One of the events our family looks forward to every other year is the airshow at Hill Air Force Base. The Thunderbird Air Demonstration Team is the highlight of the trip. Braving the crowd of nearly 100,000 is a test of nerves. This year we were lucky enough to have some nice weather with mild temperatures. I think I took about 500 pictures at the show (I have a hard time containing myself at these events).
Highlight of the trip is always meeting one of the pilots. This year it was Major Sean Gustafson (#4 slot). Major Gustafson is the first Air Force Reserve pilot to be chosen for the Thunderbird Air Demonstration Team since its inception in 1953
Precise in all they do!
Diamond formation with Mt. Ogden in the background
Diamond formation performing a loop
Reflection Pass! Note the inverted #5 which makes it right side up when the plane is upside down??
Slow Pass
Delta Formation
The 9G turn. Note the vapor off the wings!
Calypso Pass with the familiar Francis Peak in the background
Calypso Pass
Girls having a good time?
OTHER AIRSHOW HIGHLIGHTS
Heritage Flight with F-15, P-51 and F-4
F-4 high speed pass. One of the sexiest planes around!
P-51 Mustang. This plane purrs like a kitten. It gives me chills every time I see this plane fly.
Oracle Acrobatic Team. Just watching these guys tumble around makes me get sick.
Oracle plane in a hammer head maneuver
C-17 taking off. This is one cool airplane!
C-17 demonstrating some of its capabilities. They demonstrated a short field landing that was very impressive.
Cirrus Acrobatic Team
Cirrus getting a little sideways!
F-22 Raptor. They did not fly an F-22 this year, but if you ever get a chance to see one fly, take advantage. This aircraft kicks butt! It would be neat to see the F-22 in Thunderbird colors.
F-16 from the local Hill Fighter Squadron.
