The U.S. Air Force’s Thunderbirds and Navy’s Blue Angels began conducting flyovers of New York City and other cities in the Northeast on Tuesday, April 28. The flyovers are a salute to frontline COVID-19 responders and essential workers.
On Saturday, May 2, the Blue Angels and Thunderbirds Demonstration Teams will continue to conduct joint formation flights over Baltimore, Washington D.C. and Atlanta.
“America Strong is a way for both teams to show appreciation to the thousands of doctors, nurses, first responders and essential workers out there serving on the frontline day-in and day-out,” said Cmdr. Brian Kesselring, U.S. Navy Blue Angels commanding officer and flight leader for the flyover. “This is an extraordinary and unprecedented time but we will get through this. We are all in this together.”
Flyovers in Baltimore will start at 11:30 a.m. (EDT) and last approximately 15 minutes. Flyovers in Washington D.C. and surrounding communities will start at 11:45 a.m. (EDT) and last approximately 20 minutes.
Flyovers in Atlanta will start at 1:35 p.m. (EDT) and last approximately 25 minutes.
Residents in these areas will be able to see the flyover from the safety of their home-quarantine and should maintain all social distancing guidelines during this event. They should also refrain from traveling to landmarks, hospitals and gathering in large groups to view the flyovers.
The Thunderbirds are currently scheduled for full air show demonstrations during the 2020 Wings Over North Georgia Air Show on Oct. 24-25 in Rome, GA. The U.S. Army Golden Knights will co-headline the event.
“The past several weeks have been filled with changes most of us have never seen in our lives,” said John Cowman, President of JLC AirShow Management. “As we look to the future, careful consideration has been given to incorporating procedures and guidelines to host a safe and exciting event. We will continue to make adjustments to our plans as new guidelines are issued by local, state, and national authorities.”
The Thunderbirds are scheduled to perform in their six signature red, white and blue F-16 Falcons. The military demonstration team is internationally known for its hard-charging demonstration of precision formation flying while pushing their fighter aircraft to the limit.
Opening ceremonies for both days of the air show will begin with the U.S. Army Golden Knights Parachute Team. The elite group of skydivers will launch the start of aerial performances during the national anthem and will later return for a full demonstration highlighting the skill and expertise of the world’s top military parachutists.
Advance tickets, parking, sponsor, and exhibitor information is available at WingsOverNorthGeorgia.com. For a limited time, discounts are available on select ticket and parking options.
The Wings Over North Georgia Air Show is an FAA, DoD, and International Council of Air Shows recognized event.
About Wings Over North Georgia Air Show
JLC Air Show Management’s inaugural air show took place in 2012 during the Wings Over North Georgia Air Show featuring the Canadian Forces Snowbirds and USN F/A-18 Super Hornet Jet Demonstration Teams. The annual event hosted in October also has included performances by the U.S. Navy Blue Angels, U.S. Air Force Thunderbirds, Black Diamond Jet Team, USAF F-22 Raptor, U.S. Navy F/A-18 Hornet, USMC MV-22 Osprey, GEICO Skytypers Air Show Team, AeroShell, and the world’s top-rated civilian solo aerobatic performers.
Led by USAF Chief Master Sergeant (retired) John Cowman, his team of retired veterans and aviation enthusiasts hosts world-class events and seeks to promote and support the US Armed Forces and veteran organizations.
The Wings Over North Georgia airshow is an FAA, DoD, and International Council of Air Shows recognized event. For a full list of performers, activities, and ticket options, air show fans, exhibitors, vendors, and sponsors can visit the official website at https://www.wingsovernorthgeorgia.com.
