Bank Left Editorial Photo

The Thunderbirds squadron is an Air Combat Command unit composed of eight pilots including six demonstration pilots, four support officers, four civilians and more than 100 enlisted personnel. A Thunderbirds air demonstration is a mix of formation flying and solo routines. The four-jet diamond formation demonstrates the training and precision of Air Force pilots, while the lead and opposing solo aircraft highlight some of the maximum capabilities of the F-16 FightingFalcon. The aircraft can fly within 18 inches during these demonstrations. The pilots perform approximately 40 maneuvers in a demonstration.