[CFIIIMEIATP737]

I agree that the Blue Angels, the Thunderbirds, the Golden Knights, etc. are effective recruiting tools. This week I watched a T-38 at our airport, and I thought that the government could save money if they replaced the Air Force Thunderbird F-16s with the T-38. Then I thought, no, the demonstration teams need to feature the best equipment we have to offer. That is another component of the demonstrations teams, is to show how good a product the United States military can produce.

Several of my students have gone into naval, marine and air force aviation, and the demonstration teams have had a significant impression on these wonderful young men at an early age.

Since the Blues and the Thunderbirds are booked years in advance, I wouldn't have a problem with fielding even more forms of demonstration teams, such as attack helicopters, etc.

[hattend]

The T-birds flew T-38s for almost a decade. They transitioned to the F-16 after a tragic accident that killed the diamond formation pilots in a training accident.

http://www.check-six.com/Crash_Sites/Thunderbirds-Diamond_Crash.htm