The Thunderbirds debuted in 1953, and their mission has remained the identical for the reason that crew’s inception: To Recruit, Retain, and Encourage. Pilots should have not less than 750 hours of jet time earlier than with the ability to apply for the function of Thunderbird pilot, because it’s probably the most coveted positions a rated aviator within the USAF can assume. Earlier than becoming a member of the crew, Maj. Curran spent three years on an task flying the F-16 out of Misawa, Japan, and one other three years as an teacher pilot out of Ft. Price. She’s the first-ever feminine to fly the lead solo place. Being a Thunderbird pilot is usually a two-year task, however resulting from COVID-19, it is being prolonged a yr. The Thunderbirds participated in Operation America Robust: On April 28, the Navy’s flight demonstration crew, The Blue Angels, along with the Thunderbirds, carried out flyovers in NY, NJ, and PA meant to champion nationwide unity behind frontline responders. Maj. Curran advised me the America Robust flyover is not more likely to occur once more, saying “the FAA was on board, and the town was on board, and air visitors was gentle in what’s normally one of many busiest areas within the nation. Usually there are a ton of restrictions.”
