Blues' jets have in air paint-swap

PENSACOLA, Fla. - Two Navy Blue Angels jets made contact while conducting a flyover with the Air Force Thunderbirds on April 26 near Pensacola Beach. The close encounter occurred while the jets were flying in the Delta formation, according to Blues spokesman Lt. Joe Hontz. "Two of the jets ... encountered unexpected wake turbulence," Hontz said, "causing a very brief and minor contact between the aircraft." According to another Navy official, who spoke on background, the two FA-18s required minor maintenance following the paint-swap but are now back in service. Both pilots, who were not identified or plane numbers, have been cleared to resume normal operations. The team is scheduled to fly at MCAS Beaufort (S.C.) Airshow staring April 29. (Source: WKRG 04/28/17)