Hearing the rumble of planes soaring through the sky, on October 16-17 the Orlando Sanford International Airport held the Lockheed Martin Central Florida Air and Space Show of 2021. The show featured many active aerospace innovations. For example, the military stationed a C-5 Galaxy, a cargo ship that stretches 143 ft long, at the airport and allowed visitors to walk through the ginormous ship. 

Having started at noon, the event began with parachuters, cascading down onto the show grounds. Introducing each member of the jumpers, the show then proceeds to demonstrate several different aircrafts such as the MV-22 Osprey, F-18 Super Hornet, F-22 Raptor, and P-51 Mustang. Additionally, the show highlighted the United States Air Force (USAF) Thunderbirds. These highly trained pilots have a minimum of 1,000 hours flying a jet fighter with at least three years of military service and a maximum of twelve. The Thunderbirds, consisting of six demonstration pilots, represent both the thousands of men and women of the USAF. Flying the F-16 Fighting Falcon plane, sporting the red, white, and blue colors of America, these planes are able to twist and turn in every which direction. 

Instructing the Thunderbirds is Commander/Leader John Calward with his Left Wing Ian Lee and Right Wing Zane Taylor. Pilots Micheal Brewer, Michelle Curran, and Kyle Oliver also play a role in the Demonstration Squadron. Taking off, these flyers performed a Diamond Loop, followed by a Solo Roll. These planes are able to go up to 450-500 mph while performing these complicated stunts. With every maneuver, the crowd hollers and cheers, marveled by the complex feats that these pilots present. They continue to fly 18 inches from each other while in a Super Delta Formation and execute other tricks until the end of the show. 

For those who missed this year’s air show, through the weekend of October 29-30 in 2022 another show will be held at the same location. The Thunderbirds will once again fly high and dazzle the audience with their amazing performances.