Coming this March 31 thru April 1, Alabama's own member of the Navy Flight Demonstration Squadron, LT Dave Tickle will perform as the Blue Angel Opposing Solo in an F/A 18 Hornet number 6. Flying in the Tuscaloosa Air Show is especially sweet since he is indeed a Bama fan. A Birmingham, Alabama native, he is looking forward to seeing his "hometown" crowd.
We had passed each other briefly on the ramp and at various functions several times during last year's busy air show season. LT Tickle served in the demanding Narrator and Advance VIP position flying Hornet number 7, the two-seater. Finally, in December during the International Council of Air Shows last year, we connected for an impromptu chat on the convention floor at the Navy booth. He was finishing his first team year and preparing to go to El Centro to orient for his new flying solo position for the 2012 season in number 6.
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Lt Dave Tickle talks about being a pilot for the Navy Demonstration team
Imagine being responsible for all the details of relocating the entire Demonstration Squadron across country every weekend from mid March to December. "That," said LT Tickle "is the biggest challenge of the number 7 position." He and his Crew Chief follow a "rigorous" support manual to complete and over see all the details from smoke oil to rental cars to FAA waivers for every event location. Coordinating with each air show committee and then narrating the show leaves little time outside of team duties. "Last year was a very demanding year," he said.
Lt Dave Tickle, United States Navy Opposing Solo- USN Official Photo
"Flying Opposing Solo in number 6 is a drastic change," said LT Tickle, "but not without collateral duties." In addition to learning the flight maneuvers, he will be responsible for reviewing new applicants for the new team until July.
For the 2013 season, LT Tickle will progress to the Lead Solo position, piloting the number 5 Hornet. That position carries even more responsibility because, in addition, he will be Operations Officer and training the new number 6 pilot.
Getting to stop at the Birmingham Airport to see his family is a thrill, according to LT Tickle. His Dad and grandparents have made it to the airport to see him and his aircraft through the years. He reflected on his Mom, who passed away in 2002, on the first day of flight school, "She never got to see me fly, but if she were here, she would buy out the Blue Angel's memorabilia, she would own everything. Everyone back home is super supportive."
It would have been great to be the narrator at the Tuscaloosa Air Show he said. He could have introduced himself, Lt Dave Tickle from Birmingham, Alabama and he could hear the cheers. But this year he will be in the aircraft when he is introduced. So, when you hear LT Dave Tickle announced at the Tuscaloosa Air Show- cheer loudly for our "home town hero". -B Meyer, FMI: Tuscaloosa Air Show, US Navy Blue Angels