News 25’s Ryan Mahan Flys with Air Force Thunderbirds

Tens of thousands will be able to watch Saturday as the Air Force Thunderbirds perform aerial acrobatics with laser precision. Friday, one of News 25’s reporters had a bird’s eye view and an up close look, maybe too close. News 25’s Ryan Mahan sat in the co-pilot’s seat as the Thunderbirds took their F-16 Fighting Falcon out for a spin. The Thunderbirds have been delighting audiences and spreading the word about the Air Force since 1953.

Friday, they invited News 25 reporter, Ryan Mahan, to be an honorary squad member, and after a quick physical and equipment demonstration, he was about to go on the ride of a lifetime. Major Scott “Cheetah” Petz with the Thunderbirds says, "The solo maneuvers that people are going to see on Saturday and Sunday and that’s loops, rolls, and knife edges, and a lot of other things, the Wright brothers never intended the aircraft to do."

They were about to do all those things, and after a dramatic take-off, things were just getting started. Over the next hour, Ryan and the Thunderbirds flew across Mississippi and into Louisiana, where Major Petz showcased some of the squadron’s trademark moves: the Aileron Roll, which is an overhead loop with smoke trail, and the one of the classics: a barrel roll.

Having experienced the thrill first hand, Ryan says there’s no doubt the crowd at Saturday’s air show are in for a treat, but flying is only one part of what the Thunderbirds are all about. Petz says, "The demonstration of the Thunderbirds is loud, exciting, and exhilarating, but understand that we interact with the public, we visit schools, and we represent the 45,000 deployed in 90 different countries right now." As they returned to solid ground, Ryan realized it’s a job they take very seriously.

Ryan closes, “It was the ride of a lifetime, and while it only lasted an hour, it’s something I’ll never forget.”