US Navy Sikorsky MH-53E Sea Dragon Helicopter
NASCAR Food City Dirt Race Flyover
Ramp Walk Around & Departure from KTRI
A US Navy Sikorsky MH-53E Sea Dragon from HM-12 squadron in Norfolk, VA came down to Bristol Motor Speedway to perform the flyover at the 2023 NASCAR Food City Dirt Race. I filmed the pre-race flyover and was introduced to the pilot of the Sea Dragon after the race ended.
I was very lucky and the next day I had the opportunity to be on the Tri-Cities Airport (KTRI) ramp as the crew of the US Navy MH-53E Sea Dragon prepared to depart back to their home base at Naval Station Norfolk, VA. The crew worked all over their aircraft making maintenance checks prior to takeoff. Once all the checks were complete, I filmed the Sea Dragon’s startup, taxi out to the runway, and takeoff.
NOTE: I provided them with some race decals from the Food City Dirt Race that they placed on the sides of their Sea Dragon before departure.
They were extremely gracious allowing me to walk around and watch all the pre-flight maintenance checks. Many thanks to the crew members of the MH-53E Sea Dragon for their generous hospitality.
09-10Apr23
US Navy Sikorsky MH-53E Sea Dragon Flyover at the Food City Dirt Race at Bristol Motor Speedway
09Apr23
Walked onto the ramp with a multitude of maintenance checks happening to the US Navy Sikorsky MH-53E Sea Dragon from squadron HM-12. 10Apr23
Panels open on the MH-53E Sea Dragon's GE T64-GE-419 turboshaft engines. 10Apr23
The crew was swarming all over the MH-53E Sea Dragon. 10Apr23
The folding tail connection points being inspected on the MH-53E Sea Dragon. 10Apr23
Inspection complete. Panels being locked back down. 10Apr23
Some unusual positions required to reach all the panels being locked back down. 10Apr23
Nose on view of the US Navy Sikorsky MH-53E Sea Dragon from squadron HM-12. 10Apr23
Flight helmets on the ramp awaiting the busy crew members. 10Apr23
Checks complete and the MH-53E is buttoned up and ready to depart. 10Apr23
Crew of the MH-53E Sea Dragon gathered for a photo prior to departure. 10Apr23
The pilot requested and I provided a Food City Dirt Race decal to go on the side of their Sea Dragon. I hope it's the first of many on the side of this MH-53E. 10Apr23
Crew aboard the US Navy Sikorsky MH-53E Sea Dragon from squadron HM-12. 10Apr23
US Navy Sikorsky MH-53E Sea Dragon from squadron HM-12. 10Apr23
US Navy Sikorsky MH-53E Sea Dragon from squadron HM-12. 10Apr23
US Navy Sikorsky MH-53E Sea Dragon from squadron HM-12. 10Apr23
Crew chief and one crew member came out, climbed the Sea Dragon and gave the rotor blades a push. 10Apr23
Fuel truck and fire truck arrive to refuel the US Navy Sikorsky MH-53E Sea Dragon from squadron HM-12. 10Apr23
Pilots in the middle of their pre-flight checklist. 10Apr23
Crew Chief watches as the US Navy Sikorsky MH-53E Sea Dragon begins to spool up. 10Apr23
Crew Chief watches as the US Navy Sikorsky MH-53E Sea Dragon begins to spool up. 10Apr23
Crew Chief checking panels to make sure they are locked down. 10Apr23
Crew Chief makes a final walk around before climbing aboard for the departure. Video of it taking off now available on my Aerowephile YouTube channel. 10Apr23
US Navy Sikorsky MH-53E Sea Dragon Preflight - Start Up - Takeoff
Departure from Tri-Cities Airport (KTRI) of a US Navy Sikorsky MH-53E Sea Dragon from squadron HM-12. The crew performed pre-flight maintenance on their Sea Dragon before loading up to depart. The pilots made a nose standing aggressive take off and headed back to their home base at Naval Station Norfolk, Virginia.
10Apr23