Friday, January 22 — in at 9:45 after puttering around the home office. Overcast, calm, a Cessna Mustang on the ramp. Less than an hour into an anticipated slow day, I was informed that 10 A-10s were inbound to Springfield to land, refuel and return to the air. I was privileged to phot most of them arriving and on the ground individually and as they departed. I froze my hands, but recovery was fast once I was back inside. Spent the ENTIRE DAY — until 8:15 — processing pictures. I was too tired from that by 8:15. . . . and I still have more than 40 to process. I’ve been eating melon and pineapple all day, so I’m leaving at 8:20 to go home and eat a late dinner, well earned. Although A-10s performed at Springfield Air Rendezvous on the other side of the airport, this was the first time since setting up AKM that I have seen an A-10 on this ramp. They had INTENDED to refuel in flight in transit from Mariyland to Tuscon, AZ, but there was an issue with the air refueling bird, so they had to land here. All great fellows! I won’t be able to wipe the smile off my face for a week! 🙂 Day rating: A
Two five-aircraft flights of A-10s visited Springfield for fuel. Here are some of the pictures I took. More will be posted in the days ahead and in the Lincoln Flyer newsletter.
Abe Lincoln's Air Force 