Where Can You See The USAF Thunderbirds Performing In 2024?
Where Can You See The USAF Thunderbirds Performing In 2024?
- USAF Thunderbirds showcase precision and skill through thrilling aerial performances at various shows worldwide.
- The team flies the powerful F-16 Fighting Falcon, showcasing its speed, agility, and versatility in breathtaking stunts.
- The 2024 Thunderbirds show season includes a diverse schedule of air shows across the US, offering an unforgettable experience.
The United States Air Force (USAF) aerobatic team, the USAF Thunderbirds, is renowned for their precision flying and thrilling maneuvers. For more than seven decades, the team has captivated audiences at air shows and demonstrations around the world. Lucky for those who are on the Thunderbird’s home soil, there are a series of shows scheduled across the US where you can catch the team in action.
History of the USAF Thunderbirds
As one of the premier aerial demonstration teams in the world, the Thunderbirds showcase the skill and professionalism of the United States Air Force while inspiring spectators of all ages. Whether performing high-speed passes, intricate formations, or daring aerial stunts, the Thunderbirds never fail to leave spectators on the edge of their seats.
Established in 1953, the USAF Air Demonstration Squadron, popularly known as the Thunderbirds, is the third-oldest formal flying aerobatic team in the world. Prior to its designation as an aerobatic team, the Thunderbirds was an operational squadron dating back to 1917. Today, the team is trained not only to perform incredible maneuvers at airshows, but can be rapidly integrated into an operational fighter unit if the need arises.
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The USAF Thunderbird display team performs its shows with the F-16 Fighting Falcon.
Thunderbirds and the Fighting Falcon
The USAF Thunderbirds primarily fly the single-pilot General Dynamics F-16 Fighting Falcon, a single-engine supersonic multirole fighter jet. Since its first flight half a century ago, in 1974, the F-16 continues to stand the test of time, demonstrating superior power, performance, and adaptability.
According to the USAF, the Fighting Falcon boasts the following characteristics:
What to expect at a Thunderbirds performance
The Thunderbirds’ demonstration comprises six aircraft flying a mix of formations – like the Delta and Diamond – and solo routines. These stunts not only showcase the incredible prowess of the F-16 frontline fighter, but also the unmatched skill and precision of USAF pilots.
The squadron’s frontline is made up of eight USAF officers serving as pilots and four performing critical roles, from medical support to public affairs, per the USAF. Behind the scenes, 120 enlisted members represent close to 30 different fields, ensuring the jets and operations are ready to impress the crowds.
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The demonstration squadron has flown a variety of jets over the years.
At present, Lt Col Nathan Malafa leads the Thunderbirds as Commander, while Maj Eric Tise is the Lead Solo Pilot. Other pilots in the squadron are Maj Zachary Taylor, Maj Tyler Clark, Maj Jake Impellizzeri, and Maj Jeffrey Downie. Lt Col Taylor Wright is the Operations Officer, and the performance is narrated by Maj Bryce Turner, who is also an Advance Pilot.
USAF Thunderbirds 2024 show season schedule
Whether you’re an aviation enthusiast or simply looking for an unforgettable experience, here’s a glimpse into where you can catch the Thunderbirds in action this year. The 2024 Thunderbirds schedule features a diverse lineup of air shows and events spanning various regions of the US.
From coast to coast, spectators will have the opportunity to witness the Thunderbirds perform their exhilarating routines against the backdrop of the sky. The team’s schedule includes air shows at military events – which are generally free and open to the public – and civilian air shows (for which prices might vary), offering audiences a chance to witness the awe-inspiring spectacle of precision aerial maneuvers and formation flying.
The Thunderbirds are set to perform at these shows in the 2024 season, which runs from February to October 2024:
May
- 11 – 12: Fort Lauderdale Air Show – Fort Lauderdale, FL
- 18 – 19: Duluth Airshow – Duluth, MN
- 26: Indianapolis 500 Flyover – Indianapolis, IN
- 30: USAF Academy Graduation Flyover – Air Force Academy, CO
June
- 2: Legacy of Liberty Air Show – Holloman AFB, NM
- 8 – 9: Selfridge Open House & Air Show – Selfridge ANGB, MI
- 14 – 16: Columbus Air Show – Columbus, OH
- 29 – 30: Warriors over the Wasatch Air Show – Hill AFB, UT
July
- 4, 6, 7: Field of Flight Air Show & Balloon Festival – Battle Creek, MI
- 13 – 14: Wings over Whiteman Airshow – Whiteman AFB, MO
- 20 – 21: Arctic Thunder Open House & Air Show – JB Elmendorf-Richardson, AK
- 24: Cheyenne Frontier Days – Cheyenne, WY
- 27 – 28: Milwaukee Air & Water Show – Milwaukee, WI
August
- 3 – 4: The Great State of Maine Air Show – Brunswick, ME
- 10-11: New York Air Show – New Windsor, NY
- 24 – 25: The Defenders of Freedom Air and Space Show – Offutt AFB, NE
- 31 Aug – 2 Sep: Oregon International Air Show – McMinnville, OR
September
- 7 – 8: Aero Gatineau-Ottawa – Gatineau, QC, Canada
- 14 – 15: Sound of Speed Air Show – St. Joseph, MO
- 21 – 22: Thunder Over Columbus Air Show – Columbus AFB, MS
- 28 – 29: California International Airshow – Salinas, CA
October
- 5 – 6: Pacific Airshow – Huntington Beach, CA
- 12 – 14: Thunder over the Heartland Airshow – Topeka, KS
- 26 – 27: Atlanta Air Show – Peachtree City, GA