Calling All Red Star Pilots!
We are only weeks away now from Desert Thunder 2020 – RPA’s Tactical Flying Extravaganza! This year it will be held at KHII (Lake Havasu City Airport) from 15 to 18 October, 2020.
Last year we introduced “Road Recce” and it was a monster success…..apparently from the feedback…you all had a BLAST! Given the new location, we have new roads and challenging new terrain to explore.
We have secured the use of a unique and different target environment – it’s going to be a blast, again! This year we will continue to develop and hone your 2-ship ground attack tactics, with opposing Red Air. This year you will be given a mission tasking order (“frag”) from the ATOC (Allied Tactical Operations Center) detailing specific targets with an attack TOT window. You will have to plan your own run-in, attack and egress! Then on to Road Recce!
Not only will you be graded on your entire attack plan, but also graded on the effectiveness of your egress, your lookout and mutual support after the attack! Given the rising tide of enemy air power, you may see more bandits this year, some even loitering near the targets! Keep your eyes open folks…..the enemy will be airborne and plentiful!
This of course will be subject to their availability and tasking in other theaters of war. This year the ATOC will attempt to disseminate target, route and enemy defenses intelligence well ahead of the event, allowing for more time for attack planning.
The theater of war and the threat environment has changed……are you up for the task? You will be tested on your navigational skills, your tactical thinking and your lookout……..you will need to fly your best aircraft, and use all your tactical skills to stay alive and complete the mission – bombs on target!
We will be supported by Desert Skies Executive Air Terminal (FBO at KHII). They are eager to be our support facility, and have agreed to a significant break on fuel prices. They can handle the rental car booking on behalf of Enterprise Car Rentals, at your request. They are a fine group of folks who very much are looking forward to making a good impression on us, and want our patronage. They even have a hot tub and a pool at the FBO, for our use. (Gosh, I can see it already…..in the pool in your flight suits?)
Of course there will be the usual, evening social gatherings and happy hour - to share in the most excellent camaraderie of your fellow aviators! Flight suits, big watches and talking with your hands is mandatory. No doubt there will be some cigars and adult beverages! We are still organizing the Saturday night dinner at a close-by restaurant. In the spirit of Condor’s sentiment, if you have a tender ego, you may want to eat at McDonalds!
Hotel Accommodation has been arranged at the:
Holiday Inn Express & Suites Lake Havasu
40 London Bridge Rd, Lake Havasu City, AZ 86403
Phone: (928) 733-6388
Room Rate: $145/Night – King Room or 2 x Queen Bed Room
We have organized this RPA rate until 30 September 2020, so please don’t delay…..reserve now!!! Don’t miss out!! Tell them you are with “Red Star Pilots” (RSP) for “Desert Thunder”.
Event Fee: $175 for Front Seaters and GIBs, and $150 for the “non-flying” folks.
Please register and pay on the RPA website, but also shoot me an email directly with all your details (Name(s), A/C type, Flight Lead Qual’d/Wingman Qual’d, when you will be arriving, number in your party, etc).
The Desert Thunder 2020 Team is again committed to making this outstanding event even better! If you have any questions about the event please email me, Frito at: (deanandsteph2013@gmail.com).
I look forward to seeing each and every one of there!!!
Fly Safely,
Frito