Becoming Blue Angels: How the US Navy Flight Team Works

Are you "Glad to be here"? Take a high-flying journey with the United States Navy Flight Demonstration Squadron: The Blue Angels. They're more than just numbers - they're exceptional men and women.

In this short documentary, we reveal the rigorous process behind becoming a Blue Angel F/A-18 Super Hornet Pilot. Explore the intense selection criteria, demanding training regimen, and grueling schedule that the pilots must endure. Experience the thrill of their precision formation flying, the dedication required for each unique role, and the relentless pursuit of perfection that defines their culture of excellence.

If you're fascinated by the Blue Angels and what they mean to the world of aviation, this is a must-watch. Like, comment, and subscribe to Aerospace Horizons for more insights into the remarkable world above us.

Select Airshow Segments Shot on iPhone 15 Pro Max 5x Telephoto Lens
Recorded in ProRes Log using Blackmagic Camera App for iOS - 4K / 60FPS
Captured 10/1/2023

2024 Blue Angels
#1 | CDR ALEXANDER ARMATAS
#2 | LCDR JACK KEILTY
#3 | LT WES PERKINS
#4 | LCDR AMANDA LEE
#5 | LCDR GRIFFIN STANGEL
#6 | CDR THOMAS ZIMMERMAN
#7 | LT CONNOR O'DONNELL

2023 Blue Angels
#1 | CDR ALEXANDER ARMATAS
#2 | LCDR CHRIS KAPUSCHANSKY
#3 | LT AMANDA LEE
#4 | LT SCOTT GOOSSENS
#5 | LCDR JULIUS BRATTON
#6 | LCDR GRIFFIN STANGEL
#7 | LCDR THOMAS ZIMMERMAN

00:00 - Intro to the Blue Angels
00:41 - History of the Blues
01:05 - Qualifications
01:59 - Training
02:53 - Diamond Crew Rotation
04:29 - Solos Crew Rotation
05:20 - Replacements
05:57 - The Air Show Season
06:56 - Doing it all over again

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[jbarvideo]

I was a Surface Line officer in 29 years of naval service. I was Communications Officer of the USS Saratoga (CV-60) 1974-76. Sara was home ported in Mayport, FL and CAPT Charley Hunter, CO, had a home in Norfolk. So on the weekends when we were in port, he would have "navigation training" flights. He invited me to fly with him, and when flying, he asked me if I wanted to fly the Carrier On Board (COS) prop-driven plane. Of course I took the wheel, but I didn't know when you turn the plane you lose lift, so you have to pull the wheel back when you are turning. The CO's remark before I knew this was, "Are we on a roller-coaster." Great learning experience!
I was a mustang for 6 years, was an Electronics Technician, ET-1 (Radar) until I went to Auburn Univ for my 1st Electrical Engineering Degree and then going to Officer Candidate School in Newport, RI. I watched a fascinating Blue Angels video featuring a "mustang" who enlisted in the navy planning to be a doctor, saw a Blue Angels show, became an Officer, then a Lieutenant/Naval Aviator, then Blue Angel #3 this year! Wow, inspirational! Fly Navy!!

[Vaporisers]

My grandfather was a Master Chief at NAS Pensacola. He died before I was born, but my grandmother lived in Pensacola almost her whole life. She use to take me on base and watch the Angels practice. We could also watch them from her back porch as she lived right off Blue Angel Parkway, and .8 miles away from the base. They use to have bleachers set up right by the runway when I was a kid and I have some of the best memories watching these planes with her and spending days and days in the museum they have on base. She left this earth in 2019 and is buried with my grandfather on the base.

[KKMitchell-zkcj]

This is a great documentary on a Make America Proud team of the Best of the Best!
The research and narration is fantastic!

[katyp]

Major RESPECT for these amazing pilots!✈️✈️✈️✈️✈️✈️🕊🇺🇸💜

[xradrd]

Excellently put together video and documentary the Blue Angels! Probably the best I’ve ever seen 😊👍🏻

[paulshirley]

Becoming Blue Angels: How the US Navy Flight Team WorksAre you "Glad to be here"? Take a high-flying journey with the United States Navy Flight Demonstration Squadron: The Blue Angels. They're more than just numbers - they're exceptional men and women.


Aerospa LOVE LOUIS SHIRLEY

[xnavyro]

The Best of the Best, Naval Aviation!

[adamblattel]

This is an excellent description of the teams growth schedule. Bravo.

[craigbrown]

Most outstanding...those pilots are crazy!!!

[tommyslimpickens]

I watched them from the control tower at NAS Kingsville, TX in the '80s. Aww inspiring. I'll be at NAS Ft. Worth, TX April 12 and 13, 2024.

[jimobrien]

Wow! Learned so much about the Blues! Thanks !

[Marie-td]

Amazing stuff here for sure ❤❤❤❤😊😊😊😊😊😊❤

[AG._]

Nicely done, very accurate and informative

[A_Intercessor]

I have an uncle that flew for the Blue Angels. Commander Bill Wheat. Thank you for doing this about their operations.🤗💕🇺🇸

[ericcasabar]

My daughter will be joining the 2025 maintenance and support team for Blue Angels

[Tymothic]

I realize Top Gun focuses on combat mission and Blue Angels focus on flight demonstrations. Yet what are the primary differences between the two entities? Can a TG pilot be an a member of the BA without the interview process? Are the maneuvers between the TG and BA pilots the nearly the same?

[SlashinatorZ]

Just saw them at my sister's apartment in Webster.
Helped wake me up from my Adderall hangover & give me some natural caffeine.
Also crazy how loud they are from far away but up close it's not as loud as you'd think.

[robertmonaghan]

Blue Angels Are The Best In The World!!!

[mdechgan]

Do the Thunderbirds have the same rotation?

[lanejohnson]

Can The blue angels ever able to change smoke color, ??? Like how some. — other aerobatic jet teams can !!