Thunderbirds strut their stuff at air show sneak peek

By Jeff Pope

Thursday, March 12, 2009 | 6:03 p.m.

The U.S. Air Force Air Demonstration Squadron Thunderbirds are going to throw spectators for a loop this year.

The team, now in its 56th year, offered a sneak peak of its aerobatic maneuvers at Nellis Air Force Base today to officially start the 2009 season.

Observers will see a few new maneuvers this year as the team has upgraded its six F-16 aircraft.

The new fleet has better avionics and more powerful engines, giving the Thunderbirds the thrust needed to perform complex maneuvers such as the diamond loop immediately after takeoff.

The four-aircraft diamond formation demonstrates the training and precision of the pilots. Solo maneuvers highlight the capabilities of the new advanced Block 52 F-16.

"Since the Thunderbirds' inception, one of our things has been to showcase the new aircraft that the Air Force has," said Maj. Tyrone D. Douglas, who is the team's first African American lead solo pilot.

Today's event also marked the team's annual review from the Air Combat Command commander, Gen. John D.W. Corley. Before the team can perform, the four-star general must approve their demonstration.

"Our boss comes out and looks at us and makes sure our show is safe and ready for us to take it on the road," Douglas said.

The team flies the first of 73 scheduled performances March 21 at Luke Air Force Base near Phoenix. The last show is at home at Nellis Nov. 14-15 for the Aviation Nation air show.

The team is made up of eight pilots, including six demonstration pilots, four support officers, four civilians and about 120 enlisted airmen.

Three of the demonstration pilots are in their first year. Maj. Sean Gustafson is the team's first Air Force Reserve pilot. The other new pilots are Maj. John Baum and Maj. Rick Goodman.

This year's team also includes its first Air National Guard pilot, Lt. Col. Derek Routt.

Douglas, in his second and last year with the team, said every show is memorable for the pilots.

"Each show is a little bit different," he said. "You go into communities you would never have a chance to as a normal military person. A few of them I can think of are Chicago, because you get to fly right around the skyline, and something similar in Atlantic City."

"The best part about this job is the impact you get to make on the local community, especially the kids," he said. "When you see the smile on the kids' faces after the show, it just gives you a great feeling."