Blue Angels Air Show Nantucket

The Blue Angels Diamond Formation performs the Echelon Parade, a maneuver in which the four pilots maneuver in a 45-degree formation. U.S. Navy Photo by Photographer’s Mate 2nd Class (AW/NAC) Ryan Courtade.

Media Flights

Media Contact:

21 Spindrift Way
Annapolis, MD 21403
508.221.2429 (Ph.)
410.757.0391 (Fax)

Orientation flights in the #7 jet for local representatives of the news media are approved by the Chief of Naval Air Training (CNATRA) to stimulate publicity through media for the show and support Navy and Marine Corps recruiting.
A maximum of three flights will be flown. All riders must be bona-fide media representatives (i.e. actual newspaper reporter, TV-radio broadcaster, etc.). No flights will be confirmed without prior approval notification by the Blue Angels Event Office. If a flight is cancelled it will not be rescheduled later in the week. Final approval for all flights rests with the Commanding Officer, Navy Flight Demonstration Squadron.

The Blue Angels Events Coordinator’s Office, the Public Affairs Office and the Flight Surgeon will coordinate approval of the three primary and alternate riders. Each alternate corresponds to a like numbered primary rider and may not be substituted. Primary and alternate riders will be chosen from the same media outlet. The nominations for media flights are due by July 28, 2006.

The media flight can be as physically demanding as any rigorous exercise or sport. Riders shall not exceed 6’6” in height, must weigh between 100 and 235 pounds and be free of alcohol and medications. Media representatives who are pregnant, have a history of high blood pressure, heart trouble, thyroid disorders or any prior neck or back injury will not be approved for flight. Each prospective rider must:

Be provided a “Letter from the Flight Surgeon” and medical questionnaire (request these from or 508-221-2429).
Obtain a routine physical examination from their family physician, at their own expense, to confirm that he/she is in good health without any conditions that would keep him/her from participating.
Mail or fax the completed, signed questionnaire along with the doctor’s confirmation of good health to arrive no later than July 28, 2006 to ACKtivities, PO Box 2502, Nantucket, MA 02584. Fax 508-228-6404.
Forward a copy of individual Press Credentials (copy of media pass, business card or letter of employment from publisher/station manager) with the medical questionnaire.

Personnel who have flown with the Blue Angels or any other demonstration team in the past are not eligible for another flight.

The Blue Angels will make the final decision on who will participate based on Navy Recruiting District inputs, Airport Commission comments and if necessary, Chief of Navy information review. Media representatives will not be informed that they are selected to fly without prior approval and confirmation from the Blue Angels. If only one or two representatives can fly due to weather or maintenance limitations, the #7 pilot will decide which of the selectees will ride. An aircraft passenger claim waiver is required from each person prior to the flight. These forms will be furnished by the Blue Angels #7 Crew Chief during the pre-flight briefing.