HAMPTON, Va. - The Langley Air Show is back after a four-year hiatus, and they have a big headliner—the United States Air Force Thunderbirds.
Pilot Lauren Schlichting told News 3 that being in the cockpit of the F-16 flying close formations is surreal.
“It’s like a roller coaster without rails it’s so much fun,” said Schlichting.
She's in her second season with the Thunderbirds.
Pilot Eric Tise is in his first.
“It’s been exciting, it’s definitely humbling,” said Tise.
Tise said they practice twice a day, six days a week in the off-season, then from March to November they travel the country performing.
“This flying is probably the most difficult I’ve ever done and I’ve flown over 1500 hours, it definitely takes a lot of practice,” said Tise.
Their mission is to recruit, retain, and inspire. Schlichting told News 3 she hopes everyone at this weekend's airshow enjoys their performance.
“It's one of the best parts of the job when you’re able to meet all the different people from the United States and hear their stories and see kids' eyes light up it’s humbling and it makes everything so worth it with being on the road so much,” said Schlichting.
The Langley Air Show is happening Saturday and Sunday. A complete schedule can be found here.
