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USAF Air Demonstration Squadron (Thunderbirds)

2019 FAA Maneuver Package

DEPARTMENT OF THE AIR FORCE

USAF AIR DEMONSTRATION SQUADRON (ACC)

NELLIS AIR FORCE BASE, NEVADA

MEMORANDUM FOR FAA Representatives

FROM: USAFADS/CC

SUBJECT: 2019 Thunderbirds' Maneuver Package

1.This United States Air Force Air Demonstration Squadron (Thunderbirds) maneuver package is designed to provide you with a pictorial display of all demonstration maneuvers used by the Thunderbirds.

2.The Thunderbirds have three shows that may be performed depending upon weather or terrain considerations. A High Show, which includes formation rolls and loops, may be flown with a minimum ceiling of 8,000’ and five nautical mile visibility. A Low show, which has formation rolls only, may be flown with a minimum ceiling of 3,500’ and five nautical mile visibility. A Flat show, which includes no loops or rolls, may be flown with a minimum ceiling of 2,000’ and five nautical mile visibility (57 WG/CC or USAFWC/CC may waive the flat show minimum ceiling to 1,500’).

3.The Department of Defense accepts full responsibility for the operation of Thunderbird demonstration maneuvers as described herein. Lieutenant Colonel John Caldwell, Commander/Leader, USAF Air Demonstration Squadron, has been designated as the representative for the Department of Defense for the execution of these maneuvers and prioritizes safety over visual appeal or presentation.

4.Thunderbird maneuvering airspace and minimum dimensions for an aerobatic box are depicted in section IV. FAA guidelines currently permit non-aerobatic passes to be flown no closer than 500’ from the crowd. Aerobatic maneuvers shall occur at the 1500’ show line; however non-aerobatic maneuvers may take place on the 500’ show line. Non-aerobatic passes over the crowd will be a minimum of 500’ AGL. Thunderbird formations in the transition area are permitted to descend from 500’ to be at their minimums at 1NM from show center, even over occupied buildings. Any maneuvers may be flown as a flat pass if conditions dictate. Altitudes depicted are minimums.

5.The Thunderbirds will occasionally fly a seventh aircraft during practice demonstrations and site surveys in a photo-chase profile. This aircraft will be flown by Thunderbirds 7 or 8 upon completion of syllabus-directed training. If the seventh aircraft is a 2-seat F-16, the rear cockpit will only be occupied by a designated Thunderbird team member. The photo-chase aircraft will maneuver as required to achieve the desired photographic position relative to the diamond, solos, or delta. The same rules and regulations which govern the 6-ship within the TFR and aerobatic box also apply to the seventh aircraft. The photo chase aircraft will never fly during an official demonstration.

6.My point of contact to address any questions concerning these maneuvers is Lt Col Eric Gorney, Thunderbird Operations Officer, at (702) 271-6627 or DSN 682-9931.

JOHN D. CALDWELL, Lt Col, USAF Commander/Leader