Thunderbird Arrival (Site Survey/Practice Maneuvers)

[Scarecrow]

Any of you VTBs give me an extensive and detailed description on how a Thursday would go at a new show site?

In terms of site surveys, show performances. Is there a particular structure they use in terms of these?

[Lawndart]

There is a lot of structure obviously, but here's something of a quick and dirty version:

• Briefing.
• Arrival (+).
• Survey (+).
• Timing runs (360 KGND = 1nm/10 seconds) to pick out landmarks and "lines" (such as where 4K, 6K, 8K and 12K is on the inbound legs for maneuvers) (+).
• Arrival Maneuvers.
• Debfiefing.
• Helo ride for the Boss and Solos to pinpoint plotted landmarks with use of satellite photos (marked from previous briefings/debriefings, timing runs and/or arrival maneuvers).
• Studying.
• Briefing.
• Practice show.
• Debriefing.
• Briefing.
• Show.
• Debriefing.

This is sometimes condensed as the team performs the day of their arrival, sometimes the day after arriving and sometimes two days after arriving. You get the idea.

There are a lot of specifics as well that needs to be covered, down to details about runway width and arresting gear determining takeoffs. The list is long, but luckily there's a checklist for everything. Entire chapters in manuals are written about all this kind of stuff!

Example of a Thursday sortie:

[Scarecrow]

What is included in the "arrival maneuvers"? Is this directly after the timing runs (no landing)? And what does it entitle to? All maneuvers, a couple? Their selection? Is there any "list" in order of what the arrival maneuvers are?

As you note a "practice show" on Thursday as well as a "show". Does this mean that the team will fly it's full performances twice that day?

Appreciate the help, trying to get things in line for next year.

[Lawndart]

Arrival maneuvers can include, but aren't limited to, sequences from a show. Often they practice maneuvers that make use of all the "lines" (a pre-practice for the practice show) and any maneuvers required to be flown for currency. The EPIR is often flown since it's a maneuver only flown in low shows. The Bomb Burst is often practiced too, sometimes multiple times in succession. The team is on a constant 21-day cycle for currency to perform each maneuver and type of show, either in practices or during a show day.

There's no specific list, but my bet would be that they open with a high show sequence if possible (even if the Solos might only fly flat passes for their opposing work to pinpoint lines and timing better), then perform maneuvers they've briefed to work on, several Bomb Bursts and finally any maneuvers needed to avoid de-qualifying.

Usually Friday is the practice show day, a dress rehearsal of a complete show.

Appreciate the help, trying to get things in line for next year.

What do you mean, next year?

[Scarecrow]

High possibility of the team coming to my town's show. Just wanting to get more knowledge on what to expect.

[Lawndart]

Dug around a little. Here's the best answer I got:

Arrival maneuvers consist of the first four maneuvers of a show sequence and are flown at higher altitudes than during the shows. The team is also authorized to fly additional maneuvers when required for proficiency.