Blue Angels Air Show facts
The fastest speed flown during an air show is
about 700 mph
(just under Mach 1; Sneak Pass) and the slowest is about 120 mph (Section High Alpha). The basic acquisition price of a single F/A-18 Hornet is approximately $21 million.
How close do the Thunderbirds fly in formation?
In their individual performances, each team flies their aircraft as close as
18 inches apart
, but the Super Delta formation of dissimilar aircraft will keep a separation of 36 inches. Major Kyle Oliver is the new Thunderbird slot #6 this season, flying the boldest and fastest solo maneuvers.
How fast do the Thunderbirds fly during a show?
Each plane can reach speeds above 1,500 miles per hour, but keep the throttle
limited to 700 mph
during exhibition shows.
Can civilians fly with the Thunderbirds?
However, the Thunderbirds occasionally arrange special flights for reporters, officials, and various VIPs. The squadron has an F-16D Block 52 jet with two seats. A
pilot may take a civilian into the air
and perform several maneuvers, but these rides are typically separate from scheduled airshows.
How many Thunderbirds have died?
Twenty-one Thunderbirds pilots
have been killed in the team’s history, though just three fatal crashes have occurred during air shows.
How much does it cost to ride with the Blue Angels?
The Blue Angels usually fly six at a time, meaning the operational costs are
between $60,000 and $80,000 per hour
— so depending on how long the flyover mission is, things could get expensive quickly. The Thunderbirds are a bit cheaper — F-16 variants cost between $8,242 and $8,701 per hour to fly.
What is the fastest plane in the world?
The Lockheed SR-71 Blackbird long-range reconnaissance aircraft
, used by the United States Air Force between 1964 and 1998, is the jet with the fastest speed record at 3.3 Mach (2,200 mph).
Why is Thunderbird 5 upside down?
The 5 is upside-down
because During the show he spends the most time upside-down
. On crowd passes, and show center, he is usually inverted. Also, the F-4 Phantom and T-38 Talon fly perfectly well inverted.
How much does a Thunderbird pilot make?
Salary:
$ 34,500 to $ 97,400
. Bigger benefits and a $ 225,000 sign-up bonus – guaranteed.
What kind of planes do the Thunderbirds fly?
The U.S. Air Force Thunderbirds fly
the F-16 Fighting Falcon
and perform a combination of formation and solo maneuvers in an inspiring high energy performance. In all, the pilots perform approximately 20 maneuvers during the full demonstration that lasts approximately 45 minutes.
Do the Thunderbirds have a female pilot?
Being the only female pilot for the Thunderbirds
, Curran told 41 Action News she hopes her presence in the sky inspires young girls to reach new heights. “Don’t let other people set expectations for you,” she said. … Kristin Fulk and her team are making sure their pilots are ready to fly.
Do the Thunderbirds fly in combat?
The squadron’s F-16s are only slightly modified for air demos and
can be made combat ready within 72 hours
. According to the Air Force, the Thunderbirds’ F-16s still have all the capabilities of any other combat-ready fighter.
How do I get a ride along with the Thunderbirds?
Celebrity riders are usually contacted
directly by the Thunderbirds media office with an invitation
. Take a virtual ride with the Thunderbirds if you don’t fit the very narrow qualifications for a real ride-along. There are great video clips at the official Thunderbirds website and even on YouTube.
How much does a Blue Angels pilot make a year?
We are all paid based on our rank and time in service. [Navy and Marine aviators earn an
average of $70,550 per year
.]
Do Blue Angels and Thunderbirds ever perform together?
For the first time ever, six fighter jets from the U.S. Navy’s Blue Angels and six from the U.S. Air Force’s Thunderbirds will perform
two shows
each — two Saturday and two Sunday — for Thunder Over Michigan. “This is pure entertainment,” said Walsh.
What do you call a girl pilot?
Women pilots were also called
“aviatrices”
. Women have been flying powered aircraft since 1908; prior to 1970, however, most were restricted to working privately or in support roles in the aviation industry. Aviation also allowed women to “travel alone on unprecedented journeys”.
