AIR SHOW NARRATION

Below is a sample of what you might here while watching the GEICO Skytypers perform.

“The World Famous Skytypers are the only existing World War II civilian squadron flying today, presently sponsored by GEICO Insurance. The squadron is comprised of six 1940 North American SNJ-2 aircraft. Today, we are lucky enough to have six of these aircraft demonstrate a series of precision formation maneuvers for your viewing pleasure. The Formations and maneuvers you will see all have military applications; this will help you to appreciate what your military trains for and accomplishes when they are tasked for action!

Although similar to the AT-6 Texan, the SNJ was created in a Navy format. The SNJ was designed primarily as an advanced fighter trainer and used in carrier operations with a tailhook. Today, these aircraft have taken on a new role of writing giant messages in the sky, which they call “Skytyping.”

The messages are computer generated at 10,000 feet.

Each letter is as tall as the Empire State building, with each message stretching almost eight miles. These giant messages can be seen in a 30-mile circle, which is 400 square miles. The letters are computer controlled by the center aircraft and digitally transmitted to the other four aircraft. The Skytypers have the ability to write a 25 to 30-letter message in one minute, completing 30 to 40 messages in a single 4-hour flight. All the pilot has to do is hold a formation position aligned exactly with the lead aircraft at a distance of two wingspans from the next ship. Sounds easy doesn’t it!”

Level Delta Pass (Down the runway)
The Skytypers approach the field in a Level Delta Formation. This Formation highlights one of the most basic formations taught to all military pilots. The Delta formation has the flight leader at the front with his wingmen and element flight leaders forming off him. This formation helps move large numbers of aircraft through busy skies and to fly through weather with the leader responsible for navigation. The aircraft fly with a clearance of about 15 feet prop to wingtip. These aircraft are based in Farmingdale NY at Republic Airport where the P-47 Thunderbolt and A-10 Warthog were manufactured.

Double V Belly Pass
The GEICO Skytypers will now demonstrate the maneuverability of their formation as they set up for a Double V Belly pass in front of the crowd. These aircraft have large radial engines with 600 horsepower swinging a 9’ propeller with a very straight and thick wing for their advanced training roll. They are not as maneuverable as the jets you see here today, nor do they have the power available to adjust as well, but you will notice the team working hard to keep these formations tight and exciting for you!

Approaching Delta Pass with Solo’s Release
As the team approaches the airport head on, Flight Lead Larry Arken will put his wingmen in the Delta formation and position the solo’s for their first pass. In a Delta formation Lead will call for “Solo’s Break”. As they release, the solos will treat us to the thrilling “tuck under break” with each pulling 90 degrees into and through his wingman’s path. The Delta becomes a Diamond, and, as they position for their next pass, note the Solos are now in position for their first pass.

This pass demonstrates a flight releasing two members to investigate or attack a bogey, or an unidentified aircraft that may be a threat to the formation.

Opposing Solo Canopy Cross
Observe from your left and right as the two solos approach head to head, at a closure rate of 320 mph. They will dive for the energy required to maneuver. Just prior to show center Lead Solo, Steve Salmirs –call sign: “Blue” - will call “Solos Roll!” On that command, "Blue" and his Opposing Solo, Jan Wildbergh - call sign: “Dutch” – will roll up and into each other. They will pass canopy to canopy just 50 feet apart. Ladies and Gentlemen, the GEICO Skytypers Opposing Solo Canopy Cross.”

When two aircraft engage in air-to-air maneuvering, they attempt to pass as close to each other as possible to take away any turning advantage from their opponent. After the initial pass, the aircraft will either escape for safety or turn to try to get behind the other aircraft – into firing position.

Diamond S Pass
As the solos clear, the Diamond is positioning for the GEICO Skytypers Diamond S Pass. You’ll get a good platform view of the aircraft and the formation as they wind their way in front of you from a Belly Pass to a Canopy Pass.

Flying these WWII aircraft requires an unusual set of skills. GEICO Skytyper pilots have to be able to not only fly these large, heavy tail wheeled aircraft, but also be accomplished formation pilots. It is not always easy to find the right match. The majority of the pilots flying for you here today are retired Navy and Air Force Pilots.

Flying the Diamond for us today are Flight Lead: Larry Arken – call sign: “Viper” and Jan Wildbergh – call sign: “Dutch”, at Right Wing: Ed Trudeau – call sign: “ET” , at Left Wing: Rob Steo and flying Slot Bob Johansen and Steve Salmirs.

Opposing Solo Break Pass
Please focus your attention once again as the solo’s come from both the left and the right for the Solo’s Break Pass. This time when Blue calls “Action”, lead solo will pitch up and roll too early, allowing his opponent to maneuver behind him into a guns firing position.

This is a perfect example of a turning engagement; with one aircraft maneuvering harder and rolling out behind the other, or, as the aviators say, “at his six o’clock ”.

Reverse Arrowhead Pass
“Next up is the GEICO Skytypers “ Reverse Arrowhead Pass”. To prepare his flight for the flyby Viper calls the Diamond into a Reverse Arrowhead Formation. His wingmen will drop back to fly off a “new” leader, the slot position. This is a demonstration of the requirements in formation flying to change positions quickly and fly them precisely. After a descending 360 degree, they will transit the show line.

Sometimes there is a need for a formation to switch leaders, such as if the current leader has a mechanical problem or a piece of equipment malfunctions.

The SNJ engines were manufactured by Pratt & Whitney the R-1340- 9 Cylinder Supercharged Radial Engine, is capable of producing 600 Horsepower.

Solo Bomb Run
If you look straight ahead you will see Blue and Dutch approaching for a simulated bomb run. The two aircraft will approach their simulated target; at the proper point Blue will again call “Action!” Both aircraft will pop up at different climb angles and roll in on a simulated ground target.
To attack a target you must sometimes fly under radar coverage, fly to a point that’s been pre-identified, pull up to acquire the target and gain enough altitude to drop your bombs. This will be the Solos Bomb Pass.

Strafing Run
Meanwhile Lead has called for another formation change. This time his wingmen will change their formation to an Echelon formation that will require all aircraft to fly on the same side. Watch as the two Solos join them. Once together again, all six aircraft will break off individually simulating a strafing attack on the same ground target the Solos just bombed.

These aircraft are operated most of the year in the NY Metro area. Based in Farmingdale, New York at Republic Airport; the men responsible for keeping these vintage aircraft in such fine shape is the GEICO Skytyper Chief Mechanic Ed Dietrich and his crew.

Low Delta Pass
As we mentioned earlier, The Skytypers are sponsored by Geico Insurance. Stop by the GEICO tent and talk with the Pilots when they land.
Exiting the show line to your left, Boss will form up the squadron for the GEICO Skytyper Low Delta Pass.

The GEICO Skytypers will now hold a tight Delta formation low to the ground for a final mixture of precision formation flying, noise, and smoke! Boss will then position the Delta for a head-on pass and switch to their final pass, the Fan Pass.

Fan Pass Break to Land
The Geico Skytypers would like to offer a salute to all the folks in the military, and the people, like yourselves who support them. Ladies and Gentlemen, the Fan Pass with a break for landing!

Taxi In and Formation Shut Down