Buff provides Chicago season opener flyover Published Sept. 27, 2012 By Airman 1st Class Michael Connors Minot Air Force Base Public Affairs CHICAGO, Ill. -- A B-52H Stratofortress from Minot Air Force Base, N.D., conducted a flyover at Soldier Field Stadium as part of the Chicago Bears' football team season opener against the Indianapolis Colts, kicking off the season to the delight of thousands of fans. The degree of planning and difficulty involved in a flyover that lasts a few seconds involves more than what many people may believe. In order for the flyover to occur, it needed approval from many different authorities. It started with the 5th Operations Group commander working the request up the chain of command and getting the go ahead from both leadership from the 5th Bomb Wing and Air Force Global Strike Command. However, this was only half of the equation. The Chicago Air Traffic Control Tower also helped hash out a plan that would allow for the team to safely execute their mission. Once the flyover was approved, it took a great deal of effort to make sure it was executed properly. On game day, 5th BW members Maj. Paul Stucki, Capt. Jacob Campione and Capt. Jared Patterson, had to locate an area for optimal radio contact with the B-52H bomber. The team then conducted a dry run with the Bears ground crew and National Anthem singer to determine the exact second the aircraft should fly over. Maj. Darrin Morgan, a member of the B-52 aircrew, stressed the careful planning needed to ensure the aircraft flew over at the right time. "There was no time to be complacent as every detail with regard to airspace entry, holding, and aviation traffic corridors were discussed in detail," said Morgan. Campione, a life-long Bears fan, felt the pressure beginning to mount as nerves and stress assailed him as the event neared. "It ended up going off without a hitch and once all was said and done, I was absolutely thrilled with the outcome, along with 60,000 other fans," Campione said of the flyover. "There is always a great sense of accomplishment with the crew that the flyover occurred with impeccable timing," Morgan added. After all of the planning and going through the approval process necessary to make the event happen, Campione was also thrilled with how the event panned out. "It was absolutely amazing... it was a Chicago Bears fan and Air Force member's dream come true," said Campione. In the end, the team and their fans let them know they did a great job. "Flyovers offer a great sense of pride for every Airman, and are a valuable recruiting tool for the United States Air Force," said Morgan.