Soviet Yakovlev Yak-52

The Yakovlev Yak-52 is a Soviet primary trainer aircraft which first flew in 1976.

The Millville Army Air Field Museum and Millville Executive Airport served as the stage for a captivating aerial performance during the 2011 Millville Wings and Wheels Airshow. This pageant transported spectators back in time, celebrating the elegance of vintage aircraft set against the backdrop of an expansive sky.

Leading the formation was a red-and-white Yakovlev Yak-521, bearing the number '77', gracefully manoeuvring through the sky, showcasing its training heritage. A trailing stream of smoke marked its flight path. Following closely was its twin, identified as '29', demonstrating the precision and expertise of the pilots.

The last member of this airborne ensemble was a monoplane with a distinctive green tail featuring a bold star symbol. It appeared to engage in a playful chase with its companions, its spinning propeller showcasing the power and agility inherent in classic aerobatic aircraft.

As these planes soared through the air, their radial engines resonated in a thunderous symphony, paying homage to their rich and storied history.


  1. Aircraft identification was done using DALL-E. ?

Sunday Paper

Ben Werdmuller experiences burnout from social media and vows to prioritize meaningful tasks. Pi competes with GPT-4 and aims for user progress-based revenue.

To mitigate burnout, I have my Apple devices set to limit my social media, whether web or native apps, to just 1 hour per day. In Social, I love you, but you’re bringing me down Ben Werdmuller realises he's burned out, stressed, and sleepless due to excessive social media use. He considers the overwhelming volume of platforms, the changing nature of social media, and his personal goals. He plans to focus more on meaningful tasks and writing for himself to reclaim his attention and autonomy.

Generative AI is advancing quickly with many players in the market. Pi, an AI assistant by Inflection, now competes with GPT-4, matching quality with lower compute usage. CEO Suleyman cites Pi's growth to 1 million daily users, envisioning a paid model based on user progress. However, he cautions against humanizing AI. Despite AI's progress, pioneers like Suleyman urge cautious advancement amidst potential pitfalls.

U.S. Coast Guard 6507

Coast Guard helicopter drill at the 2011 Millville Wings & Wheels Airshow.

On a day that promised education and excitement, Shaan and Kiran joined me on a car trip across the scenic landscapes of Southern New Jersey, leading to the 2011 Millville Wings and Wheels Airshow. By the time we reached the historic Millville Army Air Field Museum and Millville Executive Airport in Cumberland County, the drive, which was nearly two hours, may have lessened their enthusiasm.

Though the specific details of events from that morning elude my memory, the photographs are part of a series that captures a demonstration by the U.S. Coast Guard.

The first photograph depicts a U.S. Coast Guard helicopter, resplendent in its orange livery against the pale sky. Bearing markings "6507" and "Atlantic City," the aircraft oozes precision and readiness, its crew attentive and poised.

U.S. Coast Guard, Millville Army Air Field · 29 May 2011 · Nikon D40 · AF-S VR Zoom-Nikkor 70-300mm F/4.5-5.6G IF-ED

This helicopter crew was engaged in a demonstration of a rescue operation with a basket suspended from a cable. A crew member, outfitted in bright safety gear, guided the basket to safety.

U.S. Coast Guard, Millville Army Air Field · 29 May 2011 · Nikon D40 · AF-S VR Zoom-Nikkor 70-300mm F/4.5-5.6G IF-ED

The final photograph completes the narrative as the helicopter hovers aloft, the basket within reach of the "rescued" crew member. The crew's unwavering focus is evident, while the aerocraft's powerful rotors create a blurred effect against the sky, emphasising the seriousness and precision of their mission. The lush green field and distant treeline provided a peaceful backdrop to the urgency of the drill.

I rediscovered these photographs in the archives of my Lightroom catalogue; some are processed, and others are untouched, having lain dormant until now. They are a reminder of a day filled with the roar of engines, the spectacle of flight, and the thrill of aviation.