Paul Bennett, Skip Stewart, RJ Gritter, and Nathan Hammond
Photo by Kelley Hammond
Camera: Canon R5 Lens: Canon 24-105mm f/4L
Shutter speed: 1/100 ISO: 100 Exposure: f/11
RAW images processed in Adobe Photoshop
NEW AND RETURNING ISAP MEMBERS
Ismael Abeyuta
Michael Benton
Rick Charles
Mike Cox
Samuel Dammers
Laura Falker
Bruce Fortelka
Stef Goza
Chris Haseitel
Robert Havens Jr
Carolyn Hinton
Laura Inglis
Joseph Jenkins
Peter Keller
Peter Kuntz
Donald Linn
John Love
Ricardo Mejia
Barbara Miller
Ryan Moses
Dragos Munteanu
Dragos Munteanu
Liam Nash
John Nash
Ed Oshinski
Roberto Pando
Rodolfo Paiz
Moose Peterson
Eric Renth
David Rizzico
John Slemp
Bill Standerfer
The goal of International Society for Aviation Photography (ISAP) is to bring together our members who share a love of aviation, and want to preserve its history through their images. Through our organization, members can seek to enhance their artistic quality, advance technical knowledge, and improve safety for all areas of aviation photography while fostering professionalism, high ethical standards, and camaraderie.
ISAP continues to help our members to better their photography skills, workflow, and set up resources to help with business questions that our members have. Updates are being made to the ISAP website and member portfolio section, and we are showcasing ISAP members’ images and accomplishments on our social media pages.
The new Airspeed magazine will highlight ISAP members and their photography, experiences, and their passion for aviation from around the world. From military and commercial aviation, you’ll be able to see it all while learning about aviation photography, post processing tips in Lightroom and Photoshop, aviation history, air show reports, aviation museums, and more. We look forward to sharing our members’ images and articles with everyone.
Enjoy this issue of Airspeed!
Sincerely,
Larry Grace, ISAP President
Kevin Hong, Airspeed Editor
International Society for Aviation Photography www.aviationphoto.org • www.facebook.com/ISAPorg
Airspeed magazine will highlight ISAP members and their photography, experiences, and their passion for aviation from around the world. From military and commercial aviation, you’ll be able to see it all while learning about aviation photography, post-processing tips in Lightroom and Photoshop, aviation history, air show reports, aviation museums, and more. We look forward to sharing our members’ images and articles with everyone.
Larry Grace
In years past we have always shown our ISAP members’ photos taken at EAA AirVenture Oshkosh. This year we decided to do things a little different and focus more on some of the people particularly the Hammond family.
Most of the people know about Nathan Hammond of Ghostwriter Airshows. He flies the Super Chipmunk performing aerobatics day and night at airshows across the country. And his night show with fireworks is really amazing if you haven’t seen it.
But did you know that his wife Kelley Hammond also plays a vital roll doing his marketing, helping to prep the plane for the night act and shooting air to air photos of Nathan. And it’s not only Kelley, but their daughters Kendall and Madelyn have also taken an interest to shoot photos, and perform duties to help Nathan prepare for his airshow act.
In this issue you will not only see the photos Kelley has shot but also what Kendall and Madelyn have taken as well at Oshkosh. We hope to see more of what these young ladies can do with a camera in the future. The Hammonds truly are an airshow family.
On the other side of the flying at Oshkosh we also wanted to talk about what can be done after these beautiful photographs have been taken and what it takes to sell these works of art and even enter them into a photo contest.
We hope you enjoy the articles and take a look at the details for the Aviation Week Photo Contest.
OSHKOSH 2025 EAA AIRVENTURE
Photo and text by Kevin Hong / Airspeed Editor
704,000 TOTAL ATTENDANCE 962 EXHIBITORS
1,600 FORUMS & WORKSHOPS
6,000 VOLUNTEERS
10,000+ AIRCRAFT
22.9M REACHED ON SOCIAL MEDIA
ECONOMIC IMPACT FOR OSHKOSH REGION
$257,000,000
AIR TO AIR
Nathan Hammond, the GhostWriter, Skip Stewart, Paul Bennett, & RJ Gritter in formation over top the AirVenture Oshkosh grounds during a morning photo flight.
OVER AIRVENTURE
Photos by Kelley Hammond
Nathan Hammond, The GhostWriter and the Next Gen Eagles over Lake Winnebago during EAA AirVenture 2025.
Next Gen Eagles over the Oshkosh Farmland during an evening photo mission during EAA AirVenture 2025.
Kelley Hammond
Nathan Hammond, the GhostWriter, cruising alongside the Goodyear Blimps, Wingfoot 1 and Wingfoot 2 over Lake Poygan at EAA AirVenture 2025.
Kelley Hammond
Bob Carlton gliding over Lake Winnebago in his Fox Jet during a later afternoon photo mission during AirVenture 2025.
Kelley Hammond
Nathan Hammond, the GhostWriter in mid break over top the EAA AirVenture grounds.
Kelley Hammond
Kendall Hammond
Kendall Hammond
Kendall Hammond
Kendall Hammond
Madelyn Hammond
Madelyn Hammond
Titan Aerobatic Team during the Saturday night air show at AirVenture. Sony 300mm f/2.8 G lens on a Sony A1m2. ISO 800; f/2.8 at 1/320 second.
Kyle Fowler in his Go EZ lights up the Saturday night air show at AirVenture. Sony 300mm f/2.8 G lens on a Sony a1m2. ISO 6400; f/2.8 at 1/200 second.
Jim Koepnick
Nathan Hammond and GhostWriter Air Shows during the Saturday night air show at AirVenture. Sony 300mm f/2.8 G lens on a Sony a1m2. ISO 6400; f/2.8 at 1/200 second.
Jim Koepnick
Susan Dacy and Big Red. Sony 400-800mm G lens on a Sony a9m3. ISO 250; f16 at 1/400 second.
B-29 Doc ready for an air show pass during AirVenture. Sony 300mm f/2.8 G lens on a Sony a1m2. ISO 100; f/4 at 1/400 second.
Jim Koepnick
making an
B-29 FIFI
air show pass during AirVenture. Sony 300mm f/2.8 G lens on a Sonya1m2. ISO 100; f/3.2 at 1/200 second.
Jim Koepnick
F-35 makes a pass of the crowd line at AirVenture. Converted to B/W in post. Sony 400-800mm G lens on a Sony a9m3. ISO 800; f/8 at 1/4000 second.
Jim Koepnick
NextGen Eagles in formation past the crowd. Sony 400-800mm G lens on a Sony a9m3. ISO 250; f/18 at 1/320 second.
Jim Koepnick
F-22 afterburners.
Sony 400-800mm G lens on a Sony a9m3. ISO 1600; f/8 at 1/2500 second.
Jim Koepnick
Welcome to day 2 of EAA Airventure! Aside from the Nine airshows that happen over the course of the week, there are a myriad of things to do here. Besides walking the rows and aisles and static displays of more than 10,000 aircraft you can visit the trade show area and look at the vendor displays, shop in the open market areas or one of the several hangars with vendors selling all kinds of things. There are hands on workshops, classes for building and maintaining different types of aircraft. Then there are 11 Forum stages that hold presentations everyday for attendees. Day 2 on forum stage 10 held a special presentation given by the following photographers:
• Mike Lavitt of Aviation Week
• Avichai Socher, double winner in 2024 Photo Contest
• John Slemp, award-winning aviation photographer and author
• Jim Koepnick, multiple-time Photo Contest winner and air-to-air photographer
• Brett Schauf, the official photographer for B-29 “Doc”
Over the course of the 90-minute presentation these professional shooters gave an insight to what sets the images they create apart from the thousands of snap shots created by the average person holding a camera these days. They took a brief moment to show some published works and give advice on gear used, composition, subject matter based on each of their personal experiences.
Mike spoke in great detail about submitting images to the contest at Aviation photo week. Avichai showed images and spoke about shooting in more dangerous conditions during war torn countries. Jim and Brett gave more advice on shooting subject matter and images from a photo journalist point of view. John being the author and historian gave the tips for creating precise images using the proper tools. All five speakers have different but very effective ways of creating images and say the same thing at the end of the presentation…Keep on shooting and don’t stop creating.
Shoot to Win:
Aviation Week’s Photography Contest Seminar
Farb
Article and photos by Marc
EAA Air Venture hosted a photography contest seminar featuring aviation photographers who shared their expertise and provided valuable tips on photography.
Marc Farb
Marc Farb
Madelyn Hammond
This year at Oshkosh I did something very different for myself. I bought a booth and had the plan of selling my photography at the airshow. The logic was that everyone at Oshkosh is interested in aviation. So I looked at it, as a target rich environment.
The process is not that difficult, but there are a few things that needed my attention. Buying the booth was the easy part. It was setting up the website, letting the state of Wisconsin know you were going to be selling in their state. The booth display had to be fire resistant and you had to prove it. After several calls to the fire chief I got all my ducks in a row. I also got lots of friendly help from EAA whenever I had a question. I then had to design the booth layout, order business cards, promo cards, a table cover and a banner.
Up to this point I had great help from Gary Daniels. The truth is that I could not have done without his assistance. Then I had to choose the images I wanted to display, get them shipped to a framer I know in Appleton, WI. Decide on which images to frame and what order to display them.
Once I got to Oshkosh I had to build the display. Even though I had a simple set up it took me most of the four days allotted to finish it. I then spent 8 hours a day for the next seven days visiting with lots of great people at the show and I had some success.
I enjoyed talking with my customers and got a lot of positive feedback about my work. With all that said I got only a couple of days where I could get out and shoot the show. I figured that this being my first year selling at Oshkosh success would be an unknown quantity.
Would I make my money back or would I sell anything? The real test would be the two weeks after the show and the month before Christmas. So far I have had 4 internet orders, all metal prints and some as big as 66 inches. For Christmas I’ll have to wait and see. But for now I plan to be back next year selling some of my new images from this year’ s show.
THE ART OF SELLING AVIATION AT AIRVENTUREPhotography
Article and photos by John Ford and Marc Farb
John Ford
John Ford
John Ford
John Ford
John Ford
Marc Farb
Marc Farb
The RIAT (Royal International Air Tattoo) is clearly the worldwide yearly military spotters pilgrimage. The show was celebrating its 40th edition organized at RAF Fairford airbase located in the beautiful Cotswolds in the UK.
2024 was a great edition given the worldwide circumstances. It could have been a blast if the USAF B-1 which was announced for the flying display would have flown during the weekend but unfortunately the aircraft was INOP for the whole duration of the airshow.
Even with this setback the show had its fare share of rare or never seen planes in Europe. To mention just a few: A Qatari Apache painted in a wonderful desert camo livery, the USAF C-5M Super Galaxy that was a first for me and many others, an amazing flying display of a Swedish Blackhawk and so many more. Portugal brought a big Merlin
helicopter and demonstrated their SAR procedures and the USAF offered flying displays of the U-2S Dragon Lady which is based at Fairford.
A very welcome international debut of a classic European jet restoration was the flying display of an Italian Fiat G-91R in Frecce Tricolori colors.
Among the rare sightings I can mention the Pakistani Air Force with two JF-17 Thunders and one IL-78 tanker, the Egyptian Air Force with an AN-74 and the Swedish new version of the SAAB JAS39 Gripen, now in its E modernized version.
I can only say that the countdown for 2026 has already started…
ROYAL INTERNATIONAL
AIR TATTOO 2025
Munteanu
Article and photos by Dragos
Qatar Emiri Air Force AH-64 Apache.
Dragos Munteanu
USAF C-5M Super Galaxy.
Dragos Munteanu
Swedish Armed Forces UH-60M Blackhawk.
Dragos Munteanu
Air Force EH-101 Merlin.
Dragos Munteanu
Dragos Munteanu
USAF U-2S Dragon Lady.
Dragos Munteanu
Air Force AN-74.
Dragos Munteanu
Royal Air Force F-35B.
Dragos Munteanu
Pakistan Air Force JF-17 Thunder.
Dragos Munteanu
Air Force IL-78 Midas.
Dragos Munteanu
Dragos Munteanu
Royal Danish Air Force F-16 Solo Display Team.
Dragos Munteanu
Pakistan Air Force C-130.
Dragos Munteanu
Sweden Air Force Gripen E.
Dragos Munteanu
French Navy Atlantique ATL2.
Dragos Munteanu
Commercial air travel in the United States is long from being a glamorous experience. Gone are the days when embarking on an airliner was an event; a special occasion; the realm of the rich and famous. In recent years, the convergence of shopping malls, food courts and an endless barrage of humanity has produced a plethora of soulless, glass and chrome crowded bus stations with wings…the modern American airport. Air travel is no longer a special event; it is an endurance.
Ronald Reagan Washington Nation Airport (KDCA), located in the Commonwealth of Virginia across the Potomac River from the District of Columbia, may be the exception. It’s not a big place as major airports go. It is bordered by a river on one side and train tracks, a highway and the office buildings of Crystal City on the other so there is no room to expand. That may be a blessing. No big airliners arriving from Europe or Asia will land here. So, for aviation photographers, plane spotters and AvGeek alike, you better like regional jets, 737s and small Airbuses because that is all you get from the revenue airlines that offer service there. No big freighters either to please the fans of the heavies (like me).
DCA is a treat because the airport has style. It has character and history, and it has views. The airport architects of Terminal 2, the newish terminal which opened in 1997 as the main passenger operation, knew what they were doing. The older Terminal has been redesigned and modernized but is tiny compared to Terminal 2. The original terminal building, still showing off her art deco style, is no longer used for passenger operations. DCA does not look or feel like a shopping mall on Black Friday.
Terminal 2 is the centerpiece of DCA and is the home to a few airlines but American Airlines is the home team. Delta, JetBlue, Alaska Airlines, United and Southwest also have a decent presence there but they are clearly not the varsity squad.
What makes Terminal 2 interesting is its architectural design, layout and its construction. The prevalent yellow color of its metal beams and girders throughout the terminal is impossible to not notice. The crisscross overhead archways and built-in circular skylights are both stylish and essential. The terminal building is long and rectangular in shape with two parallel sections that run the length of the terminal. Throughout the building you will have an unblocked view of the action
on the airport. The upper level is where passengers check in and drop of their bags. You are able to view the lower level or the “air side”— the sterile area where only ticketed passengers can access—from the upper level. A glass partition separates the two levels providing security but also retaining the open views. Passengers then proceed to the lower level where the gates are located. Where else can you see your plane while checking your bags at the ticketing counter at the same time?
I visited and photographed DCA on a very hot summer day and got there early to get some golden hour shots a nd avoid the traveling masses. Sunrise had just occurred but the temperatures were sufficiently hot to create a heat haze and start the buildup of big, summertime storm clouds which would yield crazy thunderstorms later in the day. The airport, nonetheless, was buzzing just after sunrise and there were plenty of passengers to compete with my photographic creativity.
Airliners—and there were plenty—were not the star for me this day, the airport itself was. I was there to see if I could capture and portray its unique character. I was not disappointed. There was plenty to photograph without having air-side access. While there, I realized an interesting perspective during this photo shoot: DCA is a better aviation photography location than its Metropolitan Washington Airports Authority big sister, Washington-Dulles (IAD), which has all the big jets. global carriers, and cargo haulers. Frankly, IAD is far from ideal for photographers or those interested in airport architecture.
This article would not be complete with a mention about the air traffic control tower. As a former Federal Aviation Administration employee, I’ve had the privilege of going up in the tower cab of a few major U.S. airports but DCA is not one of them despite being the closest. I always found the DCA tower very stylish and reminiscent of something out of a Star Wars movie.
DCA is very close to downtown DC so a visit through this gem of an airport should be a must to those who appreciate aviation history, interesting architecture and design with a charming style.
All photos taken with Sony A1 with either a Sony 24-70 f/2.8 GM II or 70-200 f/2.8 GM II lens.
The famous River Visual approach to Runway 19 offers great photo opportunities for aviation photographers in DC. Here, Delta Airlines Airbus A321, N128DN, flying as DAL926 from Atlanta, passes in front of the Washington Monument.
A HOT MORNING AT DCA!
Article and photos by Rick Charles
American Airlines Airbus 321, N433AN, rotates on runway 19 as flight AAL2006 bound for Phoenix, Arizona.
Rick Charles
Southwest Airlines bag carts and a 737 sit idle waiting for bags and passengers.
Rick Charles
The DCA air traffic control tower strikes a dominant presence over the passenger drop-off road on the upper level of
Rick Charles
Rick Charles
At Full Throttle to Save Lives
The SAR Lifeboat Bernhard Gruben in Action
A photo report by Marc Schultz and Annika Gerth
Hooksiel, June 4, 2025. On this day, the German North Sea coast reveals its typical character: gray-blue, windy, and cool. Ideal conditions for a realistic insight into a line of work that remains almost invisible to many people far from the coastal regions – sea rescue. Together with camera assistant Annika Gerth, we spent half a day aboard the SAR-lifeboat Bernhard Gruben, stationed in Hooksiel, a quiet town on the North Sea coast of Lower Saxony. What we experienced there was far more than just a visit. It was a firsthand encounter with sea rescuers whose dedication, professionalism, and teamwork left a lasting impression.
Welcome Aboard
We were welcomed by captain Michael Schmitz and his crew, who greeted us not only with open arms but also with great openness toward our reporting project. The Bernhard Gruben still lay firmly moored in the harbor, always ready to set off at a moment’s notice. As soon as an emergency call comes in via the international
VHF emergency and calling channel 16 or the distress frequency 121.50 MHz, or an alert is issued by the German Maritime Rescue Coordination Centre (MRCC) in Bremen, operated by the DGzRS, the crew springs into action. It quickly becomes clear: nothing is left to chance here. On board, professional routines prevail – every move is second nature, because in an emergency, every minute can mean the difference between life and death.
Even on our initial tour of the Bernhard Gruben, a lifeboat of the 23.1-meter class commissioned in 1997, the ship’s thoughtful and functional design stands out. The Bernhard Gruben reaches an impressive top speed of up to 23 knots (approx. 43 km/h) and is equipped with a seaworthy daughter boat called Johann Fidi Stored in the aft section of the mother ship, it is deployed in shallow or hard-to-reach areas.
Training Drill
Then things get serious – at least for camera operator Annika. For a planned emergency drill, we have since left the Hooksiel harbor and are heading at full speed several nautical miles toward the island of Mellum. Here, Annika takes on the role of a “person to be rescued.”
Dressed in a bright red immersion suit, and after a thorough safety briefing by the crew, she jumps boldly into the still quite chilly North Sea. Shortly after hitting the water, the air chambers on her life jacket automatically inflate, preventing her from sinking. “Woman overboard” is now the scenario for the crew, and the practiced rescue sequence begins immediately. With two rescuers aboard, the daughter boat Johann Fidi detaches from the stern of the Bernhard Gruben and heads directly for the position of our volunteer castaway. Within just a few minutes, Annika is safely and professionally recovered under realistic conditions. The efficiency and routine with which the crew performs this drill are a testament to years of experience – and to relentless training.
Full speed ahead: In an emergency, Bernhard Gruben can reach a top speed of 23 knots—nearly 43 km/h.
“Every drill can instantly become reality,” says captain Schmitz with emphasis. The physical and mental resilience of the crew is regularly put to the test – including during joint exercises with the naval helicopter units stationed in Nordholz, responsible for aerial SAR (Search and Rescue), the ADAC rescue helicopter Christoph 26 from Sande, and the helicopters of Northern Helicopter, based in Emden, which can also deploy medical personnel by air or evacuate patients directly.
The Organization Behind the Rescue
The DGzRS is the organization behind this life-saving work. It is funded exclusively through donations and operates without any government support – a principle it has followed consistently since its founding in 1865. Today, the DGzRS runs 54 stations along the German coastline. Around 60 lifeboats and rescue vessels are on standby 24/7. In 2024 alone, they responded to over 2,000 missions – ranging from rescuing shipwrecked persons to providing emergency medical aid at sea.
A Namesake with a Tragic Background
The Bernhard Gruben is not just a vessel equipped with state-of-theart technology – it is also a floating memorial. It bears the name of Bernhard Gruben, a full-time sea rescuer from the fishing village of Neuharlingersiel. In January 1995, he died during a tragic mission as the captain of the lifeboat in a violent storm off the island of Borkum. With the vessel that now bears his name, his story lives on – as a reminder, but also as an inspiration for the courage and dedication that define this work.
A Day Full of Respect
maximum commitment. The professionalism they bring even to training drills leaves no doubt: when it counts, the men and women of the German Maritime Search and Rescue Service (DGzRS) can be relied upon.
Our heartfelt thanks go to captain Michael Schmitz and his dedicated crew, who gave us such open insight into their daily work. Anyone wishing to support the efforts of the sea rescuers in Gerrmany can best do so with a donation or by even becoming a supporting member. Further information can be found at www.seenotretter.de.
What remains from this day aboard the Bernhard Gruben? A deep respect for a crew that saves lives not with grand words, but with
Man - or woman - overboard: With a bold leap, camera assistant Annika, wearing a survival suit, jumps into the still rather chilly waters of the North Sea. The training exercise begins.
Marc Schultz
Final check before deployment: Before Bernhard Gruben heads out to the North Sea, both main engines are thoroughly maintained and checked in the engine room to ensure full operational readiness. Routine tasks like these are essential to guarantee reliable assistance in an emergency.
Marc Schultz
Safety comes first: Before the “man overboard” drill begins, the crew carefully coordinates every step of the operation. Each exercise requires a detailed briefing—because at sea, nothing can be left to chance.
Marc Schultz
The bridge of Bernhard Gruben is equipped with state-of-the-art navigation technology. However, safely operating the 23-meter SAR cruiser always requires full concentration and nautical skill from Captain
Michael Schmitz.
Group photo with a lady: Captain Michael Schmitz (right) and camera operator Annika Gerth (second from right) with the crew of Bernhard Gruben after a successful training mission.
Bernhard Gruben on patrol near Jade-Weser Port in Wilhelmshaven.
Marc Schultz
As a born and raised Floridian, being around water is just part of life. So, when the opportunity arose to spend a few days barefoot in the sand and in my neck of the woods, by documenting the Cocoa Beach Air Show, I couldn’t resist. But while these conditions prove quite enjoyable, they do present their own set of challenges. Heat haze is a factor as always, but so was water spray from the Atlantic Ocean. Also, a show held during the first few weeks of hurricane season provides our famous summer afternoon thunderstorms to think about. This resulted in an earlier than usual, and shorter overall show, while the sun was directly overhead pretty much the entire time everyone was in the air. It was still a great time, and hopefully we will see this show again soon (but maybe not during hurricane season next time).
COCOA BEACH AIR SHOW 2025
Article and photos by Carolyn Hinton
Carolyn Hinton
Carolyn Hinton
Carolyn Hinton
Carolyn Hinton
Carolyn Hinton
North American airshow history was made on March 29-30, 2025, when a team of four MiG-17F Frescos performed at the Defenders of Liberty Airshow at Barksdale Air Force Base in Bossier City, Louisiana. Long-time MiG airshow performer, Randy Ball, exclaimed after the history making flights, “I acquired my first MiG in 1994 and have flown airshows for three decades in MiGs, but I never thought there would ever be a team of four MiGs flying at a US airshow. This is nothing short of surreal!” In 2023, Ball also led the first team of three MiG-17Fs at the Barksdale AFB airshow.
For Ball, the Barksdale AFB airshow holds a special place in his aviation and airshow journey. In 1988, Ball flew the A-26 Spirit of Waco (now Night Mission) at the Barksdale AFB airshow. He flew his now famous Mig-17F 1611 at the airshow for the first time in 1999. Since then, he has missed performing in only two Barksdale AFB airshows. 2025 marks Ball’s 35th year performing, and he is the longest running jet performer in airshow history. He has logged more than 2000 hours in the cockpit of a MiG. Ball elaborated, “Think about how long it has taken me to log 2000 hours. My average airshow flight time is 12-to-14 minutes. That is hundreds and hundreds of very short flights with 8G sustained turns and 650 mph passes with afterburner just feet over the runway!” In November 2024, at the Jacksonville, Florida airshow, Ball flew his 1800th MiG-17F airshow performance.
Ball’s 1959 MiG-17F Fresco (Fresco was NATO’s code name for the Mikoyan-Gurevich MiG-17) is a Polish-licensed built WSK-Mielec
Lim-5. He bought the airframe directly from the Polish Air Force in 1994 and began a detailed restoration through his company, FIGHTERJETS INC., which he founded in 1995. Airshow fans today are very familiar with this striking silver MiG with 1611 painted on the nose. But, what makes 1611 even more unique is that it has its original cannons. Ball was able to import the two-23mm cannons and one-37mm cannon with the airframe. 1611 is the only MiG flying in the US with its Soviet weapons on board.
In 2008, Ball and his close friend Glenn Smith acquired a 1960 MiG-17F/Lim-5. During restoration, it was discovered that the airframe was only one serial number and only seven days apart in production from 1611. Plus, it had served in the same squadron in Europe as 1611. With this history uncovered, Ball painted the second MiG the exact same as 1611, except with 1613 on the nose. Now there were two matching MiG-17Fs and the first airshow to have the honor to have two MiGs perform was the 2008 Thunder Over Cedar Creek Airshow at Cedar Creek Lake, southeast of Dallas, Texas.
Bill Culberson is the owner of Red Star Aero Services based in Mobile, Alabama. Culberson is a Soviet military aircraft aficionado. He was hooked on Russian aviation air power as a kid since his father was a USAF fighter pilot during the Cold War. Today, Culberson’s business restores Soviet-era aircraft. In his hangar are MiG-15s, ‘17s and ‘21s. There is even a Mil Mi-2 helicopter he flies around Mobile when he
Article and photos by Gary Daniels
needs a change of pace. Culberson had typed in the MiG-15 and liked how the aircraft flew and performed. So, in 2019, Culberson acquired an airworthy 1960 MiG-17F/Lim-5 with the goal of restoring it into a world-class airshow MiG. It was during this time that he met Randy Ball. When it was time to paint the MiG, Culberson decided to paint it exactly like Ball’s 1611 and 1613, except with 1713 on the nose. Now, there were three matching MiG-17s making history flying together at the 2020 Thunder Over Cedar Creek Airshow. Culberson also acquired 1613 from Ball in 2020 adding to his extensive Soviet Cold War aircraft collection.
In 2018, Culberson purchased a 1960 MiG-17F/Lim-5 (1726) from an aviation museum in Oregon that was closing. Culberson bought the airframe sight unseen, thinking it would be a good parts aircraft. When it arrived at his Mobile facility, he found the aircraft to be in very good condition. It even had a low-time engine and afterburner with excellent records. Enter Mike Terfehr, owner of 45 North Aviation
based in Traverse City, Michigan. Terfehr had wanted to acquire a MiG since watching Culberson fly during the EAA Warbirds Jet Day at Oshkosh. Culberson agreed to sell 1726 to Terfehr in 2019, and they worked together on the restoration. Culberson said, “We’ve restored the MiG from the ground up, and we’re pretty proud of it.” Terfehr continued, “I love working on and flying the MiG. It’s a dream to fly.” 1726 has an anodized aluminum finish that gives it the patina of having flown a hundred missions from a forward airbase. Terfehr isn’t sure he wants to coat it in shiny metallic silver paint like 1611, 1613, and 1713. Terfehr said, “I’m torn about whether to paint it or leave the exterior in its original condition. It looks amazing to me as is!”
With Ball’s 1611, Culberson’s 1613 and 1713, and Terfehr’s 1726, there were now four MiG-17s available for the upcoming Barksdale airshow. With four MiGs ready to go, but only three pilots to fly them, Scott Gusakov was brought into the loop. Gusakov owns a business rebuilding Ukrainian Ivchenko AI-25TL jet engines for imported
Czech Aero L-39 Albatros jet trainers. Gusakov owns an L-39 named Tumbling Goose and raced it at the 2023 Reno Air Races, winning Silver in the class. But, that wasn’t enough for him. “I wanted to fly a sweep wing, afterburning fighter jet…” Gusakov remarked, “…the MiG-17 was the obvious choice.” Gusakov now owns a Mig-17F/Lim-6 that helps him scratch the itch. At Barksdale, he would fly as Ball’s wingman in 1613. Gusakov said, “I have wanted to fly airshows since I was seven years old. Getting to fly the Barksdale airshow as Randy Ball’s wingman was very exciting and humbling at the same time.”
In early March, the pilots and aircraft met at the Classic Jets Aircraft Association Formation Flight Clinic held in Fairhope, Alabama at the Sonny Callahan Airport (KCQF). Even though each of these pilots are accomplished at formation flying, this first practice of the year to ‘knock off the rust’ was needed. On March 27, all aircraft and pilots gathered at Ball’s hangar at Tyler Pounds Regional Airport (KTYR). The MiGs departed together, practiced maneuvers en route, and
arrived in a flight of four Soviet-era fighters right over the top of Barksdale AFB. That was certainly a first, and a bit of showing off had to be done.
The four MiGs were parked in a giant B-52 hangar, along with other airshow aircraft, on the south end of the never-ending concrete ramp. This is where the FIGHTERJETS INC. Ground Support Team really shined. The team is made up of family and friends with Tina Ball coordinating the million-and-one-details. Sam Swink was acting crew chief for all four aircraft with Tye Oldham assisting. Friday’s performance was canceled due to rain. But the hangar was hectic with activity on Saturday and Sunday leading up to the 13:30 airshow performance slots both days. Thanks to the hard work of the ground support crew, the aircraft were ready to launch on time.
The order of the flight was Ball as lead in 1611, Gusakov in 1613, Culberson in 1713, and Terfehr in 1726 flying slot. Each day, the four
pilots walked the airshow routine several times before it was time to board the aircraft and start engines. The ground crew cheerfully waved as the four MiGs noisily taxied toward the runway and greeted the pilots with hugs on their return. The Barksdale AFB airshow was months of stressful planning for the team. But, the success of the flights was exhilarating and a huge relief for all when completed.
Is there a chance for a history making five MiG flight at the 2027 Defenders of Liberty Airshow? Ball commented, “A lot can happen in two years. Barksdale is a good option because the aircraft can gather at my hangar in Tyler, and then it’s just a 100 mile hop over to the base. And ground support can easily drive to Barksdale with equipment and tools needed.” He continued, “But can something of this magnitude happen at any other airshows? Probably not. Having a four or more MiG airshow act may be something that can be duplicated but will be very expensive and logistically challenging with many people and moving parts. For example, getting multiple MiGs to the airshow, maintenance issues, weather concerns, team staffing…it’s a monumental effort with a lot of risk of disappointing the spectators.”
With the success of the Barksdale airshow, Ball is immensely proud of the team of pilots and ground support volunteers that came together to make this historic four MiG flight happen. The weekend could only be described as four days of MiG madness. Mission accomplished, comrades!
Gary Daniels
Gary Daniels
Gary Daniels
The first Wings Over South Texas in four years happened on May 10th, 2025. Yes, it was just a one day show but the weather was great and so was the big crowd.
There was one mystery about the show however as, other than a P-51 Mustang that flew with the F-22 Raptor, there were absolutely no warbirds in the static display area. The Commemorative Air Force unit that I belong wanted to send some aircraft there but no reply. However, our C-47 That’s all Brother did make an appearance on Friday, May 9th by flying over Corpus Christi beach area to the applause of quite a few folks on the beach area. That C-47 was the first airplane over France as the D-Day invasion got underway.
The flying part included the USAF F-22 Raptor showing how spectacular it can maneuver and then joined up with the P-51 for the heritage flight. There were quite a few flybys of the Boeing T-45 Goshawk trainer, Beech T-6 Texan II trainer, plus the new Beech T-54 twin
engine turboprop trainer that will be used to prepare Navy, Marine Coast Guard, and even some USAF and allied pilots, pilots to handle larger aircraft such as the C-130. New pilots going into helicopters will fly the new Triumph TH-73 (the Army is evaluating it}.
All of the above mentioned aircraft were also on the static display area. Other static included the USAF Northrop Grumman A-10 Warthog, the Army H-60 Sikorsky Blackhawk, USCG HH-65, the Boeing Navy P-8 Poseidon, the new Northrop Grumman E-2 Hawkeye Delta model, and the MH-53 mine sweeper.
The Blue Angels put on their always outstanding show. C-130J Fat Albert did a flyby and then their F/A-18E Super Hornets were the grand finale. A great time indeed!
NAS Corpus Christi Wings Over South Texas 2025
Article and photos by Eric Renth
Eric Renth
Eric Renth
Eric Renth
Eric Renth
The 2025 Ocean City, Maryland Airshow featured a practice day with impressive flight demonstrations by various aircraft. The US Navy E/A-18 Growlers showcased their capabilities and Mark Meredith performed stunts in his Super Chipmunk. The US Navy Blue Angels also conducted their practice routines, with dramatic vapor cones forming as the weather deteriorated.
On the first day of the official airshow, the E/A-18 Growlers performed and the B-25 Mitchell bomber Panchito, joined the lineup, performing several fly-bys.
Weather conditions deteriorated throughout the event. While the practice day began with mostly cloudy skies, clouds steadily moved in, and by Saturday afternoon, the cloud ceilin g dropped to a mere 400 feet, significantly impacting visibility. Unfortunately, due to continued poor weather on Sunday, all flying demonstrations were canceled.
U.S. Navy E/A-18 Growler in a tactical break during the practice day demo.
Ocean City Airshow 2025
Article and photos by Greg Meland
Greg Meland
Mark Meredith in his Super Chipmunk, performs his preview show during the practice day demo.
Greg
Growler high speed pass with vapor forming.
B-25 Panchito head-on view during fly-by.
Greg Meland
The images capture the electrifying spectacle of the Blue Angels soaring over Pensacola Beach, their vibrant blue-and-yellow F/A-18F Super Hornets slicing through the Florida sky with precision and power.
Framed against the shimmering Gulf of Mexico, the jets execute breathtaking maneuvers—tight diamond formations, heart-pounding barrel rolls, and mirror-like passes that leave contrails swirling above the cheering crowd. The photographs freeze moments of raw aerodynamic artistry, from the glint of sunlight off polished fuselages to the blurred speed of a low-altitude flyby, embodying the Navy’s elite demonstration team at their home base in a display that thrills aviation aficionados and newcomers alike.
Playing in
Article and photos by Joshua Epps
Pensacola
Joshua Epps
Joshua Epps
Joshua Epps
Joshua Epps
Talisman Sabre 2025
Exercise Talisman Sabre, Australia’s largest bilateral military exercise recently concluded its 11th iteration. Talisman Sabre 2025 was the largest and most sophisticated iteration of the bilateral war games conducted over three weeks. During that time more than 40,000 military personnel from Australia and partnering nations deployed across Queensland, Northern Territory, Western Australia, New South Wales and Christmas Island. For the first time drills where also conducted in Papua New Guinea.
In addition to host nation Australia the United States and 17 other nations participated in Talisman Sabre 2025. These nations included Canada, Fiji, France, Germany, India, Indonesia, Japan, The Netherlands, New Zealand, Norway, Papua New Guinea, The Philippines,
The Republic of Korea, Singapore, Thailand, Tonga and the United Kingdom. Malaysia and Vietnam also attended as observers.
A total of 79 firsts were archived during the three-week exercise. One of which was a US Navy P-8 Poseidon operating the Advanced Airborne Sensor (AAS) AN/APS-154 pod in Australia. It houses a AESA radar which can provide multifunction targeting information in all-weather conditions which can be passed onto armed platforms.
In conclusion Exercise Talisman Sabre 2025 was a good opportunity to visit numerous locations throughout Queensland to photograph a variety of aircraft. I now look forward to the 12th iteration of Exercise Talisman Sabre which will take place in 2027.
Article and photos by Liam Nash
Liam Nash
Liam Nash
Liam Nash
Liam Nash
Liam Nash
On June 23 - July 4, 2025 in Konya, The “Anatolian Eagle – 2025” exercise involved Air Forces from Azerbaijan, Hungary, Jordan, Qatar, Saudi Arabia, Türkiye, the United States, and NATO. It was conducted to strengthen mutual cooperation, enhance interoperability, and improve combat readiness among participating Air Forces.
International Anatolian Eagle-2025 Training hosted by 3rd Main Jet Base Command was successfully wrapped up with the outstanding contributions of all the participants.
The exercise challenged participants with complex, high-end tactical scenarios designed to refine combat tactics, counter integrated air defenses, and build credible joint force capabilities.
I wish you continued success. I’m sending you photos and a short informative article from the Anatolian Eagle exercise held last month. All photos from the event, which I participated in as a photographer, were taken by me. I hope they will be of interest in your magazine. These photos were taken with a NIKON D850 CAMERA and a NIKON 70 - 200mm f/4 and 24 - 70mm f/2.8 lenses.
ANATOLIAN EAGLE 2025 EXERCISE
Article and photos by Ugur Ozkan
The summer season on Long Island kicks off every year with an air show for the past 21 years at Jones Beach. Out of the past 21 years the Army Golden Knights Parachute team has come to open the show with the flag drop and then dazzle the record crowds each year with an aerial performance of skill and accuracy with either the Gold team or the Black team.
I have had the honor and privilege for the past 10 years of working with them at airshows and attending the training camps a few times. I have been asked before why I go up with them as many times as I have. My answer is very simple, every airshow or mission is different and we get the chance to experience something different each time. I can tell you first hand the team members do not disappoint in anyway. Like all airshows the opening performance is the flag drop. While I never turn down the chance to fly with them I have come to like the routine of joining them for the flag drop then getting down to the beach and photographing the second deployment of jumpers from the landing zone on the beach itself.
The landing zone is a section on the beach that is 300 x 300 feet with a big X to mark the spot like a treasure map. There are two team members that are stationed in the landing zone that are monitoring conditions like the air speed and direction and stay in contact with the team and crew on the plane keeping them updated to what’ s going on the ground. This is in addition to the team members on the plane tossing out a weighted marker to judge air speed and direction. All of this gets coordinated with the pilot so the jumpers can deploy and hit the landing zone target on the beach. Sound simple right?? Not so much, lots of practice and skill to hit the targets in the landing zone considering that they can jump from any where of six thousand to 14 thousand feet of a given show or program.
ROLLING WITH THE KNIGHTS JONES BEACH AIR SHOW 2025
Article and photos by Marc Farb
Marc Farb
Marc Farb
Marc Farb
Summertime in central Illinois is warm and humid. Crops grow rapidly and the bugs begin to move in. Japanese beetles specifically, can quickly be devastating for developing crops such as corn and soybeans. In corn fields, the beetles love to consume the corn silks as they appear. Consuming these silks dramatically decreases the number of kernels on the ear, thus significantly reducing yield.
To combat these beetles, farmers will apply various insecticides. Because the corn is often seven feet high or taller, it’s not possible to apply insecticides via tractor and sprayer. This is where aerial application comes into play. Aerial applicators are amazing pilots, and spraying fields can be a challenging process. The fields often have power lines along their edge, may have windmills, or have residential homes nearby that the aerial applicator must consider when they are spraying the field.
Watching these aviation professionals is like having an airshow in your backyard. Recently, the field behind my farm was being sprayed, and I took the opportunity to take some photographs. This plane, an Air Tractor AT-502, was being operated by Pontiac Flying Service. I watched for the better part of an hour as the pilot performed his work; it was simply amazing to see.
Aerial Applicators At Work
Article and
photos
by Greg Knott
Greg Knott
For 20 years the Cedar Creek Veterans Foundation (CCVF) has hosted an airshow over Cedar Creek Lake near Mabank, Texas every 4th of July weekend. Their mission is to raise money for veterans who have served this great country and I have had the honor of being apart of their mission as their official airshow photographer every July 4th weekend for almost 10 years.
Recently last year CCVF added a second airshow site at the Athens Municipal Airport in Athens, Texas called Thunder Over East Texas and continues another event called Warbird Expo at the Tyler Airport in Tyler, Texas. With three events taking place at different locations the entire weekend I’ve had a great experience shooting photos on land, sea, and air.
Thunder Over Cedar Creek Lake and Thunder Over East Texas are twilight shows and the Warbird Expo takes place during the day. Having the airshows later in the day is the only way we can cope with the triple digit heat in Texas.
Unfortunately, like many airshows this year, weather played a factor and disrupted the airshows. However after the rain came the beautiful sunsets just in time to catch some beautiful shots with vapor, afterburners, and sometimes flames coming out of the World War II aircraft like this year.
To help us celebrate the Red, White, and Blue weekend we had the USAF F-16 Viper Demo and the USMC MV-22 Osprey demo as the main headliners for the military.
Even though the rain came down delaying the show canceling some acts in Athens, it was worth the wait to see them perform with a gorgeous rainbow in the background. The Titan Aerobatic Team was the perfect act to end the airshows each night.
I had a great time photographing planes but I think the highlight of the entire weekend was meeting up with USMC Colonel Joe McPhail, the oldest living F4U Corsair pilot. At age 102 he still remembers everything. We were able to not only reunite him with a Corsair but have him celebrate the 250th Anniversary of the Marine Corps with the USMC MV-22 Osprey crew this year. It was a great moment to capture the Osprey pilots talk with a decorated World War II veteran.
I hope the Cedar Creek Veterans Foundation will continue to be there for the veterans and the community. The airshow over Cedar Creek Lake is one of the few airshows in the country over a lake and hope to continue to have it on 4th of July weekend to celebrate freedom.
Celebrating the July 4th
Article and photos by Kevin Hong / Airspeed Editor
Kevin Hong
Kevin Hong
DULUTH AIR & EXPO 2025
Article
/ ISAP President
This year, the Duluth Air and Expo, held from July 5 to 6, 2025, celebrated its 25th anniversary alongside the Navy’s 250th anniversary, bringing aviation and military history to Minnesota.
On July 6, the airshow achieved a record-breaking attendance to mark this significant milestone.
The festivities commenced on July 4th at Bayfront Park along the shores of Lake Superior, where the US Navy Band Great Lakes entertained the crowds. Speakers included Duluth Mayor Roger Rein-
ert and US Navy Captain Dale Gregory, Commanding Officer of the USS Ronald Reagan.
The event was MCs by Ric Peterson and Ryan Kern, who introduced military and civilian performers to the city of Duluth.
The US Navy Blue Angels, Canadian Snowbirds, F-22 and F-35 Demo, the hometown MNANG 148th FW F16 aircraft, US Army Golden Knights, and USN Leap Frogs showcased their aerial displays, entertaining fans of all ages.
and photos by Larry Grace
a diverse range
Airspeed magazine will showcase our members’ aviation images. For this review, we feature the performers during their induction to the city of Duluth and airshow enthusiasts from across the country.
Civilian performers Jon Melby, Erik Edgren, Susan Darcy, Jarrod Linderman, hometown aircraft manufacturer Cirrus Aircraft, and MN CAF B-25 Miss Mitchell also joined the festivities, providing
of performances.
Larry Grace
Larry Grace
Larry Grace
Larry Grace
Larry Grace
Larry Grace
Larry Grace
Larry Grace
Larry Grace
Larry Grace
Larry Grace
Larry Grace
Larry Grace
Larry Grace
Larry Grace
Tinker Air Show
WARRIORS OF AIR AND SPACE
Bryan Turner
Article and photos by
Bryan Turner
Bryan Turner
Bryan Turner
ISAP MEMBER’S SHOWCASE
Article and photo by John Agather
In 1975, I was presented with a profound gift by my parents of a new Nikon F2 camera with a 105mm lens. Recently I have started scanning some of my old negatives, which is a very daunting task. I began with the very first roll of black and white film I ever shot (and my third roll overall). It was also the first one I ever personally developed.
The negatives are in poor condition, a form I attribute to my skills as a then 15-year-old photographic newbie. The images may be in rough shape, but my memories of that day are intact. It was in the summer of 1975 that I was fortunate enough to catch a ride in Diamond ‘Lil, the Commemorative Air Force B-24. My history with this airplane is unique since it was the very first airplane I ever rode on as a six-weekold baby when it belonged to PEMEX, the Mexican oil company.
My ride on the B-24 included a formation flight with the CAF SB2C Helldiver. The pilot at the controls of the Helldiver that day was an accomplished flyer named Vince Carruth. He had been a Naval aviator during WWII and retired from his career as the pilot for Admiral John S. McCain, Jr., Senator John S. McCain’s III father.
I still use my fabulous Nikon F2 and the exact same 105mm lens I shot this picture with fifty years ago. Although I have now purchased many, many other cameras since I was 15. I have no idea what aperture or shutter speed I shot this with. I used black and white Kodak Safety Film 5063, a TRI-X 400 ASA/ISO speed film. When I shoot with the F2 today it is like dancing with an old friend.
John Agather is a longtime supporter of the CAF and ISAP member.
AIRPLANE SILHOUETTES
by John Ford
Identify these aircraft. The answers are found next to the Kenyon Gyro Ad.
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Photo: John Eckmier
ISAP Board Members
President and Board Chairman Larry Grace
Vice President and Vice Chairman Jim Wilson
Treasurer Gary Edwards
ISAP Board Member
ISAP Staff Member
Kevin Hong
John Sepp
Chairman Emeritus Jay Miller
Airspeed Editor Kevin Hong
Airspeed is a periodic publication of the International Society for Aviation Photography (ISAP) and is used to communicate news, functions, convention information, and other information of interest on the local, regional, and national scenes. The views and opinions expressed in this newsletter are those of the authors and should not be construed as the views or opinions of the International Society for Aviation Photography (ISAP). Please contact us at info@aviationphoto.org
Airspeed is a publication to showcase our members’ work capturing aviation.
