Smith Field

Two posts in one week? Yep, today was a very unusual shoot. It was some aerial photos of Smith Field Airport. My pilot today was Joel Pierce, the Director of Flight Operations, and experienced pilot and all around nice guy. He figured out a way to me to be able to get unobstructed shots. By removing a screw on a retaining bracket on the pilot side window, the window would open all the way and, while in flight, would float on the passing air.

The gameplan was to get in the right position, then Joel would sharply bank the plane so I get a shot shooting down. We had to do this so that the wing strut and landing gear wouldn’t be in the shot. I have to admit having a large window open with 70 mph wind whipping at the front of your lens (I thought my lens shade might come off) while the plane tilts sideways, is overall a bit unnerving (but great fun). 🙂 But Joel did a great job and got me back on the ground safe and sound. Here is one of the photos from this afternoon, taken at about 4000 feet.

For a larger version, click here.

I can see why people fought so hard to keep Smith Field open. It seems to echo back to the earlier days of aviation. While Fort Wayne Internation Airport is a great airport, if I was a private pilot I would understand Smith Field’s attraction. All of red tape wrapped around flying is removed. Want to go flying? You get in your plane, dial into correct radio frequency and annouce what your planning to do (taxi, take off, etc.). If it appears you intentions are going to conflict with someone else, they will tell you. It’s a simple and effective way of managing the traffic.

Anyway, Smith Field is one of Fort Wayne’s gems and I’m glad I got the opportunity to do some work for them. Also, if you ever thought of learning to fly or even going on a sight-seeing flight, check out their flight school. I was really surprised by how affordable they are. (No they aren’t paying me to say this stuff. 🙂 ).