McDonnell Douglas FA-18 Hornet (18-8761)

Is this aircraft connected with some Anniversary event? Noted the yellow ring circumferencing the "British" roundal? What damage can be expected to the tarmac with the hook down?

I would imagine not much damage to the runway surface as the hook has a flat face that contacts the ground, as for the paint is was to recognize the 75th anniversary of the Battle of Britain

Nice catch!

My question would be: Why is the hook down since the plane isn't landing on a carrier? Or is the hook brought down automatically?

This was a low light display at an airshow, they lowered the hook because they knew it would throw sparks, just part of the show, besides its a Canadian CF-18, gotta use the hook for something.

Great photo

I was a Chino that evening for the twilight show. Great show! Assume the tail hook had a different metal than normal because there were way to many sparks, as a former USAF controller I've seen tail hooks deployed before.

I was at Chino that evening. Great Show! Assume the tail hook had a softener metal than normal because there were way too many sparks. As a former USAF ATC'er I've seen the tail hook deployed before.

Splendid photo Todd...never seen anything like that at an air show

Great capture!

Is that not a maple leaf in there indicating a Canadian aircraft?

This is a Canadian aircraft with a Battle of Britain anniversary paint scheme