Thunderbirds' Base: Republic Airport's Aviation History

Republic Airport, a public airport in East Farmingdale, Suffolk County, on Long Island, New York, is a busy aviation hub. It is the third-largest airport in the state by total annual flights and is also home to the American Airpower Museum. The airport has a rich history, dating back to the late 1920s when it was developed by Sherman Fairchild as the Fairchild Flying Field. Over the years, it has been used by several notable aviation companies, including Fairchild Engine & Airplane Manufacturing Company, Grumman Aircraft Engineering, and Republic Aviation. Today, Republic Airport caters to a range of aviation needs, from flight training to aircraft maintenance, and is a popular choice for NHL teams travelling to play the New York Islanders. The airport also hosts air shows, such as the Bethpage Air Show, which featured the U.S. Air Force Thunderbirds in 2023.

Republic Airport's history

Republic Airport, formerly known as Fairchild Flying Field, is a public airport in East Farmingdale, Suffolk County, on Long Island, New York. It was developed by Sherman Fairchild in late 1927 as a replacement for his existing flying field and airplane factory complex in South Farmingdale, which was inadequate for mass production. The first flights from the new airport took place in the late spring of 1928. Fairchild moved to Hagerstown, Maryland, in 1931, and the airport was then used by Grumman Aircraft Engineering until the spring of 1937.

In January 1935, Seversky Aircraft moved to the airport from College Point in Queens, and in 1939, it became Republic Aviation. During World War II, Republic built over 9,000 P-47 Thunderbolts in Farmingdale and expanded the airport, adding hangars and a control tower and lengthening the runways. Republic also produced the F-84 Thunderjet and the F-84 Thunderstreak during the Korean War, and the F-105 Thunderchief fighter bombers during the Vietnam War.

In 1965, Republic Aviation was acquired by Fairchild-Hiller Corp, and the airport was managed by Flight Safety Inc. for the Farmingdale Corporation, which had purchased the field. In 1969, the airport was acquired by the Metropolitan Transportation Authority (MTA), which installed an instrument landing system, built the terminal building, and cooperated with the Federal Aviation Administration to build a new control tower. The MTA also acquired additional land for the airport and proposed building a major intermodal transportation facility, although this project was never realised.

In 1983, ownership of the airport was transferred to the New York State Department of Transportation (NYSDOT) to promote economic development in the region. The airport is currently managed by AvPORTS on behalf of the New York State Department of Transportation. Today, Republic Airport is the busiest public general aviation airport in New York State and the third largest airport overall by total annual flights. It offers a wide range of services, including fixed-wing and helicopter charters and aircraft maintenance options, and is home to several flight schools.

The Thunderbirds' history

The Thunderbirds, officially known as the USAF Air Demonstration Squadron, are the air demonstration squadron of the United States Air Force (USAF). They are based at Nellis Air Force Base in Nevada and were formed on 25 May 1953 as a 3600 aerobatic squadron at Luke Air Force Base in Arizona. The Thunderbirds Squadron tours the United States and the world, performing aerobatic formation and solo flying in specially marked aircraft.

The Thunderbirds Squadron is a named USAF squadron, meaning it does not carry a numerical designation. It is also one of the oldest squadrons in the Air Force, with its origins dating back to the organisation of the 30th Aero Squadron, formed at Kelly Field in Texas on 13 June 1917.

The Thunderbirds were created to demonstrate the abilities of combat pilots and aircraft. They initially used four Republic F-84G Thunderjets, with their first appearance taking place on 1 July 1953 at Nellis Air Force Base. Their first demonstration was on 8 July, and their first public display was on 23 July. The team performed 50 air demonstrations by the end of 1953.

In 1954, the Thunderbirds performed their first tour abroad, visiting countries in Central and South America, as well as the Caribbean. Their show began with the supersonic flight of the F-86 Sabre from the USAF. In Mexico City, their show was watched by 300,000 people at the airport and over 1,200,000 on the hills surrounding it.

In 1955, the Thunderbirds transitioned to the swept-wing Republic F-84F Thunderstreak aircraft and used a white smoke generator for the first time. Two solo pilots were added to the team, joining the diamond formation to create a six-plane formation. On the F-84F, the Thunderbirds performed 100 shows in 1955.

In 1956, the Thunderbirds moved to their present home base, Nellis Air Force Base, and began flying the North American F-100C Super Sabre. This made them the world's first aerobatic team to use supersonic aircraft. The highlight of their early shows was the supersonic low pass, but this was banned by the Federal Aviation Administration (FAA) after a few demonstrations.

The Thunderbirds have a rich history, including several notable accidents and incidents. They have also undergone various aircraft changes over the years, including the F-105B Thunderchief, F-100D Super Sabre, F-4E Phantom II, and the current F-16 Fighting Falcon, which they have used since 1983. The Thunderbirds have performed in numerous countries and continue to be a prominent aerobatic team, showcasing the skills and capabilities of the USAF.

The Thunderbirds' aircraft

The Thunderbirds are the USAF Air Demonstration Squadron, popularly known as the United States Air Force Thunderbirds. They are based at Nellis Air Force Base in Nevada and were formed on 25 May 1953 as a 3600 aerobatic squadron at Luke Air Force Base in Arizona. The Thunderbirds have been a component of the 57th Wing at Nellis since 15 February 1974.

The Thunderbirds Squadron tours the United States and the world, performing aerobatic formation and solo flying in specially marked aircraft. The Thunderbirds' current aircraft is the F-16 Fighting Falcon, which they have used since the 1983 season. The team performs aerial demonstrations in the F-16C Fighting Falcon, and they also fly two F-16D twin-seat trainers. The F-16 has only minor modifications compared to a standard operational F-16C, including the replacement of the 20 mm cannon and ammunition drum with a smoke-generating system, the removal of the jet fuel starter exhaust door, and the application of the Thunderbirds' glossy red, white, and blue polyurethane paint scheme.

The Thunderbirds have a long history of different aircraft, including the Republic F-84G Thunderjet (1953-1954), Republic F-84F Thunderstreak (1955-1956), North American F-100C Super Sabre (1956-1963), Republic F-105B Thunderchief (1964), North American F-100D Super Sabre (1964-1968), McDonnell F-4E Phantom II (1969-1973), Northrop T-38A Talon (1974-1982), and the General Dynamics F-16A Fighting Falcon (1983-1992).

The Thunderbirds have performed at Republic Airport in the past, including in 2007 when a C-17 cargo plane carried their cargo.

Republic Airport's facilities

Republic Airport is a public airport in East Farmingdale, Suffolk County, on Long Island, New York. It is managed by AvPORTS on behalf of the New York State Department of Transportation and is categorized as a general aviation reliever airport.

The airport covers 530 acres of land and has two runways and two helipads. It is home to the American Airpower Museum, which showcases WWII aircraft that are still in operation.

Republic Airport has three world-class facilities: Atlantic Aviation, Modern Aviation, and Republic Jet Center. These fixed-base operators serve corporate and light general aviation customers. The airport also has a two-story terminal building that serves passengers boarding charter flights to nearby cities, such as Atlantic City, New Jersey.

The airport offers a wide range of services, including fixed-wing and helicopter charters and a variety of aircraft maintenance options. It is also a popular location for flight training, with several flight schools on-site.

Republic Airport is an integral part of the New York State transportation system, offering convenient alternatives to JFK and LaGuardia airports. It is also a supporter of local commerce and businesses, generating tax revenue and other economic benefits for the region.

Republic Airport's location

Republic Airport is located in East Farmingdale, Suffolk County, on Long Island, New York, United States. It is categorised as a general aviation reliever airport and is the busiest public general aviation airport in the State of New York.

The airport covers 530 acres of land and has two runways and two helipads. It is currently managed by AvPORTS on behalf of the New York State Department of Transportation.

Republic Airport was developed by Sherman Fairchild in late 1927 and was originally known as the Fairchild Flying Field in East Farmingdale. It was determined that his existing flying field and airplane factory complex on Motor Avenue in South Farmingdale was inadequate to support the mass production of his Fairchild FC-2 and Fairchild 71 airplanes. The first flights from the new airport took place in the late spring of 1928.

The airport has changed hands several times over the years. It was owned and operated by the Fairchild Engine & Airplane Manufacturing Company until 1931, then by Grumman Aircraft Engineering until the spring of 1937. Seversky Aircraft moved to the airport in 1935 and became Republic Aviation in 1939. Republic Aviation was acquired by the Fairchild-Hiller Corp. in 1965, and the airport was run by Flight Safety Inc. for the Farmingdale Corporation from 1966 until it was acquired by the Metropolitan Transportation Authority (MTA) in 1969. In 1983, ownership was transferred to the New York State Department of Transportation.

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