Peachtree City Gets Ready for an Exciting Weekend with the Atlanta Air Show!
Folks in Peachtree City, pencil in October 26-27 on your calendar because that’s when the Atlanta Air Show returns to Falcon Field. This year promises a spectacular display, with clear skies expected during the weekend, making it a perfect time to witness some high-flying action!
What’s the Deal with October Weather in Metro Atlanta?
October typically stays bone dry around here, and 2024 appears to be no exception. According to Chris Dirato, the Public Relations Officer for the Atlanta Air Show, “Weather is a determining factor, in terms of cloud ceiling.” So what’s this cloud ceiling thing he mentions? It’s essentially the layer of clouds that can either make or break the type of show you’ll get to see. Whether it’s a bright and sunny day, a middle-cloud deck show, or a low “flat show,” the weather sways the performance quite a bit. No worries though — the event is pretty much rain or shine, so be sure to follow the air show’s website or Facebook page for real-time updates!
Unveiling the Journey: Major Bryce Turner and the Thunderbirds
During a planning session, we had the opportunity to chat with an awesome fighter pilot, Major Bryce Turner of the U.S. Air Force Thunderbirds. He’s been flying the F-16 for about 11 years now. Major Turner shared insights into how he became a fighter pilot. Turns out there are three routes to take: the Air Force Academy, ROTC at a university, or you could head to Officer Training School if you decide later in life to pursue this career.
How does one become a Thunderbirds pilot? Well, after finishing his 1 to 1.5 years of pilot training at Vance, Major Turner was fortunate enough to get his first pick — the F-16. After trundling through a series of training sorties across Texas and Arizona, he was ready to rock-n-roll as a combat pilot within three years. For Major Turner, being Thunderbird 8 wasn’t a choice, but as he put it, “The really neat thing is, all the officers on the team are a 2-year assignment, except Number 8.”
Feeling the Force: The 9G Experience
What’s so fascinating about these Thunderbirds? For starters, they pull 9 Gs while flying, which is equivalent to nine times the force of gravity. Simply put, that means being compressed into your seat while fighting the overwhelming urge to nap involuntarily. To counteract that, the pilots employ the ‘anti-G straining maneuver,’ tightening their muscles and wearing a G-suit to keep blood flowing where it’s most needed — and that’s the brain!
Weather or Not: Conditions Affect Air Show Performance
Major Turner talked meteorology too! While a cloudless blue sky is preferable for jaw-dropping loops and rolls, clouds at certain altitudes can generate a smoothed-out performance. If clouds hover above 7,000 feet, spectators can enjoy the full “high show” with loops and rolls. Anything lower requires alteration; around 4,000 feet, loops become 360-degree turns, and at 1500 feet, the show turns “flat,” focusing more on straight passes.
Thunderstorms and severe weather like hail and high winds are an absolute bummer though, so they’re proactive about keeping those jets safe and sound in hangars.
Wrapping Up
There you have it, folks! The Atlanta Air Show this fall promises to be a sky-high spectacle! With these incredible insights from Major Bryce Turner, it’s clear that both the thrill of the aircraft and the fickle Mother Nature play substantial roles in making — or tweaking — a phenomenal experience for attendees. Keep those fingers crossed for good weather and don’t miss out on this exciting event!
