Many oldtimers fondly keep in mind the comedian e book and tv variations of “Superman,” and the astonishment of the nameless characters once they noticed one thing international flying overhead — “It’s a bird, it’s a plane, it’s Superman!”
Here in Nevada, persons are nonetheless considerably astonished once they see sure objects flying overhead performing aerial acrobatics. But within the latter case, it’s the U.S. Air Force Air Demonstration Squadron, the Thunderbirds. The group performs precision aerial maneuvers demonstrating the capabilities of Air Force high-performance plane to individuals all through the world.
Young pilots — and would-be pilots — usually surprise how laborious it’s to change into a Thunderbird. Candidates for the ace aerobatic group will need to have no less than 1,000 flying hours on a jet fighter and should be present on the F-16. And all candidates for the Thunderbirds will need to have no less than three years (however not more than 12 years) of army service. Maj. Lauren “Threat” Schlichting is one in every of solely six feminine pilots within the 69-year historical past of the squadron.
The group will get its title from the legend of the thunderbird, which in Native American mythology is a strong spirit within the type of a feathered vertebrate. By its work, the earth was watered and vegetation grew. Lightning was believed to flash from its beak, and the beating of its wings was thought to symbolize the rolling of thunder.
Each group member has a specialty. The commander/chief is Lt. Col. Justin Elliott. The place of left wing is held by Maj. Ian Lee and proper wing is held Schlichting. The slot place is held by Maj. Zane Taylor, lead solo by Maj. Kyle Oliver and opposing solo by Capt. Daniel Katz. The operations officer is Lt. Col. Ryan Yingling and advance pilot/narrator is Maj. Jake Impellizzeri.
At a latest invitation-only “Evening With the USAF Thunderbirds,” I had a possibility to briefly converse with Elliott. One of the questions I requested him involved the combat-readiness of the Thunderbird pilots. There is little doubt that the women and men who fly their plane inches from one another whereas conducting aerial maneuvers are extremely certified and often educated. But ought to the United States ever need to go to warfare, what are the {qualifications} of the Thunderbirds? Elliott was fast to reply that along with common Thunderbird coaching, the pilots additionally undergo all the traditional Air Force coaching that each one its pilots should undergo.
The Thunderbirds may be seen this yr on the upcoming Aviation Nation occasion at Nellis Air Force Base, the place the group is stationed. Scheduled for Nov. 5 and 6, the occasion will characteristic aerial performers, static shows of quite a few plane, displays, concessions and a children’ zone. For extra details about the air present, go to the Aviation Nation web site, https://www.nellis.af.mil/Aviation-Nation/.
So, do youthful of us who need to fly fighter jets need to change into full-time Air Force members and transfer up the ranks? Well, there may be no less than one choice relating to piloting army plane: be a part of the National Guard or Air Force Reserve.
According to printed studies, one of many largest advantages of the guard and reserve is that one can particularly apply to the items that they need to be a part of. If they meet {qualifications}, they are often employed with no army expertise (and earlier than signing any army service obligation) to fly the A-10, F-15, F-16, F-22, or F-35. Happy landings, of us.
Chuck N. Baker is an award-winning journalist and a Vietnam War Purple Heart veteran. He may be heard at 8:30 a.m. every Sunday on KKVV-AM internet hosting “That’s America to Me” and sometimes on KUNV-FM internet hosting “America’s Veterans, Today and Tomorrow.”
