Thunderbird-in-training, Shields, goes for a ride in a F-16; Air & Space Show

Our very own Meteorologist Brian Shields became an American Ambassador in Blue! Well, at least for one day, where he flew along with the thunderbirds on Thursday afternoon.

Brian’s preparation started several weeks ago, after applying for the opportunity, he also had to meet some basic requirements, such as appropriate height and weight (his muscles didn’t get in the way), background checks, even getting a health physical. He was approved to fly with the elite Air Force group two days before take-off!

Luckily Brian, had done a bit of research before getting approved. He checked out videos, ate healthy and followed every bit of instructions he could find.

Thursday came, and off he went to Melbourne International Airport.

There were several phases of training that afternoon. He spoke to the public affairs officer, Captain Sara Harper, Capt. (Dr.) Glen Goncharow (the surgeon, sounds scary I know); he explained to Brian the proper way to sit, breath, and how to control what he could feel as he went up the gravitational force (g’s).

Finally it was time to meet his pilot. Captain Erik Gonsalves, advance pilot narrator, was cheerful and explained all the maneuvers the F16 would make.
Captain Gonsalves was very enthusiastic about flying, he's been flying since 2008, and he says that he is used to it, but we clearly observed that he still has every inch of passion and excitement like if it was his first day, not only for flying but for the Air Force and his colleagues in the force.

Brian put on his jumpsuit and he was officially badged! Afterwards, he headed to another room where he was shown all the pieces of equipment he would be wearing during the flight.

F-16 number 8 was taxied and waiting for Captain Gonsalves and Thunderbird-in-training Brian Shields. While we waited for all the preparations we observed server F16’s surveying the land for this weekend’s Air and Space Show in Melbourne. If you were near Melbourne, you might have heard them too.

THUNDERBIRDS 2017 SHOWS

"Capt. Erik "Speedy" Consalves is not human – there is now way! He, and the rest of the Thunderbirds, make me proud beyond words. They are exactly who I want my three boys to turn to for role models," said Brian Shields.

         PICTURE GALLERY: Brian's fly along in Thunderbird 8

Shortly after, seven F-16 planes arrived to the hangar site, aligning perfectly… military style!  Air Force officials lined up and welcomed the pilots. They quickly detailed the plane and did the necessary maintenance to get the planes ready for the next flight.

Brian and Captain Gonsalves strapped up and after a few instructions they were off to their 45 minute flight.

At an air show, the types of flights the Air Force Thunderbirds perform depend heavily on weather; specifically, cloud coverage to be exact.
If there are too many (low) clouds they tend to fly in lower altitudes, so that the public is able to see the show. This is called "flat".

There is also a low show and a high show. High shows are done when the skies are clear. These types of shows usually last a bit longer than 30 minutes.

Brian few for about 45 minutes, and reached 9.2 g’s, which the Captain said it was pretty good.

Thunderbirds became the Air Forces official air demonstration team in 1953. Their names comes from the influence of the Native American Folklore and culture around Luke Air Force Base, in southwestern United States. Through the years the planes and technology has evolved, but their professionalism, passion, dedication, orientation to detail and humbleness have continued strong.

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The Thunderbirds’ have five specific motives – support the Air Force recruiting and retention programs, reinforce public confidence in the Air Force by demonstrating their professional competence, strengthen morale among members, participate in the community and project international goodwill by representing the United States Armed Forces in foreign countries. They are ambassador in the word. They have traveled to almost every continent of the world representing America’s Air Force. Europe, Asia, Australia

This elite group is made of 12 officers, over 120 enlisted, and some civilians.
From the 12 officers, eight are highly experienced fighter pilots. Each officer obtains a number. Air shows are flown by Thunderbirds 1-6, Thunderbird 7 is the operations officer, number 8 is the advance pilot and narrator and 9-12 are support officers, such as doctors, administrative, maintenance and public affairs roles. They work from February through October supportive and representing the Air Force in shows and other activities within the communities. This long stretch of great work requires lots of planning and training, that's just what they do from October through February.

The Air Force is celebrating their 70^th anniversary. Their 'season' is just two months in, check out the Air & Space show schedule to plan a visit to see the exceptional event filled with jets flying at about 700 miles per hour at low altitudes, performing astonishing maneuvers that will give you sonic chills.

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