Blue Angels 1987 Panel Discussion: Transition to the F/18 Hornet

To commemorate the arrival of the Blue Angels F/18 Hornet at the Frontiers of Flight Museum in Dallas, TX, the 1987 Blue Angels team joined a virtual panel to share their recollection and insight into the team's transition to the aircraft.

Participants:

Host: John Miller, Blues Angels solo pilot (1976 - 1978)
Gil Rud, Blue Angels #1 (1986 - 1988)
Donnie Cochran, Blue Angels #3/4 (1986 - 1988) #1 (1995 - 1996)
Patrick Walsh, Blue Angels #3/4 (1985 - 1987)
David Anderson, Blue Angels #7/6/5 (1985 - 1987)
Wayne Molnar, Blue Angeles #7/6/5 (1986 - 1988)
Moderator: Ryan Nothhaft, Blue Angel Phantoms YouTube Channel & Podcast host

Topics discussed during the session include:

The reason the team decided to move on from the A4 Skyhawk and the reason the F/18 was selected as the team's platform of choice

The Blue Angels' last air show in the A4 Skyhawk

The team's training curriculum

Comparing the A4 Skyhawk to the F/18 Hornet

Challenges faced by taller pilots

Putting together the demo for the first time in the F/18

Diamond maneuvers that were added and removed to the demo as a result of the transition

Why the Delta Landing was removed from the demo

Solo demo profile modifications

Rendezvous and how the changed with the transition

Value of the Maintenance team

The Blue Angels first ejection in the F/18

Safety protocols

Most challenging maneuvers

-