“The A-10 belongs right there with the war birds, as it is legendary itself,” Master Sgt. Mark Aube, A-10 West Heritage Flight Team maintenance superintendent
After nearly five years of inactivation, the A-10 West Heritage Flight Team (WHFT) performed at its maiden air show on March 25 and 26, 2017.
According to the article A-10 West Heritage Flight Team returns to the skies by Airman 1st Class Mya M. Crosby of the 355th Fighter Wing Public Affairs, the demo team from Davis-Monthan Air Force Base (AFB), Arizona, started its comeback at the Los Angeles County Air Show in Lancaster, California, by flying in formation with the P-38 Lightning from World War II.
“The A-10 belongs right there with the warbirds, as it is legendary itself,” said Master Sgt. Mark Aube, A-10 WHFT maintenance superintendent. “While talking with the air show guests, I found that everyone was eager to see the tank buster in action.”
The team’s complement of aircraft includes two A-10C Thunderbolt IIs, three pilots, two crew chiefs, an avionics technician, an engine technician, and an expert in aircraft electrical and environmental systems. This year, the A-10 WHFT will take the stage at 9 additional air events across the country.
“It’s great to have the A-10 back on the air show circuit as a part of the Heritage Flight,” said Maj. Daniel Levy, 357th Fighter Squadron and A-10 WHFT pilot. “The Warthog has flown close air support for American and allied forces almost every day for the past 15 years. It’s the perfect mix of old and new.”
The Heritage Flight, which was started in 1997 to commemorate the U.S. Air Force’s (USAF) 50th anniversary, offers USAF pilots and civilian operators of vintage fighters from World War II, Korea, and Vietnam the opportunity to fly in formation during the air show season.
Photo by Airman 1st Class Mya M. Crosby / U.S. Air Force