USAF Thunderbirds Forum Maj Erik Speedy Gonsalves USAF Thunderbirds Nellis AFB, NV erik.gonsalves.2@us.af.mil 702-271-6628
Introductions Lt Col Kevin Lowen Walsh Outgoing Operations Officer Maj Eric Gorney Thunderbird #7 Operations Officer Maj Wes LOC Smith Thunderbird #11 Maintenance Officer Maj Ray Geoffrey Thunderbird #12 Public Affairs Officer Mr. Teddy Rux Thunderbird Air Show Events Coordinator
2017 Show Sites of the Year Civilian: National Cherry Festival Airshow Military: Wings over Pittsburgh
Overview Thunderbird Mission 2020 Scheduling Process Site Survey Trips Logistical Support Airfield Layout ATC/Tower Support Maintenance Support Public Affairs Support Standard Itinerary Where to Start Questions
Thunderbird Mission The United States Air Force Air Demonstration Squadron plans and presents precision aerial maneuvers to exhibit the capabilities of modern high performance aircraft and the high degree of professional skill that is required of our airmen to maintain, support and operate those aircraft. Recruit Retain Inspire
2020 Thunderbird Scheduling Considerations Be flexible with dates, give us options Military get MAJCOM priority When If your weather allows, schedule early spring or late fall, avoid summer rush The Process Submit DoD Form 2535 Due 1 July, 2 years prior ie. July 18 for 2020 Show Season Accuracy is a must Submit a rough Aerobatic box Who to Contact Mr. Teddy Rux
Site Survey Trips Considerations New show site 5 years Significant construction Significant changes or challenging show site When Now through Feb 2018 Who Thunderbird 8 Dedicated Crew Chief How ICAS Discussion F16D Commercial VTC
Site Survey Trips Meeting Airfield Layout Aerobatic Box Waiver/TFR Considerations MX setup Thunderbird Weekend Schedule Template Key Players May drop in or remain over night
Team Requirements
Logistical Support Lodging We will procure our lodging Recommendations welcomed! Workout Facilities 0600-2200 during entire stay Transportation* 34 vehicles + 3 golf carts 4 passenger truck w/ hitch receiver Flatbed w/ smoke oil loaded *We cannot have ANY type of advertisement, dealership stickers on the cars, etc.
Airfield Layout FOD Prevention Swept prior to Wed arrival Snow fencing is crucial Parking 300 to crowd line Minimize taxiing aircraft in front of jets IVO maintenance personnel Showcenter / Bomb Burst Markers Coordinates in DD MM.MMM Hangar Unlimited access / clear taxi route
Cable Requirements Require pre-certified F-16 barrier within 80NM of the airshow site If your runway is less than 7,000 we require a pre-certified arresting gear in-place on-site
Cable Requirements 2018 Required Cannon AFB Niagara Falls Latrobe Minot AFB Gary Toronto Baltimore Mather Salinas Little Rock AFB
ATC/ Tower Support Airspace Coordinate EARLY Airline Schedules Thunderbird 8 arrival Thunderbird 1-7 arrival TFR Required, up to 10,000 AGL Practice & Demo TFR in effect, up to 15,000 AGL Aerobatic Box sanitized Media flight MOA or Restricted area Over land TFR/Waivers/NOTAM s 15,000 AGL 5 NM radius off SC (5.5 if offset SC/CC) 1 hr for arrival survey 1.5 for Practice/Demo SC Center of AF * SC VS. CENTER OF AIRFIELD
Common Errors TFR Wrong Date/Time (watch Zulu conversions) Wrong SC coordinates Site Survey Time not included Missing some CFR s
Public Affairs Public Affairs Officer #12, Maj Ray Geoffroy raymond.geoffroy@us.af.mil 702-378-7950 Recruit...Retain...Inspire Make-A-Wish / Hospital School / VA visits Media flights Hometown Heroes Enlistments Recognition Ceremony Interviews (TV, Radio, Webcasts)
Standard Itinerary
Standard Itinerary Wednesday FOD swept Thunderbird #8 + Crew Chief Markers in place Flying waiver Advance Pilot meeting Walk through Briefing room AFE room Hangar Paint F-16 parking spots
Standard Itinerary Thursday Vehicles in place NLT 1000 AGE inspection 1000 Thunderbird #14 arrival Request download by hangar Thunderbird #8 requests airspace Thunderbird Control Thunderbirds #1-7 arrival TFR AND Waiver Required 1 hr of uninterrupted survey work Planeside interviews
Standard Itinerary Friday School visits / Hospital / VA Optional survey flight Thunderbirds 1, 5, 6 Re-enlistments Practice show TFR/Waiver Required Sanitized Aerobatic Container Make-A-Wish activity Possible airshow function
Standard Itinerary Saturday & Sunday Police escorts (if req d) Recruiting booth Enlistment / Recognition Ground show ~1500 Local Takeoff ~1530 Local Autographs Monday Thunderbirds #1-8 takeoff Thunderbird #14 departs Typically 1.5 hours later
Non-Standard Itinerary Applicable to only a few sites We will let you know in advance Impacts could be Extra time in your city Extra Smoke Oil (we will pay for above the Support Manual requirements) Extra rental car usage Extra practice and TFR considerations
Where to Start ICAS Visit Thunderbird booth Website: www.afthunderbirds.com Read 2018 Support Manual Contact #8 for Cable / Site Survey? s Contact Mr. Teddy Rux Thunderbird Air Show Events Coordinator Michael.Rux@nellis.af.mil 702-378-7956 (Cell)
Keys to Success GET AHEAD OF THE GAME Assign a PROJO FOD Know the Support Manual Address Issues ASAP Sweep prior to #8 arrival Identify areas of concern prior to arrival Arrival Day TFR Airline Schedules Understand your Aero Box MOA Scheduling
Keys to Success Military Sites Everything on previous slide plus... Security Forces Red Lines ECP Flight Line Driving Limited time for briefings Base Ops Flight Plans i.e. 175 required for demo? Police Escorts
Closing Remarks Thunderbird 7, Maj Eric Gorney
Questions