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The Skyblazers were disbanded in January 1962 when their home squadron was rotated back to the United States and their assigned aircraft transitioned to the [[F-105 Thunderchief]].
==How to Become a U.S. AF Thunderbird==
Thousands thrill when the U.S. Air Force Thunderbird Demonstration Team weaves through elaborate aerobatics during air shows and exhibitions. Only the U.S. Air Force's best jet pilots can qualify for the Thunderbird team.
Difficulty: Challenging
'''Steps'''
''1Step'' Work hard in school, beginning in high school.
''2Step'' Develop an interest in flying and learn all you can about aviation.
''3Step'' Apply to the U.S. Air Force (USAF) Academy.
''4Step'' Apply to a college with a U.S. Air Force ROTC program if there are no openings at the USAF Academy.
''5Step'' Study military history, current affairs, mathematics, science, computers and engineering.
''6Step'' Strive for a high GPA.
''7Step'' Seek out appropriate, related extracurricular activities to add to your résumé.
''8Step'' Find other ways to exhibit your community involvement and leadership qualities.
''9Step'' Join the U.S. Air Force after graduating from college.
''10Step'' Apply for pilot training.
''11Step'' Apply for advanced training as a jet fighter pilot.
''12Step'' Accomplish your duties as a jet fighter pilot with enthusiasm, energy, self-discipline and intelligence.
''13Step'' Seek out Air Force opportunities for advanced schooling, including both military-administered command preparation and civilian university graduate-level courses.
''14Step'' Apply to the Thunderbirds Demonstration Team.
'''Tips & Warnings'''
The Thunderbirds currently fly the F-16 Fighting Falcon, a high-performance, single-engine jet fighter.
The Thunderbirds team consists of eight pilots, four support officers, four civilians and 125 enlisted persons performing in more than 25 different career fields.
The Thunderbirds are stationed at Nellis Air Force Base in Nevada, but the team performs around the world from March through November.
Enlisted personnel - the ground crews and support group - are also from the top ranks of the U.S. Air Force.
Thunderbird pilots, as do other pilots of high-performance jet aircraft, must meet strict physical requirements including specific levels of uncorrected vision.
Nomination to a class at the U.S. Air Force Academy generally must be earned through one of your Congressional representatives or through the Vice President. However, some slots are also filled through an appointment process.
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