Soloist #6 Lt. Cliff Skelton performs the high-alpha pass. The F/A-18 'Hornet'' provides for an entirely different Blue Angels show. Besides the sheer high-pitched noise of the two F404 turbofans, the aircraft has outstanding slow-speed handling capabilities. To demonstrate this, the high alpha pass was a perfect choice for a new solo maneuver. In it, the airplanes are decelerated to about 150 mph, and using engine thrust, the aircraft is practically stood on its tail.