ACCI11-245 — Operational Procedures-thunderbirds

ACCI11-245 governs operational procedures for the U.S. Air Force Air Demonstration Squadron (Thunderbirds), including training, flying, logistics, and outreach.

Search ACCI11-245

  • Publication number: ACCI11-245
  • Title: OPERATIONAL PROCEDURES-THUNDERBIRDS
  • Date: 2025-05-05

View ACCI11-245 on armypubs.army.mil


It covers squadron organization, officer selection, operations, scheduling, flyovers, communications, logistics, public affairs, and operational limitations. The publication requires compliance with its procedures and establishes waiver and records-management requirements.

Applies to: This instruction applies to all United States Air Force Air Demonstration Squadron (USAFADS) personnel and activities, including Air National Guard (ANG) or United States Air Force Reserve (USAFR) personnel assigned to the squadron.

Topics covered

  • Squadron organization
  • Officer designations
  • Thunderbird officer selection
  • Training
  • Flying hour program
  • Flyovers
  • Air refueling support
  • Public affairs and media flights

Questions and answers

How must records created under ACCI11-245 be handled?

Ensure all records generated as a result of processes prescribed in this publication adhere to AFI 33-322, Records Management and Information Governance Program, and are disposed IAW the Air Force Records Disposition Schedule, which is located in the Air Force Records Information Management System.

How are recommended changes to ACCI11-245 submitted?

Refer recommended changes and questions about this publication to the OPR using the DAF Form 847, Recommendation for Change of Publication; route DAF Forms 847 from the field through the appropriate functional chain of command.

How are waiver requests for ACCI11-245 submitted?

Submit requests for waivers through the chain of command to the appropriate Tier waiver approval authority.

Who approves waivers for non-tiered compliance statements?

Waiver approval for all non-tiered compliance statements is the Commander of Air Combat Command (COMACC) unless otherwise stated in the paragraph of this publication or in governing Department of the Air Force Instructions (DAFIs), Department of the Air Force Manuals (DAFMANs), or Department of Defense Instructions (DoDIs).

Does mentioning a manufacturer or commercial product imply DAF endorsement?

The use of the name or mark of any specific manufacturer, commercial product, commodity, or service in this publication does not imply endorsement by the DAF.

Ask Reggie.Bot a question about ACCI11-245