Recruiting
Info
Welcome
Since 2019, the Flight Simulator Thunderbirds have been inspiring audiences around the world with their precision replication of the US Air Force Thunderbirds demonstration. To produce the professionalism and attention-to-detail that the demonstration requires, the team is composed of a diverse group of enthusiasts from around the world who are motivated and dedicated to replicating the real team in the virtual arena.
We are consistently recruiting talent from the simulator community to help us bring the demonstration to life. Six pilots fly the demo; many more personnel are required on the ground to operate cameras, narrate, and more. While each team member has a unique role to play in the team, each of them is committed to working together to bring an almost unbelievable attention to detail to the virtual demonstration.
If you are interested in becoming a Flight Simulator Thunderbird, please read the requirements and process below.
General Requirements
Be at least 18 years of age
Own a Windows computer that can run simulators at 30+ fps
Use a wired Internet connection capable of 25Mbps down/7Mbps up
Own headtracking hardware (VR, TrackIR, etc)
Own a HOTAS
Own a working headset with microphone
Speak and write English fluently
Be able to attend scheduled practices and events
Reside in USA or Canada
Required Software
Latest version of DCS World
DCS F-16C Module (or Heatblur F-4 for Vintage Team)
DCS Nevada Test and Training Range Map
Latest version of Microsoft Flight Simulator (2020)
Discord
Teamspeak 3
Practice Schedule
Tuesday at 9PM ET
Wednesday at 9PM ET
Thursday at 9PM ET
VINTAGE Practice Schedule
Tuesday at 11:30PM ET
Thursday at 11:30PM ET
Saturday at 11:30PM ET
Openings
Modern Team
Vintage Team
Process
Phase One
Introductory Flight and Interview
Once your application is submitted, the team will reach out to you to schedule a time to meet you. This is one of the most crucial steps in the recruiting process, as it allows the team to get a basic understanding of who you are and break the ice. During this time, the team will ensure you are configured to utilize the simulator for formation aerobatics.
Once complete, you will be expected to participate in an orientation flight where you will be graded on basic formation airmanship and aptitude while receiving limited instruction and feedback from the team.
Phase Two
Aptitude and Airmanship
Applicants who move on to stage two will be introduced to the basic structure in which the Flight Simulator Thunderbirds conduct a practice flight. During this time, which generally lasts roughly two weeks or longer at the team's discretion, applicants will be introduced to a portion of the team's flight training syllabus where the aptitude required to learn the presented material in a reasonable time will be screened. This is one of the most important phases as it is one of the more intimate times you will share with the team and our training regiment. We look for committed individuals who are willing to display a high level of dedication, aptitude, discipline, maturity, and enthusiasm to be successful on our team.
Phase Three
Semi-Finalist
Only a few individuals who participated in Phase I & Phase II are selected for the Semi-Finalist phase. Applicants who make it to the semi-finalist phase are provided with additional downloads, information and SOPs. This gives you a chance to participate in practices on a more intimate level & further refine both your position in the syllabus and your formation flying abilities. This is an important time as we are not looking for the best formation flyer, or the individual with the "right stuff," but for the person who shows enough aptitude while being the best for our team.