Tools:      

Thunderbird Pilot Talks About 'Greatest Job on the Planet'

Major Tony Mulhare and Capt. Elizabeth Kreft share their US Air Force experiences.

April 11 2008 — Thunderbird Pilot Talks About 'Greatest Job on the Planet' Several years ago, Major Tony Mulhare was told he had a heart condition that would keep him from pursuing his dream of becoming a USAF Thunderbird pilot. He never lost the dream, and now he has "the greatest job on the planet." That was the word from Major Mulhare at a press conference held Friday at Sun 'n Fun. What's the result of that experience? "I encourage every kid or young adult I talk to to have a dream and then pursue the dream. I was told I couldn't fly, but I kept trying."

Major Mulhare said it's been a dream come true to perform at Sun 'n Fun. "I get to share the USAF F-16 with some people who have never flown in an airplane before, and take the airplane out and put it through its paces," Mulhare explained. He said that is the best part of being a part of the Thunderbird team.

Sun 'n Fun visitors can see the Thunderbirds' performance at 3:30 p.m. on Saturday and Sunday.

- Rose Dorcey