Blue Angels Solo Pilot, Wayne Molnar (1986 - 1988)

Описание: Produced by Ryan Nothhaft
Email: [email protected]
Twitter: @blueangelf4
Instagram: @blueangelphantoms

Also make sure to check out the Blue Angels Association:
Twitter: @blueangelsassoc
Instagram: @blueangelsassociation
Facebook: Blue Angels Association

Stock Footage from:
Skyhawk to Hornet: produced by March 2 Entertainment
Rolling in the Sky: produced by Geneon Entertainment
Touch the Sky: producers: Peter Henton, James M. Cross; director, Ted Mather
SF Fleet Week: filmed by Ryan Nothhaft
Picture of Yuma Air Show (First demo for BA in the F/18): Mitch Davis - Thank you for sharing your great photos!

Wayne Molnar is a former Navy Blue Angels pilot who served on the team from 1986 through the 1988 air show season. During his tenure with the Blues, Molnar served as the narrator ('1986), Opposing Solo (1987), and Lead Solo (1988). He was the only new pilot to join the 1987 team, which was otherwise frozen to accommodate the Blue Angels' transition to the F/18 Hornet from the A4 Skyhawk.

Molnar's naval career spanned a total of 20+ years, 13 of which were on active duty and 7 in the Reserves. Prior to joining the Navy, Molnar graduated college from Florida State before becoming a middle school teacher. Deciding that he needed a change, Molnar met with a Naval recruiter and the rest is history.

In the year's preceding his time on the Blue Angels, Wayne was stationed out of NAS Miramar at part of squardron VF-2 "The Bullets" where he flew the F-14 Tomcat. He'd later be deployed aboard the USS Kitty Hawk (CV-63) conducting operational missions over the Indian Ocean off the coast of Iran. It was during this deployment that Molnar would receive encouragement from former Blue Angel pilots, Vance Parker and Ernie Christensen, to submit an application to the Blue Angels.

Wayne Joined the Blue Angels as the narrator for the 1986 season, notable in that is was also the last year the team flew the A4 Skyhawk. To ensure a safe and timely transition to the F/18 Hornet in 1987, the Blues Angels decided to freeze the team, with the exception of Molnar who replaced Curt Watson, who had just served an extended tour of four consecutive years.

At the time of the transition in 1987, only Pat Walsh, the team's slot pilot, had any previous experience flying the F/18. After completing an intense learning agenda at NAS Jacksonville, the Blues made their way to winter training in El Centro, California, where they began to build the demo. As part of that process, David Anderson, the lead solo, and Molnar, now opposing solo, were instrumental in developing the first solo program with the legacy Hornets. Molnar would remain with the team for the 1988 season, taking on the role as Lead Solo.

After leaving active service, Molnar became a pilot with American Airlines, where he retired after 28 years.

1986 Blue Angels Team:

1. CAPT Gil Rud
2. Capt Mark Bircher, USMC
3. LCDR Donnie Cochran
4. LCDR Pat Walsh
5. LCDR Curt Watson
6. LCDR David Anderson
7. LCDR Wayne Molnar
8. Maj Bill Campbell, USMC
MO LT Jim Anderson
Doc LT Wes Robinson
AO LT Hans Felt
PAO LT Dough Hocking
SUPO LT Sam Walker

1987 Blue Angels Team:

1. CAPT Gil Rud
2. Capt Mark Bircher, USMC
3. LCDR Donnie Cochran
4. LCDR Pat Walsh
5. LCDR David Anderson
6. LCDR Wayne Molnar
7. LCDR Cliff Skelton
8. LCDR Mike Campbell
MO LT Jim Anderson
Doc LT Wes Robinson
AO LT Jim Hawthorne
PAO LCDR Doug Hocking
SUPO LT Sam Walker

1988 Blue Angels Team:

1. CAPT Gil Rud
2. Capt Kevin Lauver, USMC
3. LCDR Mark Ziegler
4. LCDR Donnie Cochran
5. LCDR Wayne Molnar
6. LCDR Cliff Skelton
7. LCDR Dough McClain
8. LCDR Mike Campbell
MO LT Fred Cleveland
Doc LT Wes Robinson
AO LT Jim Hawthorne
PAO LCDR Rusty Holmes
SUPO LT Sam Walker