When you’re one of the world’s most elite aerobatic teams you just don’t arrive like any air traveler. That was the case for the U.S. Air Force Thunderbirds when several of the team’s F-16 fighter jets arrived Thursday at New Century AirCenter for this weekend’s Garmin KC Air Show.
The planes arrived with some dramatic flair as their pilots entertained members of the media and airplane buffs gathered at the airport with some of their heart-stopping maneuvers before landing.
The skies over New Century will be roaring with all sorts of activity this weekend where very large crowds are expected to be in attendance for the Saturday and Sunday shows..
The U.S. Air Force Thunderbirds arrived from Las Vegas Thursday, Sept. 1, 2022, at the New Century AirCenter in Gardner, Kansas, for the Garmin KC Air Show, which runs Saturday and Sunday. The show features the Thunderbirds who are on hand to celebrate the U.S. Air Force’s 75th anniversary, and their 69th anniversary. Tammy Ljungblad tljungblad@kcstar.com
Two U.S. Air Force Thunderbirds pass each other in close proximity and at high speed after arriving from Las Vegas at the New Century AirCenter on Thursday, Sept. 1, 2022, in Gardner, Kansas, for the Garmin KC Air Show, which runs Saturday and Sunday. The show features the Thunderbirds, who are on hand to celebrate the U.S. Air Force’s 75th anniversary, and their 69th anniversary. The elite flight squadron will fly in formation at speeds from 150 to 700 mph and at times will be only 18 inches apart. Tammy Ljungblad tljungblad@kcstar.com
The U.S. Air Force Thunderbirds arrive from Las Vegas at the New Century AirCenter on Thursday, Sept. 1, 2022, in Gardner, Kansas, for the Garmin KC Air Show, which runs Saturday and Sunday. Tammy Ljungblad tljungblad@kcstar.com
The U.S. Air Force Thunderbirds arrive from Las Vegas Thursday, Sept. 1, 2022, at the New Century AirCenter in Gardner, Kansas, for the Garmin KC Air Show, which runs Saturday and Sunday. Tammy Ljungblad tljungblad@kcstar.com
The U.S. Air Force Thunderbirds arrive from Las Vegas at the New Century AirCenter on Thursday, Sept. 1, 2022, in Gardner, Kansas, for the Garmin KC Air Show, which runs Saturday and Sunday. Tammy Ljungblad tljungblad@kcstar.com
Vapor trails from the U.S. Air Force Thunderbirds as they arrive from Las Vegas at the New Century AirCenter on Thursday, Sept. 1, 2022, in Gardner, Kansas, for the Garmin KC Air Show, which runs Saturday and Sunday. Tammy Ljungblad tljungblad@kcstar.com
The U.S. Air Force Thunderbirds arrive from Las Vegas at the New Century AirCenter on Thursday, Sept. 1, 2022, in Gardner, Kansas, for the Garmin KC Air Show, which runs Saturday and Sunday. The show features the Thunderbirds, who are on hand to celebrate the U.S. Air Force’s 75th anniversary, and their 69th anniversary. The elite flight squadron will fly in formation at speeds from 150 to 700 mph and at times will be only 18 inches apart. Tammy Ljungblad tljungblad@kcstar.com
Vapor trails from the U.S. Air Force Thunderbirds as they arrive from Las Vegas at the New Century AirCenter on Thursday, Sept. 1, 2022, in Gardner, Kansas, for the Garmin KC Air Show, which runs Saturday and Sunday. Tammy Ljungblad tljungblad@kcstar.com
Vapor trails from the U.S. Air Force Thunderbirds as they arrive from Las Vegas at the New Century AirCenter on Thursday, Sept. 1, 2022, in Gardner, Kansas, for the Garmin KC Air Show, which runs Saturday and Sunday. Tammy Ljungblad tljungblad@kcstar.com
One of the U.S. Air Force Thunderbirds flies at high speed after arriving from Las Vegas at the New Century AirCenter on Thursday, Sept. 1, 2022, in Gardner, Kansas, for the Garmin KC Air Show, which runs Saturday and Sunday. Tammy Ljungblad tljungblad@kcstar.com
One of the U.S. Air Force Thunderbirds lands after arriving from Las Vegas at the New Century AirCenter on Thursday, Sept. 1, 2022, in Gardner, Kansas, for the Garmin KC Air Show, which runs Saturday and Sunday. Tammy Ljungblad tljungblad@kcstar.com
This story was originally published September 1, 2022 at 6:37 PM.
Visuals Editor Chris Ochsner leads The Star’s talented staff of photojournalists and video producers. He’s had his hand in directing visuals coverage since 2002. Ochsner led the visuals team in its coverage of four Super Bowls and two World Series.
