The skies roared Wednesday afternoon as the United States Air Force Thunderbirds arrived in Toledo for the Toledo Air Show set for May 10 and May 11.
The Thunderbirds are just one of several performers during the upcoming airshow at the Eugene F. Kranz Toledo Express Airport.
Major Tyler Clark, who is also known as Slasher, is the Slot Pilot for the Thunderbirds and flies in Spot #4 while also flying Jet #4.
Maj. Clark’s inspiration for joining an elite group of pilots first began years ago.
“When I was a little kid, I grew up going to air shows, and I kind of think that’s where the aviation bug got planted. I wasn’t so much watching the show as it was, it doesn’t matter what act it was—Blue Angels, Thunderbird, civilian, aerobatics—something about seeing the person get out of the plane and I was like, ‘Holy cow, I’ve got to figure out a way to do that,’” Maj. Clark said.
Clark said those who are a part of the Thunderbirds undergo a minimum of at least a decade of military service and active duty, in addition to 10 to 15 years of flying fighter jets.
As a member of the demonstration squadron, Clark said for himself, he approaches the day in a few different ways.
“From a mental perspective, all of us are really good at ‘chair flying,’ and so thinking through not only how are we supposed to do it when it’s done correctly, but also how would we attack certain problems should they present themselves throughout,” said Clark. “It’s all the physical, mental, spiritual pillars of like having just a balanced life—that’s kind of like a minimum standard as we approach the day.”
When it’s go time, focus is a priority.
“When you first walk out and you see the crowd, I tell myself number one, don’t focus on that. Let’s focus on the task at hand, and ultimately, as military aviators, I think we’ve kind of had that ingrained into us. Once we start marching down to the jets, it’s all business, but man, once we’re flying, it’s definitely very test-saturating for sure,” Clark said.
When Clark and the other Thunderbird pilots take flight Saturday and Sunday, he said he’s excited to perform in the Toledo area.
“This is for everyone in Bowling Green—I hope to see a huge turnout on Saturday and Sunday, even if you don’t think the military is cool or if you’re not sure about aviation, because I will tell you what you’re going to witness is 36 minutes of insane, raw power and just awesome display performances, not just from the Thunderbirds, but from everybody else here, and you’re gonna have a freaking good time,” Clark said.
Stay up to date on the Toledo Air Show as BG Falcon Media plans to cover the event.
To purchase tickets or learn more about the Toledo Air Show, visit their website.
