EAA AVIATION CENTER, OSHKOSH, Wis. — The U.S. Air Force Thunderbirds, one of the world’s premier military jet teams, has scheduled an appearance at EAA AirVenture Oshkosh as part of its 2014 flying schedule.
EAA AirVenture 2014, the 62nd annual EAA fly-in convention, is scheduled for July 28-Aug. 3 at Wittman Regional Airport.
The Thunderbirds’ initial schedule at Oshkosh includes performances at AirVenture on the event’s final weekend – Saturday, Aug. 2, and Sunday, Aug. 3. Exact activities and schedule are still being finalized, according to EAA officials.
It would mark the first time a U.S. military jet demonstration team performs its full show in front of Oshkosh audiences.
“We are excited about being part of the Thunderbirds’ initial 2014 air show schedule, as they return to flight status in the coming year with a potential appearance at The World’s Greatest Aviation Celebration in Oshkosh,” said Jim DiMatteo, EAA’s vice president for AirVenture features and attractions. “There is no better public aviation event for the Thunderbirds than at Oshkosh, which has attracted an unmatched lineup of incredible aircraft and personalities over the past six decades. The Thunderbirds provide the ‘wow’ factor wherever they appear, but that ‘wow’ will never be bigger than it is at AirVenture next summer.”
EAA will now begin working with the Thunderbirds and other key entities on essential operational issues before final confirmation for an AirVenture appearance can be made.
The Thunderbirds are based at Nellis Air Force Base in Nevada but spend more than 200 days on “the road” each year, flying before millions of spectators. The team was founded in May 1953 as the 3600th Air Demonstration Unit and began by flying the F-84G Thunderjet. Through the years, the team has performed in a variety of aircraft, including the F-84G Thunderstreak, F-100C Super Sabre, F-105B Thunderchief, F-4E Phantom, and T-38 Talon. Today, the Thunderbirds fly their famous red, white and blue F-16s to showcase the pride and precision of the U.S. Air Force and represent all Air Force members who voluntarily serve America and defend freedom.
For more information: AFThunderbirds.com, AirVenture.org