Jet Speed, Inverted Flight, and Zero Room for Error as Cleveland 13 Talks with Major Jeff

Cleveland, Ohio — The power of the jet, the silence in the cockpit, the rush of inverted flight at 500 miles per hour, Major Jeff Downie lives it every time he takes to the skies as Thunderbird No. 5. During this year’s Cleveland National Air Show, Cleveland 13’s Gremi got exclusive access to the pilot behind one of the most adrenaline-fueled roles in aerial demonstration.

Downie, a lead solo pilot with the U.S. Air Force Thunderbirds, walked Gremi through the demands of high-speed, low-altitude, precision flying. His job includes flying inverted while keeping tight formation with fellow Thunderbirds, performing maneuvers that leave audiences breathless and require absolute focus.

“The margin for error is razor-thin,” Downie said. “We train constantly to make sure our timing, communication, and positioning are perfect. It’s not just about the pilot, it’s about the entire team functioning as one.”

Gremi’s interview took place on the flight line ahead of the team’s demonstration, where the roar of jet engines echoed across Burke Lakefront Airport. For Cleveland 13 viewers, the moment provided rare insight into the minds of the people behind the spectacle.

It was one of many stories Cleveland 13 brought to life during this year’s show. While Gremi spoke with Major Jeff, reporter Nikkie Brown was in the air with the U.S. Army Golden Knights, documenting their jump from 12,500 feet above the city. Brown remained in the aircraft as one by one, the parachutists exited, leaving only the pilots, a retired general, the Cleveland 13 crew, and herself. Her story brought viewers into the intensity and silence of the sky, far above Cleveland’s cheering crowds.

Meanwhile, Gremi also met Red Bull pilot Aaron Fitzgerald, who gave an inside look at the BO-105 helicopter before taking off for a back-flipping, gravity-defying aerial stunt. Fitzgerald, with over 9,000 flight hours and training from legends in helicopter aerobatics, made his Cleveland debut alongside the Red Bull Air Force and Kirby Chambliss.

At the center of all of it stood Executive Director Kim Dell, the woman behind the show’s seamless execution. Gremi spent time with Dell, who described her role as working “365 days a year, like Santa Claus” to plan each detail. Dell is the 2025 recipient of the prestigious Katharine Wright Trophy, a national honor recognizing her leadership and commitment to aviation.

These stories came together to give Cleveland a perspective of the air show unlike any other. With full access to performers, planners, and planes, Cleveland 13 delivered a front-row view from every angle, including the air.

For anyone who hasn’t made plans yet, this year’s air show is not to be missed. Admission and parking must be purchased online and in advance, and tickets are not sold at the gate. Make this Labor Day one to remember. Watch the jets scream overhead, feel the rumble under your feet, and see it all from the inside out—because Cleveland 13 has already taken you there.

More exclusive stories with Major Jeff Downie, Aaron Fitzgerald, Kim Dell, and the Golden Knights can be found here on Cleveland 13.

#ClevelandAirshow2025

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