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FAA: Big Tech Challenges For Massive Washington, DC Warbirds Flyover

Posted by samzenpus on from the blast-from-the-past dept.

coondoggie writes: It will be one of the largest gatherings of flying WWII aircraft in history as 56 famous vintage warbirds will fly through restricted airspace over the National Mall Friday in remembrance of the 70th anniversary of VE-Day or Victory in Europe Day. The huge flyover, dubbed "The Arsenal of Democracy," of so many different types of aircraft – from seaplanes to fighters and the only flying B-29 Superfortress – was no easy undertaking. The first plane should be visible along the National Mall around 12:10 p.m. With roughly 90 seconds between formations, the Flyover will end by 1 p.m. Reagan National Airport will be closed to commercial traffic from 12 noon to 1 p.m. to accommodate the flights. The Flyover will be streamed live here.

4 of 54 comments (clear)

  1. What tech challenges? by Zargg · · Score: 3, Insightful

    I don't get it, what is the big tech challenge to overcome here? Seems like the biggest issues are legal (exemptions from the FAA already made though) or logistical.

  2. B-29 by ArchieBunker · · Score: 4, Insightful

    Seeing and hearing the B-29 fly over is quite impressive. I try and imagine what it would be like in 1945 to see a sky full of them. They do a flyover here during the summer and you can pay for a ride although its not cheap.

    --
    Only the State obtains its revenue by coercion. - Murray Rothbard
  3. Arseholes of Democracy by Anonymous Coward · · Score: 0, Insightful

    So why did they choose that title?
    To justify the current bloodlust of the world's largest military? Paper over the rampant hypocrisy and ignorance of the masses?
    "No, really, we're Merricuns wif GUNZ and we're here to help. Now, get out of ma way before I shoot yaz all".
    Spreading US-style "democracy" at the point of a gun.
    Anyone else want to tell me why this feels dystopian?

  4. The largest gatherings of such aircrafts was WW2 by iceco2 · · Score: 3, Insightful

    Depending on how you define an event, the most WW2 planes flying at once could have been one of several raids.
    Good candidates include the bombing of Dreseden, Berlin, Hamburg or London.