U.S. Air Force will perform in Reno Sept. 14 & 15

RENO, Nev. (January 8, 2018) — The U.S. Air Force Thunderbirds will take to the Nevada skies next September for the 2019 STIHL National Championship Air Races. The annual event returns Sept. 11–15, 2019 with heart-pounding head-to-head air racing, civilian and military flight demonstrations, static aircraft displays, food and merchandise vendors and new additions set for 2019.

“It’s been nearly 10 years since we’ve had the honor of watching the Thunderbirds right here in Reno,” said Tony Logoteta, Reno Air Racing Association chief operating officer. “They put on a spectacular show, displaying incredible flying skill and showcasing some of the most advanced fighters of our time. It’s a thrill to see them in action and a privilege to be able to recognize the airmen and women who serve our country.”

Event attendees can expect a variety of impressive formation flying and daring solo routines that display the skill and extreme capability of both the pilot and jet. The four-jet diamond formation demonstrates the training and precision of Air Force pilots while the lead and opposing solo aircraft highlight some, often maximum, capabilities of the F-16 Fighting Falcon. Pilots will perform nearly 40 maneuvers including a ground show and air demonstration.

The demonstration unit was formed in 1953 at Luke Air Force Base, just six years after the U.S. Air Force was created. Today, the unit is composed of eight pilots, four support officers, four civilians and more than 100 enlisted personnel performing in almost 30 job specialties.

The squadron performs no more than 80 air demonstrations each year, but it’s not all show. The Thunderbirds are part of the combat force and can be rapidly integrated into a fighter unit at Nellis Air Force Base located just outside of Las Vegas, Nev.

Tickets are now on sale for the 56th annual STIHL National Championship Air Races. Reserved seats will be the same price as general admission this year.  

To learn more about the Thunderbirds visit, afthunderbirds.com. More information or to purchase tickets visit airrace.org or call (775) 972-6663.

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About the STIHL National Championship Air Races:
The STIHL National Championship Air Races are held every September just north of Reno by the Reno Air Racing Association, a 501(c)(3).  The event has become an institution for Northern Nevada and aviation enthusiasts from around the world with six racing classes, a large display of static aircraft and several military and civilian flight demonstrations. Independent economic impact studies have shown that the event generates as much as $91.7 million annually for the local economy. For more information on the 2019 STIHL National Championship Air Races, to obtain media credentials, volunteer, be a vendor or purchase tickets for this year’s event, visit www.airrace.org.