Tue, Dec 13, 2011
Sixty-Show Schedule Kicks Of Feb. 26th In Daytona, FL
The U.S. Air Force Thunderbirds have released their 2012 show
schedule. The team is set to perform more than 60 demonstrations in
33 locations, including two shows in Canada.
The team, officially known as the U.S. Air Force Air
Demonstration Squadron, will again kick-off their season by
performing a flyover for the 54th running of NASCAR's Daytona 500
on Feb. 26. "We are excited about the upcoming season and
representing our fellow American Airmen," said Lt. Col. Greg
Moseley, who will command and lead the team in the 2012 show
season. "We feel honored to tell the story of U.S. Air Force Airmen
serving on the front lines of freedom around the world. We will
proudly represent each Airmen with the same pride, precision and
professionalism in which they perform their duties each and every
day."
As of 2012, the Thunderbirds will have been in existence for 59
years, dating back to 1953 when the team flew the straight-winged
F-84G Thunderjets. This season will mark the 30th season the
squadron has performed in the F-16 Fighting Falcon, the Air Force's
premier multi-role fighter aircraft.
The Thunderbirds team is an Air Combat Command unit composed of
eight pilots, including six demonstration pilots, four support
officers, four civilians and more than 100 enlisted people serving
in about 30 Air Force job specialties.
A Thunderbirds aerial demonstration is a mix of formation flying
and solo routines. The pilots perform approximately 40 maneuvers in
a demonstration. The entire show, including the beginning ground
ceremony, lasts about one hour. The air show season lasts roughly
from March to November, with the winter months primarily used to
train new team members.
More News
Omnidirectional Approach Lighting System ODALS consists of seven omnidirectional flashing lights located in the approach area of a nonprecision runway. Five lights are located on t>[...]
"Polaris Dawn, the first of the program’s three human spaceflight missions, is targeted to launch to orbit no earlier than summer 2024. During the five-day mission, the crew >[...]
Also: 1800th E-Jet, Uncle Sam Sues For Landing Gear, Embraer Ag Plane, Textron Parts A friend of the family reported that Lt. Col. (Ret.) Richard Glenn Rutan flew west on Friday, M>[...]
Also: Virgin Galactic, B-29 Doc to Allentown, Erickson Fire-Fighters Bought, FAA Reauthorization After dealing with a big letdown after the unexpected decision by Skyreach to disco>[...]
“Our aircrews are trained and capable of rapidly shifting from operational missions to humanitarian roles. We planned to demonstrate how we, and our BORSTAR partners, respond>[...]