https://www.instagram.com/1217__photography/?hl=en, https://www.flickr.com/photos/1217photography/

1217 Photography, 1200 Brooks Ave, Rochester, NY (2026)

08/17/2026

NIAGARA FALLS INTERNATIONAL AIRPORT (KIAG)
NIAGARA FALLS, NEW YORK, USA
AUGUST 15, 2026
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A Northrop F-5N Tiger II (761585) from VFC-204 spent the night at Niagara Falls International Airport before departing Sunday morning.
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Fighter Squadron Composite 204 (VFC-204), the “River Rattlers,” is a U.S. Navy Reserve adversary squadron based at NAS Joint Reserve Base New Orleans, Louisiana. Its lineage dates to July 1, 1970, when it was established as Attack Squadron 204 (VA-204) at NAS Memphis, Tennessee, flying the A-4C Skyhawk. The squadron was created as part of a reorganization intended to strengthen the combat readiness of the Naval Air Reserve.
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During its early years, VA-204 operated the A-4C and A-4E Skyhawk, followed by the A-7B and A-7E Corsair II after moving to NAS New Orleans in 1978. In 1991, it was redesignated Strike Fighter Squadron 204 (VFA-204) and began transitioning to the F/A-18 Hornet, completing the conversion in 1993. The squadron subsequently operated F/A-18A/A+ and F/A-18C aircraft, building a reputation for tactical training and adversary support.
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After more than three decades of Hornet operations, VFA-204 retired its F/A-18s in August 2022 and transitioned to its current Fighter Squadron Composite 204 (VFC-204) designation. The squadron was assigned a new mission of providing dissimilar air combat training, or “Red Air,” for Navy and joint forces. VFC-204 flew its first F-5N Tiger II at NAS JRB New Orleans on November 9, 2023, and was certified safe for flight in February 2024.
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Today, the River Rattlers fly the Northrop F-5N/F Tiger II, using the aircraft's characteristics to simulate enemy fighters during realistic air-combat exercises. Their mission includes providing adversary support for Fleet Replacement Squadrons and other Navy, Marine Corps, and Air Force units, helping pilots train against maneuverable opposing aircraft before deploying to combat.
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OPERATOR:
United States Navy

MANUFACTURER:
Northrop

MODEL:
F-5N Tiger II

REGISTRATION:
761585

UNIT:
Fighter Squadron Composite 204 (VFC-204) "River Rattlers"

HOME BASE:
Naval Air Station Joint Reserve Base New Orleans, Louisiana

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COPYRIGHT:
1217 Photography (James Marion)

08/16/2026

DAYTON AIR SHOW
DAYTON INTERNATIONAL AIRPORT (KDAY)
VANDALIA, OHIO
JUNE 13, 2026
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Few aircraft connect modern aviation to the golden age of air travel quite like the Douglas DC-3 “Flagship Detroit.” Today, this beautifully restored airliner is one of the most historic DC-3s still flying—and a remarkable example of what the early days of commercial aviation looked like.
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Built in early 1937, the aircraft was delivered to American Airlines on March 2, 1937, as a Douglas DC-3-G102, construction number 1920, registration NC17334. It was the 24th DC-3 in American’s fleet and was named “Flagship Detroit.”
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For the next decade, Flagship Detroit carried passengers and mail across American’s network, particularly on busy routes linking Chicago, Detroit and New York. Unlike many American Airlines DC-3s, it was never drafted into military service during World War II. The aircraft even appeared in American’s advertising campaigns during the early 1940s and carried First Lady Eleanor Roosevelt on several occasions.
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After leaving airline service in 1947, NC17334 passed through a long succession of civilian owners and careers. It eventually became a cargo and aerial-spray aircraft, spending years participating in agricultural and insect-eradication programs. By the time the Flagship Detroit Foundation acquired it in August 2004, the once-luxurious airliner had spray booms beneath its wings, and virtually none of its original passenger interior remained.
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A group of current and former American Airlines pilots, led by George Dennis, acquired the aircraft and established the Flagship Detroit Foundation. Volunteers at American Airlines maintenance facilities and elsewhere devoted thousands of hours to bringing the airplane back to its 1937 appearance. The restoration included extensive airframe and systems work, cleaning years of chemical residue from its spraying days, rebuilding the passenger cabin, recreating period details and returning the aircraft to its iconic American Airlines Flagship livery.
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After roughly 18 months of intensive restoration, Flagship Detroit made its first public appearance at the Fort Smith, Arkansas, airshow in April 2006.
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Today, Flagship Detroit is owned and operated by the nonprofit Flagship Detroit Foundation. Its mission is much more than simply keeping an old airplane airworthy. The Foundation preserves the legacy of the DC-3, educates the public about the development of commercial aviation, and honors the generations of airline employees who helped build the industry.
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The aircraft continues to fly to air shows and aviation events across the United States, allowing visitors to see, hear, and experience a genuine 1930s airliner in flight. The Foundation says the airplane averages about 25 appearances each year and is currently the oldest flying DC-3 in the world.
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From a brand-new American Airlines Flagship in 1937, to a workhorse agricultural aircraft, to a beautifully restored flying museum, Flagship Detroit has lived several lives—and survived nearly nine decades of aviation history.
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PHOTOS COPYRIGHT OF 1217 PHOTOGRAPHY (JAMES MARION)

08/15/2026

Delta Air Lines MD-88 (N980DL) departs from Buffalo Niagara International Airport (KBUF) on October 15, 2015.

08/15/2026

✈️ THIS DAY IN AVIATION HISTORY ✈️
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On August 15, 1987, the first MD-88 prototype made its maiden flight from Long Beach, California. The MD-88 was developed from the MD-82/MD-83 and was officially launched in January 1986 following a major order from Delta Air Lines. It retained the familiar 149-foot, 10-inch fuselage, rear-mounted Pratt & Whitney JT8D-200-series engines, T-tail, and basic aerodynamic improvements of the later MD-80 family. Its biggest advancement was in the cockpit. The MD-88 introduced a modern EFIS “glass cockpit” with digital CRT displays, replacing the more traditional analog instrumentation found in earlier MD-80s. It also featured an updated cabin and trim, along with a wind-shear warning system.
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The MD-88's development was closely tied to Delta. Interestingly, the airline's first eight aircraft were actually delivered as MD-82s and later upgraded to MD-88 configuration. The first purpose-built MD-88, N909DL, was delivered to Delta in December 1987, with the type entering passenger service on January 5, 1988. Delta would ultimately become synonymous with the MD-88, operating 120 aircraft and building the largest fleet of the type in history. For decades, Delta Air Lines was by far the largest operator, flying the aircraft throughout its domestic network. The MD-88 became one of Delta's signature aircraft and remained in service until June 2, 2020, when Delta retired its remaining MD-88s and MD-90s.
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Production of the MD-88 totaled 150 aircraft from 1987 through 1997, making it a relatively small but important member of the larger MD-80 family.
The final aircraft was delivered to Onur Air of Turkey on June 25, 1997. Today, only a small number of MD-88s remain active, primarily with operators outside the United States. Recent fleet records list examples flying with Fly Kish Airlines in Iran and Rutaca Airlines in Venezuela, while other former passenger aircraft have found new roles in cargo and charter operations.
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As of writing this, the oldest active MD-88 in service is registered as YV648T and is operated by the Venezuelan airline Rutaca Airlines. It was originally delivered to Aeromexico as N160PL in November 1989. It would later fly with Allegiant Airlines as N402NV from March 2008 until it was withdrawn from the fleet on November 20, 2018. It would remain in storage until July 12, 2021.
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To celebrate this milestone in aviation history, I wanted to share my collection of MD-88 photos captured at different airports over the years.
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PHOTOS COPYRIGHT OF 1217 PHOTOGRAPHY

08/15/2026

✈️ THIS DAY IN AVIATION HISTORY ✈️
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On August 15, 2006, the first Growler prototype, known as EA-1, departed Lambert-St. Louis International Airport in Missouri on its maiden flight. The aircraft was flown by Boeing test pilots Mike Bryan and Bill Schuster. EA-1 was the first of the developmental Growlers and became an important test asset as the program moved forward. After its initial testing at Boeing, it was delivered to the U.S. Navy at Naval Air Station Patuxent River in September 2006, where Air Test and Evaluation Squadron 23 (VX-23) conducted further developmental testing. The aircraft helped pave the way for the transition from the four-seat EA-6B to the faster, more maneuverable, two-seat EA-18G.
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The Growler program grew out of the Navy’s need to replace the aging Grumman EA-6B Prowler, which had served as the Navy’s carrier-based airborne electronic attack platform since 1971. Rather than develop an entirely new airframe, the Navy chose to combine the highly capable two-seat F/A-18F Super Hornet with an advanced electronic warfare suite derived from the Prowler’s systems. Boeing received the System Development and Demonstration contract in December 2003, and the first test aircraft entered production in October 2004.
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The EA-18G is far more than simply a Super Hornet with different equipment. Its mission is airborne electronic attack—detecting, locating, deceiving, and disrupting enemy radar and communications systems while supporting the suppression of enemy air defenses. The Growler combines systems such as the ALQ-218 receiver, electronic jamming equipment, communications countermeasures, satellite communications, and the Super Hornet’s APG-79 AESA radar. Modern upgrades, including the Next Generation Jammer, continue to expand its capabilities.
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The first production Growler reached the fleet in 2008, and the aircraft achieved Initial Operational Capability in 2009. Growler squadrons gradually replaced the EA-6B Prowler, bringing a new generation of electronic warfare capability to both carrier air wings and expeditionary forces.
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Production ultimately reached more than 170 EA-18Gs, including aircraft built for the United States Navy and the Royal Australian Air Force, the Growler’s only international operator. The Navy remains the primary operator of the type, with its Growler community centered at NAS Whidbey Island, Washington.
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From its first flight in St. Louis on August 15, 2006, the EA-18G Growler has evolved into one of the most specialized and important aircraft in modern air combat. While fighters attack targets and bombers deliver weapons, the Growler fights an invisible battle, silencing enemy radars, disrupting communications, protecting friendly aircraft, and helping open the way through hostile air defenses.
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To celebrate this milestone in aviation history, I wanted to share some Growler photos I have captured over the years. I was fortunate enough to catch a pair of Boeing EA-18G Growlers (166896 & 168942) of Electronic Attack Squadron 209 (VAQ-209) "Star Warriors" departing from Buffalo Niagara International Airport (KBUF) back in 2024. The other photos are Growlers on static display at the 2017 and 2024 Dayton Air Show.
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PHOTOS COPYRIGHT OF 1217 PHOTOGRAPHY

08/14/2026

ROCHESTER INTERNATIONAL AIRSHOW
GREATER ROCHESTER INTERNATIONAL AIRPORT (KROC)
ROCHESTER, NEW YORK, USA
AUGUST 8&9 2026
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OPERATOR:
United States Marine Corps

MANUFACTURER:
Lockheed Martin

MODEL:
F-35B Lightning II

REGISTRATION:
170576

UNIT:
Marine Fighter Attack Squadron 224 (VMFA-224) "Fightin Bengals"

HOME BASE:
Marine Corps Air Station Beaufort, South Carolina

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COPYRIGHT:
1217 Photography (James Marion)

08/13/2026

✈️ THIS DAY IN AVIATION HISTORY ✈️
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Twenty-nine years ago today, on August 13, 1997, the prototype Airbus A330-200(F-WWKA) lifted off from Toulouse-Blagnac Airport in France for its maiden flight. At the controls was Chief Test Pilot Jacques Rosay, with Michel Goursat serving as co-pilot and a team of flight-test engineers monitoring the new widebody throughout the flight.
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The A330-200 had been launched to complement the larger A330-300. The fuselage was shortened by nearly 16 feet, while adding fuel capacity and aerodynamic refinements to create a widebody capable of carrying fewer passengers over significantly longer distances. The result was a direct competitor in the long-range twin-engine market, particularly against aircraft such as the Boeing 767-300ER. Powered by a choice of General Electric CF6-80E1, Pratt & Whitney PW4000 (series PW4164/PW4168/PW4170), or the Rolls-Royce Trent 700 (series Trent 768/772).
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Over 600 A330-200s were built. The type is operated by airlines worldwide, with China Eastern Airlines as the largest operator of the A330-200 fleet. Canada 3000 took delivery of the world's very first Airbus A330-200 (registered as C-GGWB) on April 29, 1998, via lessor International Lease Finance Corporation (ILFC). The aircraft entered revenue service on May 29, 1998, flying between Toronto and Vancouver.
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What Happened to the Prototype?

After spending a few years as a test bird and multiple conversions (A330-242, A330-223), it would enter service with Austrian Airlines registered as OE-LAO and named "Großglockner"; painted in a Star Alliance livery. It would operate from 2000 to 2007. It would then enter service with TAP Air Portugal (2007–2018), re-registered as CS-TOH and named "Nuno Gonçalves". It was withdrawn from service on November 20, 2018, flown to Lleida–Alguaire Airport (ILD) in Spain, and broken up for scrap in October 2019.
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The A330-200 platform went on to produce several important variants. The A330-200 passenger aircraft and A330-200F, a purpose-built freighter. The A330 MRTT, the Multi-Role Tanker Transport, capable of aerial refueling and strategic transport missions. If you're feeling fancy and have a little money lying around, you can ride aboard the ACJ330, a long-range executive transport.
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To celebrate this milestone, I wanted to share a few photos that I have taken over the years.
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PHOTOS COPYRIGHT OF 1217 PHOTOGRAPHY

08/11/2026

ROCHESTER INTERNATIONAL AIRSHOW
GREATER ROCHESTER INTERNATIONAL AIRPORT (KROC)
ROCHESTER, NEW YORK, USA
AUGUST 9, 2026
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Photos of the Lightning II, Part II
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Rochester's very own Major William "Braankles" Horn demonstrates the capabilities of the Lockheed Martin F-35B Lightning II.
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PHOTOS COPYRIGHT OF 1217 PHOTOGRAPHY (JAMES MARION)

08/10/2026

ROCHESTER INTERNATIONAL AIRSHOW
GREATER ROCHESTER INTERNATIONAL AIRPORT (KROC)
ROCHESTER, NEW YORK, USA
AUGUST 9, 2026
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✈️ A hometown pilot. A fifth-generation fighter. One unforgettable weekend.
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The U.S. Marine Corps F-35B Lightning II stole plenty of attention at the 2026 Rochester International Airshow, and for good reason. The aircraft’s incredible Short Takeoff/Vertical Landing (STOVL) capabilities were on full display, from high-speed passes and aggressive maneuvering to the signature hover and vertical-landing capabilities that make the F-35B unlike any other fighter in the show.

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But what made this year's performance especially meaningful was the man in the cockpit. Major William “Braankles” Horn — a Rochester native and 2014 University of Rochester graduate — returned home as the 2026 F-35B Demonstration Pilot. Horn’s journey into the Marine Corps began right here in Rochester, and after years of training and service, he came back to fly one of the world's most advanced fighter aircraft over the city where he grew up.
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PHOTOS COPYRIGHT OF 1217 PHOTOGRAPHY (JAMES MARION)

08/09/2026

ROCHESTER INTERNATIONAL AIRSHOW
GREATER ROCHESTER INTERNATIONAL AIRPORT (KROC)
ROCHESTER, NEW YORK, USA
AUGUST 8, 2026
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The United States Air Force Thunderbirds are headlining this weekends Rochester International Airshow. Despite the rough start with the rain, the weather cleared up and were treated to a world class performance. This is just a small sample of photos that I took yesterday and more will be posted in the future.
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PHOTOS COPYRIGHT OF 1217 PHOTOGRAPHY (JAMES MARION)

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