Thunderbirds to headline Wings Over Homestead Air Show, Nov. 7-8

  • Published
  • By Airman 1st Class Katie Spencer
  • 482nd Fighter WIng Public Affairs
HOMESTEAD AIR RESERVE BASE, Fla. --  Being that Homestead Air Reserve Base is a fighter wing, F-16 fighter jets are no stranger to the community. However, the sight of red, white and blue-painted F-16s is sure to catch South Florida's attention when the U.S. Air Force Thunderbirds roar into town for the "Wings Over Homestead Air Show" on Nov. 7-8. 

After more than 18 years and a Hurricane named Andrew, the aerial demonstration team will once again perform over Homestead as they headline the free, two-day event at Homestead Air Reserve Base. 

"Having the Thunderbirds be the anchor for our air show helps to provide the message and impact we need to send to our community that Homestead is here to stay," said Lt.Col. Ross R. Anderson, 482nd Operations Group commander. 

A Thunderbirds demonstration is a mix of formation flying and solo routines. The four-aircraft diamond formation kicks off the show. The four jets leave the runway, loop overhead and reunite in a tight diamond shape. 

This type of maneuver highlights the training and precision of Air Force pilots, while the solo aircraft highlight the maximum capabilities of the F-16. A popular crowd pleaser is a "cross-over break" where two Thunderbirds fly directly toward each other and break sharply, then avoiding the other aircraft by flying belly to belly before separating in opposite directions. Other maneuvers include loops and dives creating an awe-inspiring show. 

The Thunderbird's mission also extends into the community. 

Community outreach, appearances and charitable efforts are all vital components to the Thunderbirds program. 

While in town, the Thunderbirds will visit Gulliver Preparatory Academy to talk about their experiences as Thunderbirds and how to stay motivated and successful in life. In addition, they will whisk away two media representatives and a hometown hero for a flight in the red, white and blue F-16s. 

The return of the Thunderbirds will also be a homecoming for one Thunderbird pilot. 

Maj. Sean Gustafson, a former Palmetto Bay resident, will return to South Florida flying the No. 4 aircraft in the Thunderbirds diamond formation. Gustafson was previously stationed at the 93rd Fighter Squadron on Homestead Air Reserve Base. He made history last year after being the first Air Force Reserve pilot chosen to fly with the Thunderbirds since the team's inception in 1953. 

Hard work and dedication goes on behind the scenes in order to put on this show. 

The Thunderbirds squadron is an Air Combat Command unit composed of eight pilots, of which are six demonstration pilots, and more than 130 enlisted members from in 25 career fields necessary to keep the mission moving. The pilots are required to submit a package with a resume, letter of recommendation and pass multiple interview sessions. 

The pilots chosen have the desire to represent the world's greatest Air Force. The team is looking for a well-rounded Airman who can produce a positive team-oriented attitude, and understand the importance of reaching out to the community, said Tech. Sgt. Russ. Martin, a public affairs representative for the Thunderbirds. 

New Thunderbird pilots begin training in November and are mentored by the veterans in order to withstand the steep learning curve needed to perform, Martin said. 

A day in the life of a pilot in training consists of pre-flight briefings, two or three flights and post-flight briefings. This itinerary is repeated day after day training purposes. 

The Thunderbirds are in the midst of their 56th season and perform over 70 shows each year with the final show to be held at their home at Nellis Air Force Base, Las Vegas, Nev., on Nov. 14-15. Homestead will be the second to last show on the team's tour for the season. These shows cater to crowds ranging from 10,000 spectators in small cities to 2 million in larger urban areas. 

The team is sure to wow the crowd for the "Wings Over Homestead Air Show" Nov, 7-8. However, the Thunderbirds aren't the only act performing at the Air Show. Visit our Web site at http://www.wingsoverhomestead.com/ for a full list of performers and information about the show.