April 18 – F-18C

Monday, April 18 — Spent the morning catching up with some way past-due chores with the front and back yards, including meeting a fellow who came over to fix my lawnmower for $20 if all it needed was a new spark plug. I had tried several times this spring to start it without success. First thing he said was “Let’s try the primer.” PRIMER? I didn’t know there WAS a  primer! He pushed the newly discovered (by me ) primer button, and it started on the second try! I still wrote him a check for $20 I was so happy. THEN I mowed my front yard. Then showered. Then came out to the airport. In at 11:50.  Had to leave for hearing aid fitting at 12:30 but encountered an F-18C with open canopy perfectly parked on the ramp, so back to office to take some pictures. THEN camera into pocket and off to the hearing aid place. All went fantastic there. Back to airport and encountered an F-18E and F on the ramp. Paid close attention to activity on the other side of my office door, and when it was obvious the Hornets were about to fly, came out of office, sat in a lobby chair until encountering the crews, one of whom remembered me from an earlier visit. They gave permission to photog their departure, and along with the mother of the back-seater in the F, had a terrific encounter. Then a loooooooooooooong conversation with a friend on the phone, then began processing pictures. Then visitors flying a special Lear 25 from Oklahoma to Prestwick Maine to test the bird under known icing conditions. The original engines were replace by Williams jets. It’s the only Lear like that in the world. Photographed it as they prepared to leave. Processed many pictures. Intended to leave about 7, but I was so eager to see the pics of the F-18 formation takeoff that I stayed until I processed them and posted a few. THEN to grocer and home at 9:20. Day rating: A

Pictured is the legacy Hornet I phot’d about 12:30 Monday afternoon. Pics of the E and F and terrific crews will be posted Thursday.