Air Show Info

[smokeyspapa]

Does anyone know how far from an air show's immediate location, how far away some of these teams, such as the Blue Angels, Thunderbirds, etc. can be seen and monitored on a scanner? The reason I ask is because the Cleveland air show is on Labor Day weekend, and if I can't make up there, I wonder if I have a chance to see or hear any of them. I live between Canton and Massillon which is about 60 miles south of Cleveland. I have a Uniden BC 780XLT, Radio Shack Pro 2006, Pro 96, and a Pro 95. I have a Diamond Discone and a 7 element 2 meter beam on the roof of my house about 30-40 feet high. Thanks for any replies.
Gary

 

[KC8MZM]

You should be able to hear them. When the Thunderbirds perform their high show they typically reach altitudes of 6000-8000ft, which gives them a theoretical radio horizon of 110-125 miles. As far as the real world goes, when I lived in the north Akron, OH area I could start to hear them when they reached 1000 ft. This was with an attic mounted discone. As they climbed higher their signal improved dramatically.

Good luck!

Mike