Nellis Aviation Nation 2010

NELLIS AIR FORCE BASE, Nev.-- The U.S. Air Force Air Demonstration Squadron Thunderbirds perform the Delta Pass and Review over Nellis during the 2010 Aviation Nation Nellis Open House Nov. 14. The Nellis Open House is an opportunity for the Las Vegas community to view aerial demonstrations and static displays of various aircraft from the military. The open house also acts as the final air show of the year for the U.S. Air Force Air Demonstration Squadron, "Thunderbirds." (U.S. Air Force photo by Senior Airman Brett Clashman)(Released)

Thunderbirds demo team accepting applications

Published Dec. 7, 2010
By Staff Sgt. Jake Richmond
U.S. Air Force Air Demonstration Squadron Public Affairs

NELLIS AIR FORCE BASE, Nev. -- The United States Air Force Air Demonstration Squadron "Thunderbirds" are accepting officer applications for the 2012 and 2013 demonstration seasons.

The team, based at Nellis Air Force Base, Nev., plan to hire five new positions, including commander/leader, two demonstration pilots, advance pilot/narrator and a flight surgeon.

January 31 is the last day for all applications. The positions are two-year controlled tours, and the approximate report-not-later-than date for accepted applicants is Nov. 1, 2011.

Below are descriptions of the Thunderbird positions:

Commander/leader - Flies the No. 1 jet, leading all Thunderbird air demonstrations. Commands a 130-person squadron.

Demonstration pilot - Performs aerial demonstration maneuvers to exhibit the capabilities of high performance aircraft. Supports Air Force recruiting and retention programs.

Advance pilot/narrator - Precedes team on show-site deployments to ensure all arrangements for the performance are complete. Narrates the Thunderbird air demonstrations. Flies celebrity, media and orientation flights.

Flight surgeon - Provides medical care for 130-person team. Requires specialized knowledge of the unique demands of flying high performance aircraft.

For additional questions, the USAFADS point of contact is Capt. Joshua Hawkins at (702) 652-9584 or joshua.hawkins@nellis.af.mil