2023 Blue Angels
Maneuvers Manual
2024 Blue Angels
Maneuvers Manual
2024 NFDS Demonstration Pilots 1-0
Practice Demonstration Guest Riders 1-0a
Aerobatic Box Dimensions 1-1
Approved Ingress/Egress Routes 1-2
Maximum Crowd Dimensions 1-3
TFR Dimensions 1-4
C-130 Low Transition Takeoff 2-1
C-130 Remote Entry 2-3
C-130 Parade Pass 2-4
C-130 Flat Pass 2-5
C-130 Head-On Pass 2-7
C-130 Remote Head-On Pass 2-8
C-130 Assault Landing 2-9
Diamond Burner Go / Burner Loop on Takeoff 2-10
Diamond Half Cuban Eight on Takeoff 2-11
Dirty Roll on Takeoff, Blue Angel 5 2-12
Low Transition / Immelmann, Blue Angel 6 2-13
Delta Head On / Opposing 360 2-14
Delta Head On Breakout Part 1 2-14a
Delta Head On Breakout Part 2 2-14b
Diamond 360 2-15
Opposing Knife Edge 2-16
Diamond Roll 2-17
Inverted to Inverted Roll 2-18
Diamond Aileron Roll 2-19
HIGH SHOW
TABLE OF CONTENTS
CONTINGENCIES
Fortus 2-20
Diamond Dirty Loop 2-21
Solo Minimum Radius Turn 2-22
Double Farvel 2-23
Opposing Minimum Radius Turn 2-24
Echelon Parade 2-25
Opposing Horizontal Rolls 2-26
Left Echelon Roll 2-27
Changeover Roll 2-27a
Sneak Pass, Blue Angel 5 2-28
Sneak to Vertical Rolls, Blue Angel 6 2-29
Line Abreast Loop 2-30
Opposing Four Point Roll 2-31
Diamond Vertical Break 2-32
Vertical Pitch 2-33
Barrel Roll Break 2-34
Tuck-Over Roll 2-35
Diamond Low Break Cross 2-36
Section High Alpha Pass 2-37
Diamond Burner 270 2-38
Delta Roll 2-39
Fleur De Lis 2-40
Loop Break/6 Plane Cross 2-41
Delta Break Out 2-42
Delta Flat Pass/Pitch-Up Break 3-10
5 Plane Contingency 3-11
Coordinated Photo Platform 3-12
Diamond Burner Go / Low Transition on Takeoff 2-10
Dirty Roll on Takeoff, Blue Angel 5 2-12
Low Transition / Immelmann, Blue Angel 6 2-13
Delta Head On/Opposing 360 2-14
Diamond 360 2-15
Opposing Knife Edge 2-16
Diamond Roll 2-17
Inverted to Inverted Roll 2-18
Diamond Aileron Roll 2-19
Fortus 2-20
Diamond Dirty Roll 3-4
Solo Minimum Radius Turn 2-22
Double Farvel 2-23
Opposing Minimum Radius Turn 2-24
Echelon Parade 2-25
Opposing Horizontal Rolls 2-26
Left Echelon Roll 2-27
Sneak Pass, Blue Angel 5 2-28
Sneak to Left Turn Out, Blue Angel 6 3-6
Line Abreast Flat Pass 3-7
Opposing Four Point Roll 2-31
LOW SHOW
Diamond Low Break Cross 2-36
Tuck-Over Roll 2-35
Burner 270 2-38
Section High Alpha Pass 2-37
Delta Roll 2-39
Delta Flat Pass 3-9
Maneuvering Delta 3-8
Delta Break Out 2-42
Delta Flat Pass/Pitch-Up Break 3-10
Diamond Burner Go / Low Transition on Takeoff 2-10
Dirty Roll on Takeoff, Blue Angel 5 2-12
Low Transition/Roll to Inverted, Blue Angel 6 3-1
Delta Head On/Opposing 360 2-14
Diamond 360 2-15
Opposing Knife Edge 2-16
Diamond Flat Pass 3-2
Inverted to Inverted Roll 2-18
Diamond Aileron Roll 2-19
Fortus 2-20
Dirty / Clean Flat Pass 3-5
Solo Minimum Radius Turn 2-22
Double Farvel 2-23
Opposing Minimum Radius Turn 2-24
Echelon Parade 2-25
FLAT SHOW
Opposing Horizontal Rolls 2-26
Left Echelon Flat Pass 3-3
Sneak Pass, Blue Angel 5 2-28
Sneak to Left Turn Out, Blue Angel 6 3-6
Line Abreast Flat Pass 3-7
Opposing Four Point Roll 2-31
Diamond Low Break Cross 2-36
Tuck-Over Roll 2-35
Burner 270 2-38
Section High Alpha Pass 2-37
Maneuvering Delta 3-8
Delta Flat Pass 3-9
Delta Break Out 2-42
Delta Flat Pass/Pitch-Up Break 3-10
2024 NFDS DEMONSTRATION PILOTS
1-0
PRACTICE DEMONSTRATION GUEST RIDERS
1-0a
The mission of the Blue Angels is to showcase the teamwork and professionalism of the United States Navy and Marine
Corps through flight demonstrations and community outreach while inspiring a culture of excellence and service to
country.
In part to accomplish this mission, the Blue Angels will fly guest riders in practice flight demonstrations as non-aircrew
essential personnel, in accordance with Chief of Naval Air Training Instruction (CNATRAINST) 5357.1.
Guest riders in practice flight demonstrations will fall under the CNATRAINST 5357.1 “Military Orientation Flight” category
as either Blue Angels squadron personnel or military personnel that are guests of current Blue Angels team members. All
Military Orientation Flight riders will be medically screened for flight, receive thorough pre-flight training from a qualified
Blue Angels Crew Chief, be briefed on all required risk mitigation procedures and contingency scenarios, and will attend
the Blue Angels flight brief. Military Orientation Flight riders are approved by the Blue Angels Commanding Officer or
CNATRA, as required.
1200’
NOTE: This is the absolute minimum aerobatic airspace in which
maneuvers are to be performed. The surface under this airspace
must be sterile (no persons except mission essential).
A show site is considered unacceptable if this size aerobatic box cannot
be produced or maintained.
1-1
1500’
1NM
1500’
MINIMUM BLUE ANGELS
AEROBATIC BOX
3NM 2NM 1NM
1NM
2NM 3NM
CROWD LINE
AEROBATIC BOX DIMENSIONS
CENTER POINT
MINIMUM WEATHER
REQUIREMENTS:
HIGH
10,000’ CEILING
3NM VISIBILITY
LOW SHOW
4,500’ CEILING
3NM VISIBILITY
FLAT SHOW / C-130
1,000’ CEILING
3NM VISIBILITY
TRANSITION
AREA
TRANSITION
AREA
NOTE: On opposing solo passes, #5 and #6
will begin descent from 500’ AGL to 200’
AGL inside the Transition Area regardless
of occupied buildings.
Up to ¾ nm CR
aerobatic box
extension is possible
1-2
3 NM
NOTE: All aircraft will be down and set by 2
miles to set up cross. All altitudes listed are
minimum altitudes. Maneuvers are
routinely flown higher during the first half
of the air show season.
3NM 2NM 1NM 1NM 2NM 3NM
SPECTATOR AREA
HEAD ON
2 NM
1 NM
200 - 500’
200’
1 NM
(BEHIND THE CROWD)
2 NM
3 NM
SHOW LINE
SHOW LINE
APPROVED INGRESS / EGRESS ROUTES
150’
150’
(CROWD LEFT)
#1 ON 6 PLANE CROSS
150’
(CROWD RIGHT)
#4 ON 6 PLANE CROSS
150’
(CROWD RIGHT BEHIND)
#5 ON 6 PLANE CROSS
300’
(CROWD RIGHT IN FRONT)
#6 ON 6 PLANE CROSS
450’
(CROWD LEFT IN FRONT)
#2 ON 6 PLANE CROSS
300’
3NM
2NM
1NM
3NM
2NM
1NM
3NM
2NM
1NM
3NM
2NM
1NM
(CROWD LEFT BEHIND)
#3 ON 6 PLANE CROSS
450’
#6 ON MRT rendezvous
30 DEGREES
30 DEGREES
30 DEGREES
30 DEGREES
This area highlights the lowest
point for the ‘IN” of the Diamond
and Delta roll maneuvers
This area highlights the lowest
point for the ‘OUT” of the Diamond
and Delta roll maneuvers
1-3
NOTE: The maximum lateral distance a crowd can
be extended is 1500’ either side of CP if the
distance from the crowd to the show line is 1200’,
and 2000’ if the distance from the crow to the show
line is 1500’. This provides a minimum of 500’
lateral distance from the crowd on all ingress and
egress routes.
SHOW LINE
SHOW LINE
MAXIMUM CROWD DIMENSIONS
1200’
1500’
1500’
CROWDCROWD
2000’
500’
500’
CP
2000’
1500’
1-4
NOTE: A 5NM TFR is required for all flight
demonstrations. A 7NM TFR is required for all
demonstrations where the density altitude is
expected to be greater than 4,000FT at the time of
the demonstration.
TFR Dimensions
CP
5NM
7NM
MANEUVERS
C-130 LOW TRANSITION TAKEOFF
MANEUVER: On takeoff the aircraft will execute a low-transition. At
150 KIAS, the aircraft will rotate to 45 degrees nose high. The
aircraft will level off at 1000-1500’ AGL.
2-1
SPECTATOR AREA
Minimum Altitude: 0’ AGL
Maximum Altitude: 1000-1500’ AGL
Entry Airspeed: 0 Knots
Exit Airspeed: 110 KIAS
2-3
C-130 REMOTE ENTRY
MANEUVER: Ingressing from behind the crowd at 500’ AGL, a turn will be
commenced at CP to establish a 500’ AGL downwind position. The
aircraft will then commence a descending turn back to the show line.
Abeam CP on the 500’ line at 100’ AGL, the aircraft will commence a 45
degrees nose-up climb to level off at 1000-1800’ AGL.
SPECTATOR AREA
Minimum Altitude: 100’ AGL
Maximum Altitude: 1000-1800’ AGL
Entry Airspeed: 240 KIAS
Exit Airspeed: 110 KIAS
2-4
PARADE PASS
MANEUVER: The aircraft will complete the teardrop turn towards CP using the
40 degree ingress line. Once established on the 40 degree ingress line, a
descent from 500’ AGL to 200’ AGL will be made. Abeam the crowd line, a roll
into a 60 AOB turn towards will be performed. The turn will be continued to
depart on the 40 degree egress line. Abeam the crowd line on the 40 degree
egress line, wings will be leveled and a 10 degree nose-up climb will be
initiated to 1000’ AGL.
2NM1NM
SPECTATOR AREA
Minimum Altitude: 200’ AGL
Maximum Altitude: 1000’ AGL
Entry Airspeed: 260 KIAS
Exit Airspeed: 260 KIAS
2-5
C-130 FLAT PASS
MANEUVER: The aircraft will make a teardrop turn back toward the show line
to position itself on the 500’ line. Abeam CP at 40’ AGL, a climbing turn will
be commenced away from the crowd to set up for the head on pass.
2NM 1NM
SPECTATOR AREA
Minimum Altitude: 40’ AGL
Maximum Altitude: 1000’ AGL
Entry Airspeed: 210 KIAS
Exit Airspeed: 260 KIAS
2-7
C-130 HEAD ON PASS
MANEUVER: The aircraft will rollout in a head-on profile towards CP
at 200-500’ AGL. The aircraft will enter the aerobatic box at 200’
AGL. At ½ nm prior to CP, a 15 degree climb will be commenced
followed by a turn to level at 1150’ AGL on downwind to set up for
the assault landing. Cross the crowd No Lower Than 500’ AGL.
SPECTATOR AREA
Minimum Altitude: 200’ AGL
Maximum Altitude: 1150’ AGL
Entry Airspeed: 210 KIAS
Exit Airspeed: 260 KIAS
2-8
C-130 REMOTE HEAD ON PASS
MANEUVER: The aircraft will commence a turn to remain within 3nm of
CP and roll out in a head-on profile towards CP at 200’ AGL. The aircraft
will enter the aerobatic box at 200’ AGL. At ½ nm from CP, a 15 degree
climb will be commenced to exit behind the crowd. Cross the crowd No
Lower Than 500’ AGL.
SPECTATOR AREA
Minimum Altitude: 200’ AGL
Maximum Altitude: 1150’ AGL
Entry Airspeed: 210 KIAS
Exit Airspeed: 260 KIAS
2-9
C-130 ASSAULT LANDING
MANEUVER: Behind the crowd, the landing gear/flaps will be lowered and a turn
back towards the show line will be commenced, rolling out on runway centerline at
1000-1200’ AGL. As the intended point of landing is approached, a 20-25 degree
nose-down approach will be commenced. After landing, the aircraft will back up,
face the crowd line, and exit the runway.
SPECTATOR AREA
Minimum Altitude: 0’ AGL
Maximum Altitude: 1200’ AGL
Entry Airspeed: 135 KIAS
Exit Airspeed: 0 KIAS
2-10
DIAMOND BURNER GO / BURNER LOOP ON TAKEOFF
MANEUVER: The Diamond Burner Go is a formation takeoff in
fingertip. Immediately after takeoff, the four aircraft will transition to
the diamond while accelerating in a low transition on show line. The
Loop commences from the low transition, and the show line clear is
a turn behind the crowd.
10,000’
SPECTATOR AREA
NOTE: Aircraft are non-aerobatic below 4,000’ when outside of
designated aerobatic box.
AEROBATIC ALTITUDE 4000’
Note: Once requisite proficiency is gained in both the Diamond
Burner Loop and Diamond Half Cuban Eight, these two maneuvers
may be linked together for one continuous takeoff maneuver, with the
Diamond Half Cuban Eight being first. The F/A-18 portion of all
remote shows will begin with the Delta Head-On maneuver.
Note: For show sites using the 500’ line as the centerline of the
primary runway, the diamond will execute a standard non-aerobatic
takeoff to establish the diamond formation prior to executing the
above takeoff maneuver.
Minimum Altitude: 0’
Maximum Altitude: 9400’
Entry Airspeed: 0 Knots
Exit Airspeed: 380 Knots
DIAMOND HALF CUBAN EIGHT BREAK OUT
10,000’
SPECTATOR AREA
DIAMOND ½ CUBAN 8 BREAK OUT: If the clouds are biased to crowd
left to the point that a ½ Cuban 8 can be accomplished but the
backside loop cannot, then a ½ Cuban 8 Break Out can be done. As
the formation passes through the horizon at approximately 500' AGL,
they will split in three separate directions. 1 and 4 will exit out the
show line while 2 and 3 egress 90 degrees in front of and behind the
crowd respectively. The rendezvous will be conducted crowd left..
#3
#2
#4
#1
2-12
Note: For show sites using the 500’ line as the centerline of the
primary runway, it should be approved for the diamond to execute a
standard non-aerobatic takeoff to establish the diamond formation
prior to executing the above takeoff maneuver.
Minimum Altitude: 0’
Maximum Altitude: 9500’
Entry Airspeed: 0 Knots
Exit Airspeed: 380 Knots
DIRTY ROLL ON TAKEOFF
BLUE ANGEL 5
CP
MANEUVER: A left or right 360 degree roll away from the crowd
with the landing gear extended. If this maneuver cannot be
performed in the aerobatic box between 1200’-1500’, it must be
executed in the aerobatic box beyond the crowd line. It can be
flown from either direction based on CP and prevailing wind. The
show line clear is a climbing turn behind or in front of the crowd.
2-12
DIRTY ROLL
NOTE: When weather conditions are of
concern, the lead solo will perform this
maneuver prior to the diamond takeoff
and complete an area weather
observation.
.
.
.
.
.
.
SPECTATOR AREA
Minimum Altitude: 0’
Maximum Altitude: 700’
Entry Airspeed: 0 Knots
Exit Airspeed: 200 Knots
LOW TRANSITION / IMMELMANN ON TAKEOFF
BLUE ANGEL 6
CP
MANEUVER: #6 will execute a low transition and at 330 KCAS will
execute a vertical pull to complete an Immelmann maneuver. They
will then track down show line from left to right and complete a
270 degree roll to clear behind the crowd at an altitude of > 2,000’.
2-13
LOW TRANSITION
EASE AOA TO
INVERTED LEVEL OFF
2,800 – 4,500 FT
270 ROLL
NOTE: Weather may preclude the
Immelmann, and #6 will execute the roll
to inverted. See Flat Show Takeoff.
SPECTATOR AREA
CLEAR BEHIND THE CROWD
Minimum Altitude: 0’
Maximum Altitude: 4500’
Entry Airspeed: 0 Knots
Exit Airspeed: 275 Knots
DELTA HEAD ON / OPPOSING 360
CP
SPECTATOR
AREA
MANEUVER: The Delta will roll out in a head on set up and
commence a climb. The solos are detached from the formation
1500’ prior to CP. All aircraft are non-aerobatic and above 500’
when crossing the spectator area. The Diamond continues the
climb and exits the show line in a right turn. The solos then turn
away from each other to cross back at CP.
NOTE: This maneuver is done at remote / over
water show sites and in Low / Flat Shows
where Diamond Burner Loop on takeoff and
Low Transition / Split S on takeoff are not
conducted.
2-14
Minimum Altitude: 500’/200’
Maximum Altitude: 5500’
Entry Airspeed: 360 Knots
Exit Airspeed: 360 Knots
DIAMOND 360
MANEUVER: In Diamond formation the Diamond executes a
non-aerobatic right to left circular pass at less than 60 degree
AOB crossing over CP at a minimum ALT of 200’.
2-15
CP
1000FT
SPECTATOR AREA
Minimum Altitude: 200’
Maximum Altitude: 800’
Entry Airspeed: 310 Knots
Exit Airspeed: 290 Knots
OPPOSING KNIFE EDGE
CP
MANEUVER: At CP each pilot will roll his aircraft into a 90 degree
angle of bank prior to the cross. After the cross, both aircraft will
roll upright and clear in front of the crowd.
2-16
100FT100FT
# 5 # 6
SPECTATOR AREA
Minimum Altitude: 100’
Maximum Altitude: 1500’
Entry Airspeed: 400 Knots
Exit Airspeed: 400 Knots
DIAMOND ROLL
MANEUVER: Approaching CP in Diamond, all four aircraft roll 360
degrees in formation, starting the roll at 1500’ and topping at
approximately 2600’. Minimum altitude on the ingress and egress
roll line is 200’.
2-17
CP
200FT
2MI
200FT
1500FT
SPECTATOR AREA
Minimum Altitude: 200’
Maximum Altitude: 2600’
Entry Airspeed: 365 Knots
Exit Airspeed: 365 Knots
INVERTED TO INVERTED ROLL
CP
MANEUVER: Each pilot will roll his aircraft inverted at the edge of
the aerobatic box. Crossing CP, each pilot will execute a 360
degree roll back to inverted and continue away from center point
with a very slight climb. Once .5NM from center point is reached,
both aircraft will clear behind the crowd.
2-18
ROLL 360 DEGREES
# 5# 6
SPECTATOR AREA
Minimum Altitude: 100’
Maximum Altitude: 1500’
Entry Airspeed: 400 Knots
Exit Airspeed: 400 Knots
DIAMOND AILERON ROLL
MANEUVER: All four aircraft perform simultaneous 360 degree
rolls within the aerobatic box.
2-19
CP
200FT200FT
SPECTATOR AREA
Minimum Altitude: 200’
Maximum Altitude: 400’
Entry Airspeed: 400 Knots
Exit Airspeed: 400 Knots
FORTUS
MANEUVER: Both aircraft will approach from crowd right in the
dirty configuration. #5 will roll inverted at the edge of the
aerobatic box at a minimum of 200’. #6 will move to an abeam
position upright, creating a mirror image effect. At CP both aircraft
will climb. At 3/4nm, #5 will roll upright and both aircraft will clear
crowd left behind the crowd.
2-20
200FT
LOWER LANDING GEAR
# 5 ROLLS UPRIGHT # 5 ROLLS INVERTED
NOTE: In a single solo situation, #5 or #6 will perform an inverted
dirty flat pass, rolling in at 1NM and rolling upright at 3/4nm.
.
.
.
.
SPECTATOR AREA
Minimum Altitude: 200’
Maximum Altitude: 1000’
Entry Airspeed: 275 Knots
Exit Airspeed: 275 Knots
DIAMOND DIRTY LOOP
MANEUVER: In the Diamond formation all four aircraft will
complete a loop over CP on the show line with the landing gear
and hooks extended.
2-21
CP
500FT
200FT
1000FT
SPECTATOR AREA
Minimum Altitude: 200’
Maximum Altitude: 6900’
Entry Airspeed: 180 Knots
Exit Airspeed: 220 Knots
SOLO MINIMUM RADIUS TURN
CP
MANEUVER: This maneuver is a non-aerobatic level horizontal 390
degree turn at 150’ AGL, away from the crowd. At the completion
of the 360 degree turn, #5 will exit the flight line vertically outboard
of the show line and level off above 1000’ AGL. #6 will rendezvous
from behind the crowd’.
2-22
200FT
LEVEL 360 DEGREE
TURN
SPECTATOR AREA
Minimum Altitude: 150’
Maximum Altitude: 1000’
Entry Airspeed: 350 Knots
Exit Airspeed: 200 Knots
SOLO MINIMUM RADIUS TURN
CP
MANEUVER: This maneuver is a non-aerobatic level horizontal 360
degree turn at 200’ AGL, away from the crowd. At the completion
of the 360 degree turn, #6 will rendezvous over the top of #5 at
500’ AGL.
2-22
LEVEL 360 DEGREE TURN
SPECTATOR AREA
Minimum Altitude: 200’
Maximum Altitude: 500’
Entry Airspeed: 350 Knots
Exit Airspeed: 200 Knots
DOUBLE FARVEL
MANEUVER: #1 & #4 roll inverted simultaneously at the edge of
the aerobatic box while #2 & #3 remain upright. Maintaining a
diamond formation they commence a flat pass at 200’. No later
than 1NM past CP #1 & #4 sequentially roll upright in a climb.
2-23
CP
#1 & #4 ROLL UPRIGHT
#1 & #4 ROLL-IN
SPECTATOR AREA
Minimum Altitude: 200’
Maximum Altitude: 400’
Entry Airspeed: 385 Knots
Exit Airspeed: 385 Knots
2-24
OPPOSING MINIMUM RADIUS TURN
MANEUVER: From behind the crowd, #5 & #6 will approach in an
abeam formation at 400 KCAS and 500’ AGL crossing over the
spectator area. They will extend to approximately 1500’ past the
show line with #5 moving 50'-75' aft of #6. Each aircraft will roll 270
degrees away from each other and commence a cross. They will
cross again over CP at a minimum of 200’ AGL. Both A/C will roll out
in front of the show line, pull 40 degrees nose up and execute 3 1/2
rolls.
SPECTATOR AREA
NOTE: Low show clear is 20 degrees
nose up and 2 1/2 rolls. Flat show clear
is 10 degrees nose up and 1 1/2 rolls.
Minimum Altitude: 500’/200’
Maximum Altitude: 1500’
Entry Airspeed: 400 Knots
Exit Airspeed: 400 Knots
ECHELON PARADE
MANEUVER: In right Echelon the Diamond executes a right to left
non-aerobatic circular pass at approximately 60 degree AOB
crossing over CP at a minimum altitude of 200’.
2-25
CP
1000FT
SPECTATOR AREA
Minimum Altitude: 200’
Maximum Altitude: 800’
Entry Airspeed: 310 Knots
Exit Airspeed: 290 Knots
OPPOSING HORIZONTAL ROLLS
MANEUVER: Approaching CP, each pilot will commence a 3-4 degree
climb and then roll his aircraft 720 degrees. After rolling wings level, both
pilots will pull 90
0
nose up, then roll 90
0
and pull to level flight. Once
upright the pilots clear heading behind the crowd.
2-26
#
5
SPECTATOR AREA
Minimum Altitude: 100’
Maximum Altitude: 7500’
Entry Airspeed: 400 Knots
Exit Airspeed: 200 Knots
LEFT ECHELON ROLL
MANEUVER: Ingressing from crowd left in front of the crowd, the
Diamond transitions to left echelon. Approaching CP they
commence a climb and then roll the formation 360 degrees to the
left and egress to the right as they transition back to Diamond.
2-27
SPECTATOR AREA
CP
300FT
TRANSITION TO LEFT ECHELON
1500FT
5300FT
500FT
TRANSITION BACK
TO DIAMOND
500FT
Minimum Altitude: 300’
Maximum Altitude: 5300’
Entry Airspeed: 365 Knots
Exit Airspeed: 350 Knots
CHANGEOVER ROLL
MANEUVER: Ingressing from crowd left in front of the crowd, the
Diamond transitions to left echelon. Approaching CP they
commence a climb and then roll the formation 360 degrees to the
left, shifting to Diamond 90 degrees through the roll and egress
behind the crowd, crowd right.
2-27a
SPECTATOR AREA
CP
300FT
TRANSITION TO LEFT ECHELON
1500FT
5300FT
500FT
TRANSITION BACK
TO DIAMOND
500FT
Minimum Altitude: 300’
Maximum Altitude: 5300’
Entry Airspeed: 365 Knots
Exit Airspeed: 350 Knots
SNEAK PASS, BLUE ANGEL 5
CP
MANEUVER: A flat pass on the 500’ show line at 50’ AGL . Once
past the spectator area, a clear to crowd right behind the crowd is
executed.
2-28
50FT
# 5
SPECTATOR AREA
Minimum Altitude: 50’
Maximum Altitude: 500’
Entry Airspeed: 600 Knots
Exit Airspeed: 600 Knots
SNEAK TO VERTICAL ROLLS, BLUE ANGELS 6
CP
MANEUVER: From behind the spectator area, Blue Angel #6
approaches CP straight and level at 500’ AGL. Passing CP,
#6 pulls to 85 degrees nose high and executes a series of
vertical rolls with a clear behind the crowd.
2-29
500FT MIN.
SPECTATOR AREA
Minimum Altitude: 500’
Maximum Altitude: 15000’
Entry Airspeed: 600 Knots
Exit Airspeed: 200 Knots
LINE ABREAST LOOP
MANEUVER: At approximately 3-1/2NM, aircraft #1,2,3,4 and 5
transition to a Line Abreast formation. Approaching CP, they
complete a loop. Egressing crowd left, aircraft #1-4 shift back to
Diamond and detach #5.
2-30
CP
200FT
500FT
SPECTATOR AREA
Minimum Altitude: 200’
Maximum Altitude: 8400’
Entry Airspeed: 420 Knots
Exit Airspeed: 350 Knots
OPPOSING FOUR POINT ROLL
CP
MANEUVER: Approaching CP at 200’ AGL, each aircraft executes a
left four point roll crossing over CP in the inverted position. High
show clears will be executed in front of the crowd. Low and flat
show clears will be executed behind the crowd.
2-31
200FT200FT# 5 # 6
SPECTATOR AREA
Minimum Altitude: 200’
Maximum Altitude: 1500’
Entry Airspeed: 400 Knots
Exit Airspeed: 300 Knots
2-32
DIAMOND VERTICAL BREAK
MANEUVER: Approaching from directly behind the crowd in a trail
formation, the four diamond aircraft will commence a climb
approaching CP. At 30 degrees nose up they will transition back to
the diamond formation. Reaching 60 degrees nose up, they will split
in four separate directions. At this point the maneuver is complete
and they will rendezvous crowd left in front of the crowd.
SPECTATOR AREA
Minimum Altitude: 500’
Maximum Altitude: 9000’
Entry Airspeed: 400 Knots
Exit Airspeed: 300 Knots
2-33
VERTICAL PITCH
MANEUVER: Approaching CP at a minimum of 50’, each aircraft pulls
65-70 degrees nose up and then rolls to inverted. Both aircraft complete a
split “S” and cross over CP. At CP each pilot performs a right 360 degree
roll, then clears behind the crowd.
SPECTATOR AREA
Minimum Altitude: 50’/100’
Maximum Altitude: 9000’
Entry Airspeed: 420 Knots
Exit Airspeed: 480 Knots
2-34
BARREL ROLL BREAK
MANEUVER: Ingressing from in front of the crowd 2000’ crowd right, the
diamond formation will commence a vertical climb. Approaching 1.7 NM
from CP, they will roll the formation 90 degrees to the left and complete
the back side of the looping maneuver. As the formation passes through
the horizon at approximately 500' AGL, they will split in three separate
directions. 1 and 4 will exit out the show line while 2 and 3 egress 90
degrees in front of and behind the crowd respectively. The rendezvous
will be conducted behind the crowd.
CP
#3
#2
#4
#1
SPECTATOR AREA
Minimum Altitude: 300’
Maximum Altitude: 8800’
Entry Airspeed: 400 Knots
Exit Airspeed: 380 Knots
TUCK-OVER ROLL
2-35
MANEUVER (UPRIGHT TOR): At CP, both aircraft will perform
simultaneous left 450 degree rolls, then proceed to join the Diamond for
Delta maneuvers.
CP
ROLL 450 DEGREES IN SECTION
1 NM 2 NM
SPECTATOR AREA
MANEUVER (INVERTED TOR): At the edge of the aerobatic box, both
aircraft will perform a left roll to inverted. At CP, both aircraft will perform
simultaneous left 420 degree rolls, then proceed to join the Diamond for
Delta maneuvers.
Minimum Altitude: 200’
Maximum Altitude: 1500’
Entry Airspeed: 400 Knots
Exit Airspeed: 400 Knots
DIAMOND LOW BREAK CROSS
MANEUVER: Approaching from directly behind the crowd in
diamond formation at 500’ AGL, all four aircraft will separate in 4
different directions. All four aircraft will fly the outbound leg at 700’
AGL, then execute a reversal turn to the show line and
simultaneously cross over CP. The rendezvous is executed behind
the crowd.
INBOUND ALTITUDES:
# 1, #4 AT 150' AGL
# 2 AT 300' AGL
# 3 AT 450' AGL
2-36
SPECTATOR AREA
Minimum Altitude: 500’
Maximum Altitude: 700’
Entry Airspeed: 360 Knots
Exit Airspeed: 330 Knots
2-37
SECTION HIGH ALPHA PASS
MANEUVER: Both aircraft slow to approximately 120 KCAS abeam each
other. At approximately the center point position, both aircraft will clear
simultaneously. #6 will clear with a slow pitch up to 60 deg then a left roll
to inverted, followed by a right 90 deg roll then clear behind the crowd
above 1000’ AGL. #5 will clear straight ahead and level. This maneuver
can be flown from either direction, depending on prevailing wind.
SPECTATOR AREA
60-DEGREES
NOSE UP
#
6
#
5
#
5
#
5
#
6
#
6
Minimum Altitude: 500’
Maximum Altitude: 1500’
Entry Airspeed: 120 Knots
Exit Airspeed: 250 Knots
BURNER 270
MANEUVER: Ingressing from crowd left in front of the crowd,
the formation approaches in Diamond. Approaching CP at
minimum altitude of 200’ AGL they commence a slightly
climbing left turn, selecting afterburner as they execute a 270
0
turn in front of the crowd and egress to crowd left behind the
crowd.
2-38
CP
SPECTATOR AREA
Minimum Altitude: 200’
Maximum Altitude: 500’
Entry Airspeed: 220 Knots
Exit Airspeed: 400 Knots
DELTA ROLL
2-39
MANEUVER: From crowd right behind the crowd, all six aircraft will
commence a climb approaching CP and roll 360 degrees in formation
at approximately 4000’ AGL. The egress will be crowd left in front of
the crowd.
CP
200FT
200FT
2000FT
360 DEGREE ROLL AT APPROX. 4000FT
SPECTATOR AREA
Minimum Altitude: 200’
Maximum Altitude: 4300’
Entry Airspeed: 365 Knots
Exit Airspeed: 365 Knots
FLEUR DE LIS
MANEUVER: Approaching the show line in a Double “V”
formation, the six aircraft will commence a climb. At
approximately 2000’ prior to CP, all six aircraft will split
simultaneously. The two solos will execute 1-1/2 rolls and exit
crowd right initially, then turn behind the crowd. The four
Diamond aircraft will rendezvous during their looping maneuver
over CP and egress in Diamond crowd right to crowd right in front
of the crowd.
2-40
CP
500FT
10000FT
300FT
1500FT
SPECTATOR AREA
Minimum Altitude: 200’
Maximum Altitude: 10000’
Entry Airspeed: 420 Knots
Exit Airspeed: 350 Knots
LOOP BREAK
2-41
CP CP
MANEUVER: From crowd right on the show line, all six aircraft will
commence a loop in formation approaching CP. At the vertical
down above CP, the six aircraft will slowly separate and exit in six
different directions leveling at 1000’ AGL, heading outbound on
ingress / egress lines. At 3NM each pilot will perform a 1/2 Cuban
Eight Reversal turn towards CP, descend to his respective altitude
and cross CP.
8400FT
6 PLANE CROSS
7200FT
7200FT
7200FT
7200FT
7200FT
7200FT
NOTE: All outbound aircraft are at 1000’ AGL to 3NM. Inbound
altitudes are routinely flown higher during the first half of the
season.
MIN INBOUND ALTITUDES:
#1, #4: 150’ AGL
#2, #5: 300’ AGL
#3, #6: 450’ AGL
SPECTATOR AREA SPECTATOR AREA
Minimum Altitude: 200’
Maximum Altitude: 8400’
Entry Airspeed: 420 Knots
Exit Airspeed: 400 Knots
DELTA BREAK OUT / HEAD-ON
SPECTATOR
AREA
MANEUVER: The Delta will roll out in a head on set up and commence a climb. One nautical mile in front of the crowd, Boss in the #1
jet will call “Ready, Break!” and the Delta will split. The Lead (#1) will pull up into a steady 2G climb straight ahead. The solos (#5 &
#6) will pull outboard in a steady, 2G, 60 degree Angle-of-Bank, and offset by 90 degrees. The wingmen (#2 & #3) will pull outboard in
a steady 2G, 45 degree Angle-of-Bank, and offset by 45 degrees. The lead and slot (#1 & #4) will continue straight ahead and exit
behind the crowd. The solos and wingmen will rendezvous with the lead and slot behind the crowd. If weather precludes the break
out, the maneuver becomes a Head-On Pass. Boss will keep the Delta Formation and climb to a minimum of 500’ AGL prior to
crossing show line.
2-42
6
2
5
3
1 & 4
CP
Minimum Altitude: 300’
Maximum Altitude: 2900’
Entry Airspeed: 330 Knots
Exit Airspeed: 300 Knots
LOW TRANSITION / ROLL TO INVERTED
BLUE ANGEL 6
CP
MANEUVER: #6 will execute a low transition and at 300KTS he will
pull to 5-7 degrees nose up. At 100-200’ AGL, he will roll the
aircraft 180 degrees to the inverted position. At 350KTS he will roll
the aircraft 270 degrees and clear in front of or behind the crowd.
3-1
LOW TRANSITION
ROLL TO INVERTED
270
0
ROLL
CLEAR IN
FRONT OR
BEHIND
CROWD
SPECTATOR AREA
Minimum Altitude: 0’
Maximum Altitude: 1000’
Entry Airspeed: 0 Knots
Exit Airspeed: 350 Knots
DIAMOND FLAT PASS
CP
MANEUVER: The Diamond will perform a flat pass at 200’ AGL on
the 500’ show line from crowd right to crowd left.
3-2
SPECTATOR AREA
Minimum Altitude: 200’
Maximum Altitude: 200’
Entry Airspeed: 335 Knots
Exit Airspeed: 335 Knots
LEFT ECHELON FLAT PASS
MANEUVER: Ingressing from in front of the crowd crowd left, the
Diamond transitions to a left echelon formation on the turn in and
conducts a flat pass at 300’ – 500’ AGL on the crowd left in front of
the crowd line. The formation transitions back to diamond
approximately 1 nautical mile in front of the crowd, crossing
center point at or above 500’ AGL and egresses climbing on the
crowd right behind the crowd line in diamond formation.
3-3
CP
TRANSITION TO DIAMOND
TRANSITION TO
LEFT ECHELON
SPECTATOR AREA
Minimum Altitude: 300’
Maximum Altitude: 500’
Entry Airspeed: 335 Knots
Exit Airspeed: 335 Knots
DIAMOND DIRTY ROLL
MANEUVER: Approaching CP in Diamond with Landing Gear
extended, all four aircraft roll 360 degrees in formation, starting the
roll at 1200’ to apex at approximately 2000’. Minimum altitude on the
ingress and egress roll line is 200’.
3-4
CP
2000FT
1.5MI
3000FT
200FT
200FT
SPECTATOR AREA
Minimum Altitude: 200’
Maximum Altitude: 3000’
Entry Airspeed: 275 Knots
Exit Airspeed: 275 Knots
DIRTY CLEAN FLAT PASS
MANEUVER: In the Diamond formation all four aircraft will execute
a flat pass down show line with the landing gear and hooks
extended. Meanwhile, #6 will overtake the diamond while the
diamond is approaching center point. #6 will then climb to 1000’
AGL and execute a right hand turn to clear behind the crowd.
3-5
CP
1000FT
200FT
200FT
500FT
SPECTATOR AREA
# 6
Minimum Altitude: 200’
Maximum Altitude: 200’
Entry Airspeed: 240/500 Knots
Exit Airspeed: 240/500 Knots
SNEAK TO LEFT TURN OUT, BLUE ANGEL 6
CP
MANEUVER: A flat from behind the crowd to in front of the crowd
500’ AGL . Once past the spectator area, a clear to crowd left in
front of the crowd is executed.
3-6
500 FT# 6
SPECTATOR AREA
Minimum Altitude: 500’
Maximum Altitude: 1500’
Entry Airspeed: 600 Knots
Exit Airspeed: 400 Knots
LINE ABREAST FLAT PASS
MANEUVER: At approximately 3 NM, aircraft #1,2,3,4 and 5
transition to a Line Abreast formation leveling off at 200’ AGL on
the 500’ Show Line. Egressing crowd left, aircraft #1-4 shift back
to Diamond and detach #5.
3-7
CP
200FT
SPECTATOR AREA
Minimum Altitude: 200’
Maximum Altitude: 500’
Entry Airspeed: 335 Knots
Exit Airspeed: 335 Knots
MANEUVERING DELTA
MANEUVER: In Delta formation, all six aircraft will approach from crowd
left in front of the crowd. Approaching CP, the formation will commence
a left turn to exit the flight line heading crowd right in front of the crowd
to set up the Delta Flat Pass. This maneuver can be flown in mirror
image from crowd right.
3-8
CP
300- 500FT
300- 500FT
SPECTATOR AREA
Minimum Altitude: 200’
Maximum Altitude: 400’
Entry Airspeed: 335 Knots
Exit Airspeed: 335 Knots
DELTA FLAT PASS
MANEUVER: Ingressing straight and level at 200’ AGL from crowd
right or crowd left, all six aircraft will perform a flat pass on the
500’ show line and exit in front of the crowd to set up for the Delta
Break Out / Head On.
3-9
CP
SPECTATOR AREA
Minimum Altitude: 200’
Maximum Altitude: 200’
Entry Airspeed: 335 Knots
Exit Airspeed: 335 Knots
DELTA PITCH UP BREAK
MANEUVER: Ingressing at 200’ on the 500’ line from crowd left or
right. Each aircraft pitches out of the formation with
approximately 2 second spacing, and turns away from the crowd
to downwind, and configures for landing at 15-18’ intervals.
3-10
CP
SPECTATOR AREA
Minimum Altitude: 200’
Maximum Altitude: 800’
Entry Airspeed: 420 Knots
Exit Airspeed: 0 Knots
CONTINGENCIES
5 Plane Contingency
Should any wingman fall out, #4 will fill that position to balance the
formation. If a solo falls out, the other solo pilot will fly single solo using
the same maneuvers with the exception of the following. If #5 is single
solo, a MRT followed by sneak to Vertical rolls will be flown. If #5 or #6
are single solo, a parade pass will be flown in lieu of the TOR. For
timing reasons a parade pass may be flown single solo in either
direction to facilitate deconfliction from the diamond. If the Boss falls
out, all aircraft will orbit overhead until he can resume.
3-11
Coordinated Photo Platform
Should the opportunity present itself, where a qualified crew is present
at a show site, there is the possibility of a 7th jet flying in coordination
with the Diamond, Solos, or Delta formations. While not part of the
overall formation, they will be well versed with the procedures and
profiles in order to capture footage of a practice demonstration under
the confines of the waiver and TFR. The photo platform will maintain
deconfliction between the elements and will be specifically briefed prior
to the flight.
3-12
