Thunderbirds II
by Bill Gallagher
Title
Thunderbirds II
Artist
Bill Gallagher
Medium
Photograph - Photograph
Description
The Thunderbirds.
I recently took in an air show at Travis Air Force Base in Fairfield California featuring the US Air Force Thunderbirds. They are always a thrill to watch and this was the first time that they have flown in the area in three years.
The Thunderbirds fly to support recruitment and reinforce public confidence in the Air Force among other things.
The F16's that these pilots fly are nothing less than spectacular. There were a few passes down the runway where they pushed the edge of supersonic speed and I was able to see the air vapor starting to form in front of their wings. This typically happens just before they break the sound barrier.
The highly skilled pilots must be recommended for the team by superior officers and go through rigorous training to be able to perform with the Thunderbirds. Every year they rotate out 3 or more pilots to keep the pilots fresh but also to provide some continuity among the team.
If you've never seen them before I highly recommend you take the time. At this show at Travis Air Force Base they opened up a number of transport planes and also had some other historical aircraft to see.
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Uploaded
May 30th, 2014
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