Thunderbird Pilot is Web Chat Guest

EAA Aviation Center – December 8, 2006 – They amaze crowds as they fly maneuvers at air shows every week. The U.S. Air Force Air Demonstration Squadron, “The Thunderbirds,” are an elite group of pilots chosen to fly the Lockheed Martin F-16C Fighting Falcon. You may have seen the Thunderbirds perform their precision demonstration flights, but on Jan. 18, 2006, you will have the opportunity to take part in a live web chat with the pilot of the No. 2 jet, Major Rusty Keen! What is a Web Chat? The EAA Young Eagle Web Chat is an opportunity for interesting people in aviation to answer your questions directly. The text-based chat is available on the third Wednesday of the month between 7 and 8 p.m. Central time. Simply log in to the chat with your list of questions! Meet Major Rusty Keen Maj. Keen joined the Air Force in 1994 and is currently in his second season flying the No. 2 jet for the Thunderbirds. He received a Bachelor of Science degree in Information Systems Management in 1992 and a Master of Science degree in Industrial Engineering Technology in 1994 from Southwest Texas State University in San Marcos, Texas. He then went on to graduate from Squadron Officers School from Maxwell Air Force Base in Alabama. Prior to becoming an F-16C “Fighting Falcon” pilot for the Thunderbirds, Rusty was an AT-38C flight commander, instructor, pilot, and flight examiner for the 435th Fighter Training Squadron on Moody Air Force Base in Georgia. He has also had assignments in Texas, Arizona, and Korea. Rusty has been awarded the Air Medal, Aerial Achievement Medal and the Air Force Commendation Medal with two oak leaf clusters. He lives in Ledbetter, Texas, with his wife, Natalie, and their two children, Jacob, 9, and Grace, 5. U.S. Air Force Thunderbird Facts Thunderbird pilots fly F-16 Fighting Falcons. On average they will fly approximately 70 air shows in 40 different locations across North America. They fly an air demonstration almost every weekend from mid-March to mid-November. Thunderbird officers usually serve two years with the team, while enlisted members typically serve three to four years. The pilots have a minimum of 1,000 hours of military jet experience and are recommended for the position by their Commanding Officer. Their mission is to support U.S. Air Force recruiting and retention programs, to reinforce public confidence in the U.S. Air Force, and demonstrate to the public the professional competence of Air Force professionals. The Thunderbirds also represent the United States and its armed forces to foreign nations and project international goodwill.

United States Air Force Thunderbird pilot, Major Rusty Keen will answer your questions in a live Webchat on Wednesday, January 18 between 7 and 8 p.m. central time. The Thunderbird delta formation performs a delta loop over Eielson AFB, Alaska. (Photo by TSgt Sean White) Pilots approach each other at speeds close to 800 mph and perform opposing four point rolls at show center. (Photo by TSgt Sean White) Learn More Web Chat Log in U.S. Air Force Thunderbirds Thunderbird Schedule F-16C Fighting Falcon

• 2012 - 02/09 - Application Deadline Approaches for EAA Scholarship
• 2011 - 10/06 - Young Eagle #2 Flies Solo
• 2011 - 10/05 - Young Eagles Featured in Airplanista Magazine
• 2011 - 08/23 - R2 Finally Awake After 6-Month Nap
• 2011 - 08/18 - Former Young Eagle Helps Rescue Alaskan Fishermen