US Airforce Thunderbirds - America's Ambassadors in Blue

The Thunderbirds are the air demonstration squadron of the U.S. Air Force (USAF), based at Nellis AFB in Las Vegas, Nevada. The squadron tours the United States and much of the world, performing aerobatic formation and solo flying in specially-marked USAF jet aircraft.
Officers serve a two-year assignment with the squadron, while enlisted personnel serve three to four. Replacements must be trained for about half of the team each year, providing a constant mix of experience. The squadron performs no more than 88 air demonstrations each year and has never canceled a demonstration due to maintenance difficulty.
In addition to their air demonstration responsibilities, the Thunderbirds are part of the USAF combat force and if required, can be rapidly integrated into an operational fighter unit.[1] Since February 15, 1974 the Thunderbirds have been a component of the 57th Wing at Nellis AFB.[2]

2010 Schedule

The Team's 57th show season includes performances across the United States and Canada. 2010 Support Manual Link 2010 Schedule PDF Link

Aerospace and Aviation Are More Than Modest Job Prospects

Aerospace and Aviation Are More Than Modest Job Prospects
(NewsUSA) - Are you an engineering student who is surveying the career landscape for the best job prospects and opportunities? If so, look to aerospace and aviation.
U.S. labor statistics show only modest growth in employment for aerospace engineers, forecasting an increase of 8 percent through 2014, but industry leaders tell a different story. At a major technical conference held in May - ASME Turbo Expo 2007 - industry leaders cited an inadequate supply of engineers and research scientists to meet the demands of technology programs either in place today or planned for the not-too-distant future.
The retirement of engineers from the baby-boom generation will exacerbate the already weak labor pool, industry leaders said. Many of the engineers who contributed to the U.S. space program and growth in the commercial airline business in the 1970s will be departing in the next five years or so, leaving the industry with a serious shortfall in technical aptitude, innovative ideas and general business skills.
Recruiters of technical talent agree with engineering industry leaders; they anticipate jobs in jet engine manufacturing, government-sponsored research entities like NASA and the U.S. Department of Defense, and the development of high-tech computer software that aids in navigation and other critical flight functions.
Anticipated breakthrough technologies in aerospace include sensor-driven self-repairing aircraft engines and military jets that can take off and land vertically. However, speakers at ASME Turbo Expo wondered whether there is enough incoming talent to fill this void in the workforce.
Engineers who succeed in the aerospace and aviation industries have strong skills in aerodynamics, materials technology and computer simulations, among other disciplines. In addition, industry recruiters seek engineers who possess the higher business skills and abilities that enable companies to gain the competitive edge in an increasingly cost-driven, global marketplace.
Students and early-career engineers can take advantage of technical learning and enrichment opportunities provided through organizations like the American Society of Mechanical Engineers and its International Gas Turbine Institute. For information, visit www.asme.org.