BY ORDER OF THE COMMANDER
AIR COMBAT COMMAND (ACC)
AIR COMBAT COMMAND
INSTRUCTION
11-401
10 MARCH 2017
Incorporating Change 1, 8 MAY 2017
OPERATIONAL PROCEDURES-
THUNDERBIRDS
COMPLIANCE WITH THIS PUBLICATION IS MANDATORY
ACCESSIBILITY: Publications and forms are available on the e-Publishing web site at
www.e-publishing.af.mil for downloading or ordering.
RELEASABILITY: There are no releasability restrictions on this publication.
OPR: HQ ACC/A3TA
Supersedes: ACCI 11-USAFADS
Vol 3, 15 Dec 10
Certified by: ACC/A3
(Maj Gen Thomas H. Deale)
Pages: 36
This instruction implements AFPD 11-4, Aviation Service. This instruction applies to all
USAFADS personnel and activities, including Air National Guard (ANG) or United States Air
Force Reserve (USAFR) personnel assigned to the squadron. It covers operational procedures for
the USAF Air Demonstration Squadron (USAFADS) (Thunderbirds). The 57 Wing will
supplement this ACCI, as applicable. Once 57 WG/CC approves the Supplement, a copy will be
sent to the OPR of this publication. This ACCI, along with the 57 WG Supplement, specifies
responsibilities, procedures for planning missions, intra-flight communications, and conducting
normal and emergency operations. These documents also provide a description of the maneuvers
to be flown, to include a detailed description of each air demonstration maneuver from the points
of view of the Leader, Left Wingman, Right Wingman, Slot Pilot, and Solo Pilots. A copy of this
instruction is authorized for each USAFADS aircrew member and support personnel, as
necessary. This publication may be supplemented at any level, but all direct Supplements must
be routed to the OPR of this publication for coordination prior to certification and approval.
Refer recommended changes and questions about this publication to the Office of Primary
Responsibility (OPR) using the AF Form 847, Recommendation for Change of Publication; route
AF Forms 847 from the field through the appropriate functional chain of command. Ensure that
all records created as a result of processes prescribed in this publication are maintained IAW Air
Force Manual (AFMAN) 33-363, Management of Records, and disposed of IAW Air Force
Records Information Management System (AFRIMS) Records Disposition Schedule (RDS). The
