A new documentary focusing on elite pilots is set to premiere on May 23.
Air Force Elite: Thunderbirds, available on Netflix, offers an inside look at some of the most accomplished U.S. combat pilots as they prepare for high-speed aerial demonstrations across the country. These shows aim to promote a positive image of the U.S. Air Force. The President and First Lady serve as Executive Producers for the documentary.
The Thunderbird team consists of over 135 individuals, participating in 65-75 shows annually, spanning 210 days. Interest in joining the team has surged, with applications tripling since 2020.
While the Air Force hopes these air shows will inspire recruitment, the Thunderbirds featured in the documentary emphasize that the primary goal is to motivate people to pursue excellence in all areas of their lives.
“I always believed that by shaping this team correctly, we could create a culture that inspires people nationwide and beyond to achieve extraordinary things for the right reasons,” says Lieutenant Colonel Justin “Astro” Elliott, the Thunderbirds’ commander, in the documentary.
Filmmakers were embedded with the 2023 Thunderbirds, documenting their journey from training in the Nevada desert to performances across the United States. Here’s a glimpse into the life lessons these pilots have learned, applicable to various professions and stages of life.
How a Thunderbird pilot explains his job to his family
The documentary reveals that Elliott, known as “Thunderbird 1,” has just 60 days to prepare his team for 62 air shows—referred to as “45 minutes of total chaos.”
Elliott’s childhood dream was to become an Air Force pilot. However, midway through his Air Force career, he was offered the leadership position of the Thunderbirds, an opportunity he felt he couldn’t refuse.
Beyond his professional life, the filmmakers followed Elliott at home with his two young sons, Declan and Revan. In one scene, his wife Victoria hugs him before work and reminds him, “don’t die,” her primary rule. Despite the inherent risks, Elliott believes, “It’s important for our kids to see us set objectives and go after things in the name of service to something bigger than ourselves.”
What keeps Thunderbird pilots going
Thunderbird pilot Eric “Miami” Tise discusses the element of risk involved in their profession.
“We’re constantly aware of the ‘I’m gonna die’ factor, which keeps our adrenaline high and our focus sharp,” Tise explains. Even ejecting from the aircraft carries significant danger. Tise recounts losing an inch in height after a past ejection. The ejection caused his muscles to shrink and subsequently calcify, leading to muscle knotting in his back.
Some Thunderbird pilots overcame significant personal challenges to reach their positions in the sky.
Zachary “Zeke” Taylor shares his experience with his father’s struggle with alcoholism. He remembers witnessing his father entering rehab on Christmas Day during his freshman year of high school. This moment led Zeke to realize, “I do not want this for myself.”
His grandfather became a strong father figure and encouraged him to look toward the right wing of his plane during every flight, envisioning him flying alongside in spirit. Taylor becomes emotional recalling this memory, stating, “Every time I climb up the ladder, I look out on my right wing and say, ‘Hey, grandpa, hang on. It’s gonna be a hell of a ride.’”
While greeting children at an air show, Zeke emphasizes, “I’m a trailer park kid from Florida…You can overcome anything in life, and I’m just living proof of that.”
Why a fallen Thunderbird’s mom has no regrets
The inherent dangers of flying complex formations are a constant concern for the crew. They are reminded of a 1982 accident where four planes crashed at approximately 400 miles per hour, resulting in the deaths of all pilots.
The documentary includes poignant interviews with the parents of Stephen “Cajun” Del Bagno, who died in 2018 in the most recent fatal Thunderbird accident. The 34-year-old crashed during a training flight after losing consciousness.
His parents share that he always aspired to be an Air Force pilot. Reportedly, his first word was “airplane.” His father, Joe, plays golf using his son’s clubs to feel connected to him.
Del Bagno’s parents express their unwavering support for Cajun’s demanding career, knowing he was pursuing his dream. They argue that taking risks is integral to a fulfilling life. As Cajun’s mother, Cindy, states, “If you’re afraid to put yourself out there, to take risks in life, you’re going to end up doing nothing.”
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