2008 MacDill Airfest - Airshow Photography by Neil & Jennifer Clements

This year's MacDill Airfest featured the Canadien Snowbirds and several other really good performers including the F-18, F-4, F-15, and Tim Webber.

We arrived at the air base around 9 and was able to get right in without a problem. We haven't gone to this show for a few years because it really is difficult trying to take photos with the sun facing the flightline.

MacDill pulled a fast one in getting the Snowbirds this year. Since the Air & Sea Show in Ft. Lauderdale was cancelled ,thanks to MacDonald's pulling out as main sponser, MacDill changed their date to land the Snowbirds.

Thank goodness they did. We saw the Snowbirds two years ago in Ft. Lauderdale and they put on a good show. This time, they added some new a more exciting maneuvers which were fantastic! With nine planes in the group, they were spot on with their formation flying. We had the pleasure of meeting and getting sutographs from all the pilots after the show.

Another first for MacDill was the formation of three F-104s flown by the Starfighters group based in Tampa Bay. It was something to see three F-104s flying together. They made several passes in different formations and one by one.

We placed our seats all the way over on the right side of the tarmac which was really cool because we got a great view of all the planes as they taxied out to the runway. We also got a healthy dose of jet wash a few times as well. It was funny when the F-15 came by...as he turned the crowd got a full blast with many people losing their hats. chairs . and drinks!

Overall, we had a great time attending the Airfest and are looking forward to going back next year. The photos turned out a lot better than I figured they would. I must be getting better!!