How fast do the Thunderbirds fly while traveling back from an airshow?
Posted by BrandyTheGorgs@reddit | aviation | View on Reddit | 13 comments
I'm trying to find out how long it will take for me to get from school to Islip airport to see the Thunderbirds come back from practice at Jones Beach. How fast do they go while traveling? Non air show, simply flying back to the airport.
MATCA_Phillies@reddit
250 knots is the limit BELOW 10,000 feet in the US. at flight levels its much faster. I dunno the specs of an F16, but figure it's probably 85% or so of max. Might be able to figure it out from there.
Designer_Buy_1650@reddit
Not true for all aircraft. Some military aircraft are authorized higher speeds. The 250 limitation is for civilian aircraft. Even at heavy weights, some civilian aircraft exceed 250 knots.
MATCA_Phillies@reddit
As with anything it can be waived or approved. But it very much is stated in the 7110.65.
also in cfr here.
That70sShop@reddit
I had Commander Heatherly in my sights. He saw me move in for the kill. He then proceeded below the hard deck. We weren't below 10,000 for more than a few seconds. I had the shot; there was no danger, so I took it.
Isgrimnur@reddit
General Dynamics F-16A Fighting Falcon
SkidPilot@reddit
Generally in controlled airspace they will be below 250 knots while transiting
IvetaNowak04gg@reddit
Those Thunderbirds fly back from m aan airshow at lightning speed! Always impressive to watch them zipip
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Designer_Buy_1650@reddit
I don’t think you’re correct. I don’t know the exact speed, but I suspect it’s about 300 knots. I’m sure some Viper pilots will soon have an exact number.
JBN2337C@reddit
You can usually track THBIRD01 (sometimes 7 or 8) on Flightaware.
I like to do this when they’re departing Nevada for our airshow here, so that I can be at the field to watch them come in.
You can also see some prior trips, and get an idea of speeds, altitudes, and duration.
They’re pretty much gonna be cruising along at a similar rate to airliners, or business jets.
agha0013@reddit
I'm an idiot and read Thunderbirds but immediatelly thought Blue Angels...
anyway... F-16 Block 52 cruises at 504 knots but they wouldn't need to get that fast for such a short hop, so less than that.
rhineauto@reddit
I'd guess that they fly around the cruise speed of the F-16A, which is 577mph.
agha0013@reddit
standard cruise speed is 482kn for the F/A-18 E/F
If they are staying relatively low since they don't need to go very far, they probably wouldn't be going much faster than 200-250 knots maybe?