America's Team: Being a U.S. Air Force Thunderbird

Did you know that 132 people—the approximate staff of a mid-sized library—make up the starring (and supporting) roles in the U.S. Air Force Thunderbird team? America's Team offers a respectful look at the legendary six-pilot precision flying team (backed—if I can mix military designations—with an army of support staff from technicians to PR people) who continue to take their 45-minute awe-inspiring show around the world. In addition to tracing the history of the Thunderbirds (formed in 1953 as a recruiting tool), the documentary follows the team through an entire season, from working at home at Nellis AFB (near Las Vegas) to performing on the road across America. Although today's jets feature sophisticated instrumentation, the Thunderbird pilots also fly in more traditional ways—often eschewing meters, dials, and sonar in favor of razor sharp eyes and nimble reflexes. Viewers will see plenty of amazing footage here of the incredible synchronized aerial acrobatics of the six fighter jocks who fly the tight diamond foundation, while also being introduced to the first woman on the squad—Nicole Malachowski—who beat the odds (and takes her position as a role model seriously, personally answering all of her fan mail). Recommended. Aud: P. (C. Block)