In the Northeast the summer weather can make aviation photography almost impossible. This was the case in Rochester. The haze was the worst I have seen it at any show I have ever attended. Needless to say very few "quality" flying shots came out of Rochester. On the brighter side I was able to get some great shots of the Blues during their pre-show start-up. Performers included: F-16 West Coast Demo Team, CF-18 West Coast Demo Team, Gene Soucy & Teresa Stokes, Bulldog, Canadian Harvard, and the Blues.

Gene Soucy and Teresa Stokes have been working together since 1988.  Mr. Airshow as Gene is known in the industry fly's two aircraft during the show.  His modified Showcat and his Extra 300 S. 

Rochester had two demo teams on hand.  The F-16 Viper East Coast Demo Team and the CF-18 West Coast Demo Team.  Without any question this Hornet has the Best paintjob of any aircraft I have ever scene.

Other performers included: Bulldog, The Canadian Harvards, F-117 Stealth Fighter, and the departure of an AH-1 Super Cobra.

I usually sit at the end of the flight line.  Therefore I have very few photographs of the maintenance crew.  Due to the weather this year at Rochester I decided to get some shots of the ground portion of the show.

Before the show the maintenance crew "hangs out"

The pilots arrive and stand at attention at the end of the flight line. Then they begin the march down to their aircraft.  They salute their crew chief, and then suit up.

This show was a little unique for two reasons.  First, off in the distance a single seat Blue Angel F/A-18 sat un-numbered.

Second, a very rare occurrence.  A VIP was given a flight during the show.

Next, the crew checks all control surfaces on the Hornet.  Finally, they remove the wheel chucks.

The crew chiefs give the salute to indicate all is ready to go.  And then fall into formation and await the return of the team.

Then the performance!