The best and the brightest the United States Air Force has to offer come to Mountain Lake PBS in REACH FOR THE SKY: INSIDE THE U.S. AIR FORCE THUNDERBIRDS premiering June 2001. This Mountain Lake Public Television production will be broadcast nationwide by PBS stations.
The United States Air Force Air Demonstration Squadron, better known as the Thunderbirds have come to represent the very fabric of American pride and patriotism. Since the team's first performance June 8, 1953 at Luke Air Force Base, Arizona, the Thunderbirds have flown before more than 310 million people at more than 3,500 air demonstrations in all 50 states and in 59 countries.
For the first time ever, a camera crew with unprecedented access captured the Thunderbirds in places and events rarely, if ever, seen by the public including their private ceremonies and even the pilots' homes. "The crew literally followed us around the world during our 2000 tour," says Lt. Col. John Venable, Commander, USAF Air Demonstration Squadron Thunderbirds. "As a result, I'm confident that viewers will learn more about the Thunderbirds than in any previous attempt. Not only will the viewer see amazing aerial footage, they'll experience the human side of what it takes to be a United States Air Force Thunderbird. This exciting PBS special will make you fall in love with America all over again."
We meet Major Dean "Wilbur" Wright who wanted to be a Thunderbird since age seven and was passed over twice before realizing his dream. We meet Major Kevin "Joker" Mastin who started his Air Force career over again so he could be commissioned as an officer. In the USAF, only officers can fly. But Mastin didn't want to just "fly." He wanted to be a Thunderbird. Mastin is one of only a handful of individuals to go from enlisted man to Thunderbird pilot in the life of this specialized force. 
A documentary on the Thunderbirds would not be complete without aerial footage. Thrilling video of the Thunderbirds' most memorable performances showcases the precision of the squadron. The Thunderbirds are featured at air shows in Burlington, Vermont; Battle Creek, Michigan; Frontier Days in Cheyenne,Wyoming; the Czech Republic; England; Spain; Italy; and at Nellis Air Force Base, the Thunderbirds home in the Mojave desert of Nevada.
Viewers are also introduced to aircraft maintainers that ensure the Thunderbirds' fleet of 12 F-16s are mission capable and that the pilots strap themselves into a safe and reliable aircraft every time.
REACH FOR THE SKY: INSIDE THE U.S. AIR FORCE THUNDERBIRDS shares the rich history of the Thunderbirds, their proudest moments and their darkest days, among them an afternoon in July, 1977 when a Thunderbird jet carrying the squadron's advance team to Frontier Days in Cheyenne, Wyoming crashed while attempting a landing at the nearby municipal airport. Both crew members ejected from the stricken aircraft but the pilot did not survive.
REACH FOR THE SKY: INSIDE THE U.S. AIR FORCE THUNDERBIRDS shows viewers what it takes to become one of the select and lucky few, given a once-in-a-lifetime opportunity to carry on the traditions and the "esprit de corps," the sacred trust of team members of the Thunderbirds. REACH FOR THE SKY: INSIDE THE U.S. AIR FORCE THUNDERBIRDS personifies America at its proudest.
Produced by Mountain Lake Public Television, Plattsburgh, NY. Production funding provided by Kellogg's, US Airways and The Luxor Resort & Casino (Las Vegas). Executive Producer: John Campbell, Executive in Charge of Production: Howard Lowe, Producer/Director: Derek Muirden, Videography: Paul Frederick, USAF Msgt. Michael Wheeler, Tim Kramer and Derek Muirden.
Funding provided in part by:
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Visit the U.S. Air Force Thunderbirds official website
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