If I'm not mistaken, it was the Collins F-4U Corsair that was at New Smyrna Beach airport, and which Dale Snodgrass flew this past summer. I just ran across these forums and was blown away to see Patty and Dale on here as I've enjoyed their shows for many years now, so I had to join and come up with a topic.

So, what is the status of the F-4 and where will it be based, and how long until we can expect to see it on the airshow circuit? Even the nearby TICO warbird show doesn't get an F-4 in recent years, so it will be nice if it happened to make appearances in FL with its sister 9-0-9.

• RE: About the Collins Foundation F-4 ,Snort, 14:54z, 11-22-04
  • RE: About the Collins Foundation F-4 ,CessnaPilot, 20:01z, 11-22-04
    • RE: About the Collins Foundation F-4 ,DaveHederich, 00:57z, 03-05-05

Hi..... Not sure what the actual status of the "CF" F4. I believe it's still in flying condition but I don't know if they've selected another pilot after Steve Richie and Bob C had a parting of the ways.

However there will be a couple beautiful F4's at airshows next year! The Air Force has close to 60 F4's at Tyndall in their Target squadron. The Co of the squadron LCOL Jerry Kerby will be flying 8-10 Airshows as a Heritage Flight Member. They have painted up a couple in Vietnam dark green camo. I just flew a special Heritage flight at Tyndall 2 weeks ago in the F86 with an F22, F15, F4. The F22 may also play in a couple Heritage Flights next year.

Dale Snodgrass

Thank you for the quick reply Dale. It is very cool that the USAF has ok'ed the F-22 to do Heritage Flights already, as it is almost brand new to the airshow circuit in general... myself having just seen my first glimpse of it at the last Jacksonville NAS show. I've read that only 6 active military pilots were selected along with the 12 civilian/ex-mil counterparts (such as yourself), so does this mean they added to the list or did a 15 guy get transitioned to the F-22? Just curious.

And though you don't have much info on the elder F-4, nice to know the Phantom will be seen again at airshows. I've always had a special place for that bird, the only glimpses of it recently being German Phantoms based at Holloman AFB (seen at JNAS a few years ago, along with their Panavia Tornado).

Only one airshow on the Collings Foundation F-4 schedule so far -- May 20-21, Selfridge ANGB in Michigan:

http://www.cfwest.net/f4/f4tour.htm