The story of Air Force Elite: Thunderbirds begins with the arrival of three new pilots joining the elite U.S. Air Force demonstration team known as the Thunderbirds. These pilots are exceptionally skilled, but they face the challenge of unlearning combat instincts and adapting to the unique demands of precision aerobatics. Unlike combat pilots whose goals are to hit targets and survive, Thunderbird pilots must "divorce themselves from their usual survival instincts" because their maneuvers keep them mere microseconds from life-threatening situations. The film vividly shows the physical toll of these maneuvers, such as the intense G-forces that can turn a 200-pound pilot into a 2000-pound one, cutting off oxygen to the brain and causing pilots to pass out. Despite this, the pilots find the experience exhilarating, even pointing out details like the upside-down number 5 painted on their planes, designed to appear right-side up during demonstrations.

Much of the narrative centers on the team leader, known by his call sign "Astro." From childhood, Astro dreamed of becoming an astronaut, a dream his parents proudly recall through his grade school drawings. After a tragic crash in 2018 that deeply affected the team, Astro was chosen to lead and implement changes due to his unique background in both combat and test flight training. His wife shares the sobering reality that the Thunderbirds have a mortality rate of about ten percent, underscoring the danger of their work. Yet, their shared commitment to "service over self" keeps them united in purpose.

The film also delves into the history of the Thunderbirds, including the devastating 1982 Indian Springs crash where four pilots were lost in a diamond formation accident. This history underscores the ever-present risks and personal costs of being part of this elite team. The documentary balances this danger with spectacular visuals, using advanced filming techniques to immerse viewers inside the cockpit and the diamond formation, creating a breathtaking experience both in the air and behind the scenes.

One of the pilots, Elliott, known as "Thunderbird 1," has just 60 days to prepare his team for 62 air shows, which he describes as "45 minutes of total chaos." The film follows Elliott not only in training but also at home with his two young sons, Declan and Revan. A poignant moment occurs when his wife, Victoria, hugs him goodbye and says, "don’t die," highlighting the ever-present tension between family and duty. Elliott emphasizes the importance of setting objectives and pursuing them in service to something greater than oneself.

Another pilot, Eric "Miami" Tise, speaks candidly about the adrenaline and constant awareness of danger that fuels their focus. He recounts the physical consequences of ejecting from a plane, including losing an inch of height and muscle damage that leads to chronic pain. These personal stories bring a human dimension to the high-risk, high-skill world of the Thunderbirds.

Throughout the film, viewers witness the rigorous training, the camaraderie, and the sacrifices required to be part of this legendary squadron. The narrative unfolds with a visceral intensity, from the first moments of new pilots arriving and struggling to adapt, through the grueling preparation for the air show season, to the breathtaking aerial demonstrations themselves. The story closes on the note of dedication and the unyielding spirit of these pilots who push the limits of aviation to inspire the nation.

The pilots, especially Lt. Col. Justin “Astro” Elliott, balance intense training and leadership responsibilities with personal life, including family pressures and the constant risk of fatal accidents. Elliott struggles to manage his role as team leader while being a husband and father, with his wife expressing the fear of losing him due to the dangers of the job.

The documentary openly addresses the high risks involved, including historical accidents like the 1982 Indian Springs crash where four pilots died. Pilots discuss the ever-present danger, including traumatic experiences such as ejecting from aircraft, which can cause lasting physical harm. The film emphasizes the personal costs and sacrifices inherent in the role.

The film uses real-time footage with no reenactments, integrating into actual flight plans. It employs in-cockpit GoPro 360 cameras and dynamic helicopter shots to provide an immersive experience of supersonic speeds and complex maneuvers. This approach creates a visceral and authentic portrayal of the pilots' experiences.

Key figures include Lt. Col. Justin “Astro” Elliott, the lead pilot who gave up an astronaut dream to lead the team, and Thunderbird 2 pilot “Zeke,” whose journey from humble beginnings in a Florida trailer park to elite pilot highlights perseverance. The film also honors Maj. Stephen “Cajun” Del Bagno, who died in a training accident, reflecting on the cost of service through his parents' voices.

While visually spectacular with carefully composed aerial footage, the film also focuses on quieter moments such as flight briefings, post-flight reflections, and off-duty conversations. It reveals the pilots' personalities, motivations, and the emotional weight of their service, providing a well-rounded narrative beyond just the airshow performances.

The pilots, including Lt. Col. Justin “Astro” Elliott, face enormous pressure to train and certify within just 60 days for 62 air shows, balancing their demanding roles with family life. The film shows the emotional strain on pilots and their families, such as Elliott’s wife expressing fear for his safety. Pilots also confront the constant risk of fatal accidents, with one pilot describing the adrenaline and fear of dying as a motivating factor, and recounting the physical trauma from ejecting from aircraft during emergencies.

The documentary openly addresses the high risks and personal costs of being a Thunderbird pilot, including the history of tragic accidents like the 1982 Indian Springs crash where four pilots died. It shows the pilots’ awareness of these dangers and the physical and emotional toll, such as injuries from ejections and the ever-present possibility of fatal crashes during high-speed, precision flying.

The film uses real planes flying live missions with no reenactments or second takes, integrating into actual flight plans. It employs in-cockpit GoPro 360 cameras and dynamic helicopter footage to provide an immersive experience, placing viewers inches from supersonic speeds and gravity-defying maneuvers. The production also balances spectacular aerial shots with quieter behind-the-scenes moments like flight briefings and personal reflections.

The documentary highlights Lt. Col. Justin “Astro” Elliott, the lead pilot and Thunderbird 1, who was once an astronaut candidate but chose to lead the Thunderbirds. Another featured pilot is Thunderbird 2, “Zeke,” whose story of rising from a trailer park in Florida to the elite Air Force team provides an emotional and relatable narrative of perseverance. The film also honors Maj. Stephen “Cajun” Del Bagno, a pilot who died in a 2018 training accident, reflecting on the sacrifices made by team members.

While visually spectacular with creative lighting and dynamic aerial footage, the documentary also pulls back the curtain on the pilots’ lives, showing their personal struggles, family interactions, and the emotional weight of their service. It includes moments of flight briefings, post-flight reflections, and candid off-duty conversations, providing a rounded portrayal of the pilots as both elite performers and individuals with personal challenges and sacrifices.

The movie Air Force Elite: Thunderbirds (2025) is generally considered suitable for a middle school audience and above, making it relatively family friendly, but with some caveats. It is a documentary-style film that showcases the elite USAF Thunderbird demonstration team, focusing on their skill, dedication, and the emotional lives of pilots and support crew.

Potentially objectionable or upsetting content includes:

• Real-life danger and references to tragic accidents and pilot deaths, including historical crashes such as the 1982 Indian Springs crash where all four pilots in a formation died. These references are presented seriously and may be distressing to sensitive viewers or young children.
• Brief alcohol use is shown but no profanity or drug use is noted.
• The film does not contain graphic violence but does acknowledge the inherent risks and personal costs of flying in such a high-risk elite team.

Overall, while the film is inspiring and visually spectacular, parents should be aware that it contains mature themes related to loss, danger, and the emotional toll on military aviators and their families. It is best suited for older children (middle school and up) and adults, especially those who can understand and process the serious nature of the risks involved in military flight demonstration.

Yes, in the movie Air Force Elite: Thunderbirds (2025), the character Maj. Stephen “Cajun” Del Bagno is featured posthumously. He died in a real-life training accident in 2018, which the documentary honors and reflects upon. The film includes interviews with his parents and discusses the circumstances of his death, emphasizing the risks and sacrifices involved in being part of the elite Thunderbirds team.

The circumstances of Maj. Del Bagno’s death are detailed as follows: During a training flight on April 4, 2018, he was performing a high-risk aerial maneuver called the High Bomb Burst Rejoin at the Nevada Test and Training Range near Nellis Air Force Base. While executing a descending half-loop maneuver known as the Split-S, he experienced extreme G-forces (up to 8.56 Gs), which caused him to lose consciousness for about five seconds. He partially regained consciousness just before crashing but was unable to recover the aircraft and did not eject. The accident was fatal.

No other character deaths are mentioned in the documentary or related sources. The film focuses on the living pilots and the legacy of Maj. Del Bagno as a tribute to the price of service and sacrifice in the Air Force elite team.