Seven Snowbirds (Double Diamond) roll their formation over the Grand Forks Air Force Base (GFAFB)
Photo by Bob Nelson at 'Friends And Neighbors Day' on May 27th 1989.
The routine becomes one of monitoring the UHF radios for commands from the team leader, which usually take the form of a preparatory command of warning (Snowbirds...) followed by the command of execution from whatever maneuver is to be done.. Individual pilots focus on visual references long established through the winter of rehearsal. Holding position becomes an exercise for two hands, with incessant stick movement matched by constantly fluctuating power adjustments on the throttle. the gauge that shows percentage of power swings in sharp response to throttle movements between 91 and 97 percent, and you can feel the surges and decelerations through the seat of your pants." (Flying April 1975, page 89)