Ex-Thunderbirds Aviators Commend 'Marvelous' Netflix Documentary

In-Depth Look at the U.S. Air Force's Elite Thunderbirds Team

Former Air Force Thunderbirds pilots have praised an recently-released Netflix documentary for capturing the highs and lows of life within the air demonstration team, emphasizing that "extraordinary" is the norm, and anything less can put lives at risk.

Retired Col. John "JV" Venable, who commanded the team from 2000 to 2001, shared his experience, stating, "Watching it brought back all of those wonderful feelings of being on point with five other jets tucked in neatly right underneath my wings." Venable, now a senior resident fellow for airpower studies at the Air and Space Forces Association's Mitchell Institute for Aerospace Studies, was one of many those Commending the production.

The film, titled "Air Force Elite: Thunderbirds," provides an exclusive glimpse into the operations of the 2023 Thunderbirds team during their winter training at Spaceport America, located in the desert of southern New Mexico. Over the course of 91 minutes, the film follows six F-16 pilots, including three newcomers, as they collaborate to put together a demonstration that goes against their usual safety instincts as tactical fighter pilots.

Newly appointed team commander at the time, Lt. Col. Justin "Astro" Elliott, explains the unique nature of flying aerobatics, pointing out, "You have to divorce yourself from your survival instincts to fly this demonstration."

The film focuses on Maj. Jake "Primo" Impellizzeri, Thunderbird 3, who struggled to master the team's "high bomb burst" maneuver. This maneuver, taxing in its precision and force, requires a rejoin of the slot jet to the four-ship formation at high speeds and nearly seven times the force of gravity.

Other pilots echoed Impellizzeri's struggles, as shared by retired Maj. Michelle "Mace" Curran, who flew as the opposing solo pilot and later the lead solo pilot from 2019 to 2021. Curran notes the overwhelming feelings of self-doubt among team members as they adjust to the new environment, standards, and responsibilities.

The documentary's thrilling cockpit footage conveys the intense sensations that come with flying such demanding air shows, often giving viewers the sensation of the Earth rising to meet them as they speed through the air. The team practices twice a day, five days a week, throughout the winter training season to prepare for these high-stakes performances.

Curran, who had the opportunity to fly with the team late in her career, recalls her own struggles with adapting to the show, admitting, "I was flinching left and right, like, 'That jet is so close to us, we're about to hit him, this is it, this is how I die.'"

The film also touches on the team's unwavering bond, as demonstrated by the assertion, "The wingmen don't know where the ground and the sky are. They only know where the boss is." Each member of the formation relies on one another for their survival during the demonstration, trusting their commander implicitly.

Despite the exhilarating footage and human stories, the film does not shy away from discuss safety challenges and the inherent risks involved in such high-stakes flight demonstrations. For example, the documentary discusses the death of Maj. Stephen "Cajun" Del Bagno in a 2018 training accident. Del Bagno's story is integral to the documentary, serving as a poignant reminder of the life-threatening nature of the Thunderbirds' work.

In light of Del Bagno's death and the cancellation of shows due to the COVID-19 pandemic in 2020, then-Thunderbird 1, Lt. Col. John "Brick" Caldwell, took the time to reevaluate the demonstration's execution. The alterations brought the jets closer together, leading to a more visually appealing performance and improved safety measures by focusing the pilots' attention. Caldwell enlisted someone particularly qualified to carry on his vision after his departure in 2021: Lt. Col. Justin "Astro" Elliott.

Elliott, who was initially drawn to becoming an astronaut, ultimately chose to complete the Thunderbirds' transformation, knowing the personal sacrifices he and his family would have to endure. Speaking of these choices, Elliott shared, "I think anyone in this position would question, 'Am I doing damage here that I can't recover from?'" Despite these concerns, he remains hopeful, stating, "I hope I'm right, when I say, 'No, we're gonna be just fine.'"

"Air Force Elite: Thunderbirds" is more than just a series of awe-inspiring aerial displays; it is also a compelling human story that delves into the personal lives and sacrifices made by the team to maintain the high standards of the United States Air Force.

While the film provides unique access to the inner workings of the team and their equipment, otros members, such as maintainers, receive only brief acknowledgement. Curran admits that, while some aspects may have been overlooked, "I think they did a great job" in capturing the essence of the Thunderbirds' world, evoking feelings of pride and admiration for the team upon its release.

The documentary, "Air Force Elite: Thunderbirds," highlights the transition of the team from air force to space force, as they train at Spaceport America.
Amidst the numerous state-of-the-art gadgets and advanced technology within the Thunderbirds' aircraft, the pilots often find themselves leanng on traditional sportsmanship and camaraderie to overcome the challenges of high-stakes flight demonstrations.
Thunderbird 3, Maj. Jake "Primo" Impellizzeri, is featured extensively in the documentary, showcasing his struggles to perfect the demanding "high bomb burst" maneuver, which requires the precision of space technology and the force of weapons-grade intensity.
In preparing for their breathtaking air shows, the Thunderbirds assemble twice a day, five days a week, combining air force tactics with the latest aerospace innovation for their performances.
The film serves as a tribute to the team's resilience, illustrating the sacrifices that pilots like Lt. Col. Justin "Astro" Elliott, who aspired to become an astronaut before joining the Thunderbirds, are willing to make to uphold the prestigious reputation of the United States Air Force.