Reggie Paulk

Video: F-35 VTOL Flip Is Another Fake

reggie.paulk@gmail.com (Reggie Paulk) — Tue, 16 Jun 2009 15:12:00 +0000

There's been a video circulating recently showing a Lockheed F-35 VTOL airplane lifting off from the deck of an aircraft carrier, performing a forward flip, and then flying off into the distance. There are numerous reasons it's a fake, a few of which have to do with the fact that there should be more doors open above and below the aircraft while performing the lift off. Here's a video of the real thing from YouTube:

Now, watch this video and notice that the rear exhaust nozzle isn't pointing down when the airplane lifts off, the door above and behind the cockpit isn't there either. And, last I checked, the F-35 didn't have a rocket able to cause a roll like what you see:

Here's another fake takeoff video mixed with real footage of the airplane in flight:

Cg USMC F-35-B - Celebrity bloopers here

Noting the lack of any type of name attached to the video, and the fact that the same music plays in all of the videos on the internet, I'd guess that the video was produced by Lockheed Martin or the U.S. Marines as a viral marketing stunt to show how cool their new replacement for the AV-8B Harrier is.

Best Aviator Sunglasses | VedaloHD | Review

reggie.paulk@gmail.com (Reggie Paulk) — Sat, 16 May 2009 21:16:00 +0000

(Top Photo: VedaloHD Azzurro2 Aviator

Bottom Photo: World Advanced Aerobatic Champion Rob Holland is sponsored by and wears VedaloHD's... Used with permission)

While wandering around Sun n Fun this year, one of my colleagues introduced me to Rob Holland and Chris Pederson, marketing director for VedaloHD sunglasses. Chris asked if I'd be interested in an interview with Holland to see how he likes the sunglasses. He also mentioned that other pilots like Sean Tucker and Reno racer Kevin Eldredge wear Vedalo's.

Holland seemed quite impressed with his glasses, but I couldn't help but think, "Of course you're going to say great things about them in front of your sponsor!"

Pederson then lead me to his booth and allowed me to try on a few pairs of glasses to see which ones fit best. I chose a pair of Azzuro2's, and he said to try them out and let him know what I thought. I asked when I should bring them back, and he said, "They're yours." Whoa! All I could think was, "Man I hope I don't hate them!"

Well, I put the glasses on, and the first thing I noticed was that the reds, greens and blues were highly enhanced. It was like they became fluorescent, and at first, I wasn't sure I was going to like it. You grow use to it quickly, and the value of the color enhancement really comes into its own once airborne. In order to avoid interference with some flat panel displays in aircraft, VedaloHD aviator sunglasses are not polarized. I thought this would be a disadvantage, but I was in for a surprise.

Flying in the hazy air of Florida, your ability to see traffic is diminished, and polarized glasses can cut the glare. The first day I went up, I was wearing no sunglasses, and it was quite difficult to make out traffic while we were flying out to the Gulf Coast. The next time I went up, I was in the front seat of a Pitts S-2C wearing the Azzuro's, and from the moment we lifted off, I knew there was something different. In the busy airspace surrounding Lakeland, Florida, I was able to easily locate every target in the vicinity. It was an uncanny feeling, because the glasses literally make the haze disappear and traffic sticks out like a sore thumb.

Leaving Tampa on a commercial flight, I was in a window seat on the Airbus A-319. As we flew out over the Gulf of Mexico at 30,000 feet, I was enjoying all of the underwater features, including a channel that had been dredged from the shore so boats could make it to deeper water. It was then I realized I was wearing my glasses, and decided to take them off. I was shocked! The underwater features completely disappeared, and all I could see was the green water. I put them back on, and it was like I had X-ray vision. They were that good.

I've been flying for over 17 years. In all of that time, I've seen just about every gimmick and gizmo there is claiming to enhance vision while flying an airplane. The VedaloHD sunglasses are the first ones I've ever tried that actually made me say, "Wow!"

I can honestly say that I think these glasses can help enhance your ability to see-and-avoid, and therefore should be a serious consideration for daytime flight safety.

Visit VedaloHD to find your pair...

Video | Falling Out of The Sky | Mooney Acclaim

reggie.paulk@gmail.com (Reggie Paulk) — Tue, 12 May 2009 01:51:00 +0000

This is an emergency descent in a Mooney Acclaim from 25,000 feet to 15,000 feet. At 4600 feet per minute, we were falling the equivalent of 52 miles per hour straight down! Our forward speed was 222 Knots True Airspeed. Not a true emergency, but fun to rehearse, nonetheless.

Cell Phone Tree Line [Flickr]

luv2sor — Tue, 05 May 2009 17:32:08 PDT

luv2sor posted a photo:

Apollo Fox at Sun n Fun 2009 [Flickr]

luv2sor — Mon, 27 Apr 2009 22:28:30 PDT

luv2sor posted a photo:

This little airplane fit my 6'1" frame nicely and the visibility was outstanding.

Flying the Apollo Fox at Sun n Fun [Flickr]

luv2sor — Mon, 27 Apr 2009 22:26:37 PDT

luv2sor posted a photo:

God it was a fun little plane!

Cover Photo Subject [Flickr]

luv2sor — Mon, 27 Apr 2009 22:09:27 PDT

luv2sor posted a photo:

Flying formation as the subject in the front seat of a Pitts S-2C. That's an Aviat Husky and the EAA's Cessna 210 photo ship out over the Gulf of Mexico

EAA's Jim Koepnick and "The Beast" [Flickr]

luv2sor — Mon, 27 Apr 2009 22:05:30 PDT

luv2sor posted a photo:

Jim Koepnick sitting in his office at the rear of the EAA's Cessna 210 after a successful photo shoot over the Gulf of Mexico during the 2009 Sun n Fun fly-in.

Air-to-air At Sun n Fun 2009

reggie.paulk@gmail.com (Reggie Paulk) — Tue, 28 Apr 2009 04:41:00 +0000

What do you get when you fly a Pitts and a Husky together? A boatload of fun, that's what! When I was at Sun n Fun last week, I convinced Bill Finagin of Dent Air Ltd. and Aviat Aircraft President Stu Horn to take a Pitts S-2C and a Husky A-1C up for an air-to-air photo shoot over the Gulf of Mexico. The resulting photos are the product of the right light, setting, aircraft and, most importantly, people. I was fortunate enough to be sitting in the front cockpit of the Pitts with Bill Finagin as we rolled and hammered over the coast. Beautiful! Thanks Stu and Bill.

Sun n Fun 2009 Air-to-Air Photo Shoot

reggie.paulk@gmail.com (Reggie Paulk) — Mon, 27 Apr 2009 02:36:00 +0000

Flying in a Cessna 210 with Jim Koepnick and Bruce Moore, I got to experience first hand what it's like to take off into a beautiful sunset and photograph an airplane over the Gulf of Mexico. I'll be writing an article about the experience for Sport Aerobatics Magazine's June issue, so keep an eye out for it.

Video Review: My Yamaha C3 is Too Much Fun! A.k.a: Vox, Giggle

reggie.paulk@gmail.com (Reggie Paulk) — Sun, 15 Mar 2009 06:20:00 +0000

Today was a gorgeous day for shooting some HD scooting action! I love riding my little scooter, and it gets 115 miles to the gallon!

Trike Flying is One of My Favorite Forms of Aviating

reggie.paulk@gmail.com (Reggie Paulk) — Thu, 05 Mar 2009 04:13:00 +0000

This was my Top Dog trike, which is no longer built. It had a 15 meter Northwing topless (strutted) wing and a Rotax 582 liquid-cooled two stroke engine with 65 horsepower. It only weighed a little over 300 pounds empty, and climbed like a homesick angel. I really miss that machine.

Flying With The United States Air Force Academy Glider Program

reggie.paulk@gmail.com (Reggie Paulk) — Mon, 15 Dec 2008 02:08:00 +0000

Come along on a flight with Captain Erich Kunrath and myself as we fly in a Blanik L-23 sailplane from the Air Force Academy in Colorado.

YouTube Now Shows My Videos In True HD (High Definition)

reggie.paulk@gmail.com (Reggie Paulk) — Fri, 05 Dec 2008 02:00:00 +0000

I was just lurking around YouTube tonight and noticed that they've taken a couple of clips I shot in HD and allowed them to be shown in full 720P video. You can now watch them full-screen and they look freaking amazing! Click on the embedded videos below twice to be taken to YouTube, where you may choose the HD option on the lower right of the viewer.

Rocketman Breaks Jetpack Record by Flying Over Royal Gorge In Death-Defying Stunt

reggie.paulk@gmail.com (Reggie Paulk) — Tue, 25 Nov 2008 03:57:00 +0000

The Royal Gorge is a deep gash in the earth. It's sheer rock walls fall almost vertically over 1000 feet to the river below. Spanning the chasm is the Royal Gorge Bridge. Built in the 1920's this suspension bridge is the world's highest suspension bridge. Believe me, no matter how unafraid of heights you are, peering through the wooden slats to the river far below gives you the heeby jeebies. Jet-pack pilot Eric Scott of GoFast Energy Drinks flew 1500 feet across the canyon today to break the record for longest flight with a jet pack. To put it into perspective, the flight took him 24 seconds to complete--He had less than six seconds of fuel remaining when he touched down on the other side. Here's a video I made of the adventure:

Video: Air Hogs Havoc Stinger

reggie.paulk@gmail.com (Reggie Paulk) — Tue, 18 Nov 2008 15:19:00 +0000

The Air Hogs Stinger helicopter is a tiny little contraption that seems rather delicate out of the box, but it's quite robust. My seven year old and my three year old both fly it, and it's held up rather well. The main and tail rotor blades are powered by separate motors--the tail rotor being powered by the tiniest of motors. Even though there's a channel to control steering, the helicopter is best left to it's own in that department. The main rotor blade is balanced with a gyroscopic mechanism that keeps the helicopter level while flying, and does a remarkable job of keeping it from hitting walls. Here's a video I made with my kids while we played with the little chopper:

Video | Red Bull Through Vision Research's High Speed Eyes

reggie.paulk@gmail.com (Reggie Paulk) — Sat, 08 Nov 2008 17:03:00 +0000

Watching Red Bull Air Races is exciting, but when seen through the eyes of a camera shooting upwards of 1000 frames per second, it is downright mesmerizing. Click on the photo above to see what I mean. See more high speed video action at Vision Research

PilotMag Launches Pilot Lounge User Forum...

reggie.paulk@gmail.com (Reggie Paulk) — Sun, 02 Nov 2008 05:16:00 +0000

PilotMag has launched a social networking website aimed at aviation enthusiasts, adventurers and anyone else interested in all things flying. Users can blog, upload photos and videos, create and join forums and groups and generally do everything a full-featured forum can do. One thing that sets Pilot Lounge apart is that the entire back end has been created from scratch. There are no proprietary software obstacles, so if you want it, ask for it and it shall be done. Try getting that kind of functionality out of another site! Check it out at www.pilotlounge.com.

KillaThrill Generates Huge Buzzkill With Viral Airplane Crash Video

reggie.paulk@gmail.com (Reggie Paulk) — Thu, 30 Oct 2008 01:33:00 +0000

(Why is the "pilot" on the wrong side of the security barrier?)

Well, the guys at KillaThrill are actually trying to keep the subterfuge going with a new website that shows their "pilot" in an interview right after his so-called flight. James Andersson is supposedly a pilot in the Red Bull Air Race, but if you notice the photos, you never actually see the Red Bull logo. Of course, a quick check with Red Bull themselves will show you he doesn't exist. Here's their roster in case you're curious:
Source(http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/2008_Red_Bull_Air_Race_World_Series_season)

Here's the video that's been circulating widely on the internet as fact, when in fact it is a complete fiction. At first blush, the aircraft looks real and the wing separation seems authentic. If you listen closely, you'll hear that the engine sounds are not properly synchronized, the radio chatter seems out of place and the people are definitely over-acting. But for its intended purpose, KillaThrill got a great viral advertising campaign. Congratulations! Here's another video done in a very similar fashion:

And this video seals the deal:

For authentic flying, check out these videos, or go to PilotMag:

Video: Crop Duster Low Fly By

reggie.paulk@gmail.com (Reggie Paulk) — Wed, 29 Oct 2008 08:00:00 +0000

Crop dusting aircraft are a whole different breed of airplanes designed to withstand the vagaries of nap-of-the-earth flying, obstacles, chemicals and a whole host of other things most pilots never hope to encounter. This is just a teaser video that I made for PilotMag, so keep your eyes out for the November/December issue of the magazine for some amazing shots. Stay tuned for a longer, video with some really cool air-to-air and ground-to-air shots. Visit Scott Aviation to learn more about Kyle Scott's aviation services, including his FBO at the Ft. Morgan Municipal Airport.

Video: Flying the PilotMag Gobosh LSA | Airplane Sweepstakes

reggie.paulk@gmail.com (Reggie Paulk) — Sun, 05 Oct 2008 04:19:00 +0000

If you've ever dreamed of flying but thought it was out of reach, stop dreaming and start flying. If you wear coke bottle glasses and have a driver's license, chances are you meet the health requirements to fly this light sport airplane. After watching the video, ponder this: It only takes 20-30 hours of flight training to get certified in this airplane and then you can take a friend with you. You can enter for a chance to win a red Gobosh just like this one in the PilotMag sweepstakes drawing next year. If you're in the Denver area, visit Skyraider Aviation to rent and fly this airplane.

Be sure to watch the video in high quality.

Air-To-Air: Gobosh 700 Light Sport Airplane

reggie.paulk@gmail.com (Reggie Paulk) — Fri, 03 Oct 2008 03:31:00 +0000

Christopher Dillis, owner of Skyraider Aviation, stands with his beautiful new Gobosh 700 light sport airplane at the Erie Municipal Airport north of Denver, Colorado. The airplane is available for rental and flight instruction, but I wouldn't suggest flying it; you'll get addicted. I took my HD video camera along for the air-to-air and flight, so hit play to see what it was like.

Airplane Sweepstakes | Gobosh 700 Sport Plane

reggie.paulk@gmail.com (Reggie Paulk) — Fri, 26 Sep 2008 18:53:00 +0000

What could be better than owning an airplane? Owning one you only have to pay the taxes on, that's what! PilotMag is giving away a brand new Gobosh 700 sportplane at AirVenture '09, and it's easy to enter. Just follow this link. PilotMag is a pretty neat new aviation publication, so be sure to check it out.

PilotMag | The Magazine For Aviation Adventure

reggie.paulk@gmail.com (Reggie Paulk) — Fri, 26 Sep 2008 18:44:00 +0000

If you are looking for an aviation publication that goes outside the tradition pilot report/industry insider point of view, you should check out PilotMag... It's a bimonthly publication that's focusing on the part of aviation that's traditionally absent: people. I'll hopefully be working with the good people there, so take a look and subscribe. It's going to be interesting.

Inspirational Flying Music: Viva La Vida | Coldplay

reggie.paulk@gmail.com (Reggie Paulk) — Mon, 22 Sep 2008 01:37:00 +0000

I always listen for music that I think would enhance the flight experience if it was piped into my headset. Everyone's taste is different, but this latest song by Cold Play really hits the spot for me. I can imagine soaring over green fields and rolling hills while playing this number.

Here's a video I made using this song:

You may view the original music video here:

Flight Deck Confusion Airplane! Style

reggie.paulk@gmail.com (Reggie Paulk) — Sun, 21 Sep 2008 23:39:00 +0000

Airplane is an old movie, but it's still quite hilarious. "Roger Roger, what's your clearance Clarence? What's our vector Victor? What?"

Looking for a Light Sport Flight School Near Denver, Colorado?

reggie.paulk@gmail.com (Reggie Paulk) — Thu, 18 Sep 2008 15:33:00 +0000

Photos: www.skyraideraviation.com

If you're thinking of dipping your toe in flight training, why not start out with a Sport Pilot certificate? Skyraider Aviation, located at the Erie Municipal Airport north of Denver, Colorado, has the new Gobosh G700S aircraft for rent and it's nice! All you have to do to get hooked is take a demonstration flight. That wide open canopy gives you a view of the world unlike anything you've ever seen.

Grass Runways, Airpark Homes and Rocky Mountains Equal Heaven

reggie.paulk@gmail.com (Reggie Paulk) — Sun, 14 Sep 2008 04:30:00 +0000

Photo By Dan Doner

What could be better than an airpark home situated on a grass runway just minutes from the beauty of the Rocky Mountains? I can't really think of anything off hand. Rocky Mountain Air Park embodies all of those attributes, and it's really worth a look if you're in the market to build your dream home on your dream strip. The above photo was taken as developer Pete Vinton flew over the airstrip in his highly modified Cessna 180.

Located just a few miles east of Parker, Colorado, Rocky Mountain Air Park is a private strip that welcomes visitors. Just make sure to give them a call, and they'll most likely have a hot pot of coffee awaiting your arrival. If you fly out of Centennial Airport (APA), you're literally minutes from the humdrum of 10,000 foot paved runways and incessant radio chatter.

If you do call, just tell Pete Reggie sent you--Pete Vinton: 303-870-2260

Pitts Crash In Snow Shows Safety of a Little Cushion

reggie.paulk@gmail.com (Reggie Paulk) — Fri, 12 Sep 2008 22:24:00 +0000

This crash of a Pitts at the bottom of a loop shows how a few feet of cushion could mean the difference between life and death.

Fly Along In A Yak 52 With The Red Thunder Air Show Team

reggie.paulk@gmail.com (Reggie Paulk) — Thu, 11 Sep 2008 19:48:00 +0000

Flying out of Oshkosh during AirVenture is something that must be experienced to be believed. Flying out of Wittman Field in the back seat of a Yak 52 as part of a five-ship formation is a once-in-a-lifetime experience that can only be described as awesome!

My camera rode shotgun with me as we headed across the grass to the taxi way and jumped in line for takeoff. With approximately 30 planes ahead of us waiting to take off, I was sure it would be a while before we took flight. 10 minutes later, we were taxiing onto the runway 27 and pushing the power forward for launch.

We were number three off of lead's right wing tip. Shane Golden was in command of our aircraft, and he cozied up so close to lead, I could easily make out the David Clark insignia on lead's headset. After turing a 180 back to the east, we immediately flew over the top of Lake Winnebago and headed to the practice area east of the lake. Within 10 minutes, we were in the practice area, and it was time to play with the air show smoke.

The following photos are of a three-ship that pulled out a bit so I could take photographs. There's nothing like flying in close formation with smoke blazing. The sense of speed and movement is unparalleled.