Thu, Dec 09, 2004
Randy Ball feels honored to be considered for program that
displays USAF air power evolution
According to the USAF's Air Combat Command website, the Heritage
Flight program was established in 1997 in support of the Air
Force's 50th anniversary, and it features state of the art fighters
flying in close formation with World War II and Korean War
aircraft, such as the P-51 Mustang and F-86 Sabre jet. The mission
of the program is "to safely and proudly display the evolution of
United States Air Force air power and to support the Air Force's
recruiting and retention efforts."
Three years ago, Randy Ball, an ICAS member who thrills crowds
at air shows with his Check Six MIG-17F, started flying a various
shows across the country alongside an F-4 Phantom. Both of the
aircraft saw heavy action in the Vietnam War, and Ball considers
these flights not only an honor, but an excellent opportunity to
display the technology of the day, and represent the experiences of
Vietnam-era pilots.
However, in order to fly these missions, approval from the USAF
Air Combat Command is necessary, as all the F-4 Phantoms with which
he flies are owned by the military. Every time the duo plans to
fly, they have to go through the same process of requesting
permission.
As a way to reduce the paperwork, heads were put together and
the conclusion was reached that what was needed was for the ACC to
approve Randy Ball's participation in the Heritage Flight program.
That approval would mean a blanket approval to fly with the F-4
without having to go through the repetitive paperwork.
The application has been made, and now Ball awaits a decision
that he considers would be a great honor; the first foreign-built
aircraft to participate in the Heritage Flight program.
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