The EAA’s AirVenture, more famously known as just “Oshkosh”, is mecca for aviation enthusiasts of all ages, incomes, races and interests. To takeoff and land from it’s runway is awe inspiring enough, but to do so in formation with four of the Geico Skytypers is a real privilege.
At this year’s event the Air Museum Network was lucky enough to be invited to ride along in the team’s SNJ-2. Yes, contrary to popular belief the aircraft flown by this elite team are not the legendary T-6 “Texan” but rather it’s U.S. Navy cousin the SNJ. In addition, most of the Skytyper aircraft are rare, square-tailed SNJ-2s (only 61 built) built between 1940 -1942.
Our ride was in the #4 aircraft (an SNJ-3) and was piloted by Chris Orr, who usually flies the slot position. Chris has been flying for 22 years and during his military career has flown such venerable as the F-14 Tomcat. He completed two tours aboard the USS Constellation, flew 35 combat missions over Iraq, 300 carrier arrested landings, and was awarded two Top Ten Hook awards for achieving some of the highest landing grades in his carrier airwing.
His next assignment in the Navy was to fly the A-4 Skyhawk as an aggressor pilot. He simulated enemy tactics and instructed other Navy pilots on how to “dog fight” in fighter planes. Chris is now a captain for a major airline. Oh, and he is a super guy!
We were provided the use of a flight suit and a shiny Geico Sktyper’s helmet. This along with the genuinely friendly Skytypers team, made one feel as you are part of the Team.
Immediately, upon engine start one gets a rare glimpse into the precision of the team, not though visual cues but via the radio. Each move is carefully choreographed and relayed via the radio so as to be in perfect synchronization. There is no idle chatter just quick commands and responses.
We took off in formation and made a sweeping turn out over Lake Winnebago. One quickly comes to realize that the cliché “wingtip to wingtip” is no cliché with the Skytypers, it’s the real thing. These guys fly tight and it is impressive. We then proceeded to go through a series of formation changes to allow us a better view of the other aircraft along with gaining a much higher appreciation the teams flying skills.
Sadly, the field soon came into view. As we drew close, each plane peeled up and over to form a single line for landing. Of course the landing was perfect. We were soon taxiing back from where we started. And once again, even the shut down procedure was highly synchronized.
We really wish to extend our special thanks to the entire Geico Sytypers team and especially to our pilot Chris Orr and media representative Brenda Little for making this memorable experience possible.
