't use them, you are not human.  Save some of your free Absopure water in the commemorative bottle to help open your closed throat.
• Do not miss the national anthem and your Tri-Service Color Guard raising Old Glory and the A-10 flyover.
• Do not miss the kickoff. 
• Cheer your lungs out and until your voice is hoarse. 
• Do not miss us giving the beat down to UConn.
• Also, linked below, but this is a must read: Brock Mealer's "Impossible is Nothing" (pdf)

U-M Athletics Plans Several Events for Rededication Game

Michigan Stadium

The leadership of Michigan's truly outstanding Naval Reserve Officer Training Corps (NROTC) Unit has been hard at work creating some exciting events for the impending football season.

The Professor of Naval Science, CAPT Rick (Hoover) Vanden Heuvel and his Operations Officer, CDR Chris Gordon (Class of '90) have been coordinating with various units to schedule flyovers.  With the caveat that there may be last minute adjustments and that the FAA approval process always has the potential to put the kibosh on things, here is the current schedule:

• 4 Sep vs. UConn - Yankee Air Museum B-25 Mitchell (pre-game stadium rededication ribbon-cutting) and Michigan Air National Guard A-10s (National Anthem).
• 9 Oct vs. MSU - Army 101st Airborne Parachute Demo (pre-game).  The plan is for the 101st to parachute from a C-130 (squadron TBD) and land on the Michigan Stadium field prior to the band taking the field.
• 6 Nov vs. Illinois (Military Day with Wounded Warrior Project and Care Package Drive) - USAF F-16s (National Anthem)

The possibility exists for additional events at the Wisconsin game and The Big Chill.  I'll keep you posted of additions, deletions or modifications.

Yankee Air Museum B-25

USAF A-10 Thunderbolt II (aka Warthog)