Amelia becomes a USAF Thunderbird pilot for a day - Part 4

In January 2020 Amelia was able to shadow Major Michelle "Mace" Curran for a day and become a USAF Thunderbird pilot. This is the conclusion of her day with the Thunderbirds, part 4. Amelia was honored to have her name placed on a Thunderbird F16 as an honorary Thunderbird. Amelia then went in the hangar with the pilots and walked out with them to get ready to take off. The ground crew hooked her up to a headset where she was able to listen to the pilots do their preflight routine before take off. Amelia was front and center for their takeoff.

[@marshalltucker6620]

Thank You to the U.S. Air Force, the entire Thunderbird team and everyone involved to make this day happen for this little girl. It's nice that a little girl can dream a dream and realize that it can happen. A day I'm sure that will never be forgotten. Everyone was so nice and professional. Good job Major, you deserve another ribbon on that uniform. What the heck, give em all a ribbon. They deserve it.

[@wonderrob3225]

God bless our USAF

[@canvas5095]

I hope I live long enough to see her hold the number one position. It is awesome when parents help their children accomplish their dreams.

[@shawnlandis8910]

Amelia is taking everything soo seriously and they’re all trying to have a good time and be welcoming to her. It’s soo cute

[@theonlysjc]

The adults acting like it's a field trip and she's still waiting on her paycheck 🤣🤣 I love it!

[@datisalaee4693]

A professional 7 year-old ☺️ That's a new one 😆🤟

[@newageroidrage2442]

Lol shes getting future on the job training!

[@jetdriver1jetdriver194]

Nice! I met the Tbirds when I was 9. (They flew F-4s at the time.) That would lead me into a 28 year USAF Pilot career. Aim High young lady! Cheers Lt Col Jet

[@SuellRacingTelevision]

Thank you. That’s amazing!

[@azanman9887]

See how she stood at parade rest. That's how u know u ain't playing.

[@kerrijohnstone7588]

I think on the KCS they said her parents were both pilots - did they mention military or civi pilots?

[@johnmontgomery4923]

@@kerrijohnstone7588 Their plane are park on the base. Yes

[@joesalinaz275]

@@azanman9887 Just wait until she starts throwing out the knife hand.

[@robynthompson412]

I ran across the Kelly Clarkson show clip here on KZbin. I do hope your daughter continues to follow her dreams. She is inspiring so many!

[@taylorb8033]

Me too. I'm usually watching my psychic vids. I came across #4 . Now I have to find 1 2 & 3.

[@TheNomadWandering]

I am 36. I am a medically retired marine. I won't forget when I was in Kandahar Valley , Afghanistan.. I called in AS , danger close. It was a female pilot who answered the call. First thing I said to her about 4 minutes later was " guns good guns good " Last thing I said to her was "freindlys okay good bombs good bombs"

[@barryd.thomassr.9156]

@@TheNomadWandering Thank You for your Service Sir! Vietnam 73

[@tiffanypaz8484]

Same!! 💗💗💗

[@mofo7689]

When the little girl says thankyou at the end, you can tell that she meant it. THAT little lady is being raised the right way. There is NO JOY in causing injury to others. The indescribable joy is in seeing a genuine smile in a picture with Santa, a Thunderbird Pilot, or with Cinderella at her castle in Disney World. Everything else is overhead.

[@creativitycell]

She really does the bearing of a Commander about her, standing ram rod straight to attention hands at her sides fists closed or hands clasped behind her back! Perfect form! Even her head movements are razor sharp looking at everything, she's so focused and taking it all in super seriously, she just belongs, not fazed at all.Epic!😲

[@louferrao2044]

Amelia is going to be a fearsome USAF pilot. What a remarkable young lady.

[@matts156]

She's adorable, and on top of that, she's so polite and attentive! She already has some idea of military bearing like standing on the line waiting to salute the pilot. I can definitely see her being Thunderbird 1 someday.

[@mrchrislatino]

@9:54 she goes to 'at ease' and instantly notices the other Airman at 'attention' and she drops her arms and stays 'at attention'. Brilliant, poised and professional for a 7 y/o is nothing less than remarkable. Kudos to Mom and Dad.

[@mrchrislatino]

@@Aquaticarefish That is correct, it's been 40 years ago for me

[@stag3t-muspsa910]

So cool that the airforce took time for this...

[@amelia_glider_pilot16]

We Amelias are strong! I have had the same vision since I was your age, 10 years on, I am a qualified pilot- I am only 14! Follow your dreams, you really can get there!

[@naomif6774]

She is a Pro already by the way she carries herself. My almost 17 year old son needs to watch this to learn something 😊

[@jeffsanders663]

I'm 56 and learned something from her! Leadership!

[@JSFGuy]

The best approach for your son is to sign up USAF for enlistment as aircraft maintenance and look forward not back. I did this for 12 years on the same type of aircraft it has market value after the service for the rest of a career.

[@donszabo7558]

Hell Naomi, I need that same lesson!

[@ask4george1]

I would be so proud of my daughter. Keep it up, she will be a Thunder Bird. Nothing can stop her if she really tries.

[@valydale]

It is so amazing for this child to meet her heroes. To have those heroes also validate their dreams is magic. Bravo Maj. Curran and the USAF for making time for this. How wonderful!

[@waltertrees5337]

Inspirational fuel for the rest of her life.

[@Rotorhead99]

Awesome. I was inspired in 1987 to become a pilot when I read Chickenhawk. I was 19. I eventually became an Army helicopter pilot and have been flying for almost 30 years. This kid is going places.

[@scottpetrich1346]

Chickenhawk was the best book out of the Vietnam war...And there were some really good ones.

[@michaelmather7719]

I spent 4 years in the Air Force and 16 more in the Marine air wing. I was a weather forecaster and briefed many an aircrew in twenty years. I went to Vietnam in both services. My daughter was born when I was in Vietnam. Col Hardy was a Squadron CO (F4 Phantoms) who had twins about the same time, a boy and girl. Years late my daughter and his twin son met at graduate school. They had my grandson Jack. The world suddenly seemed much smaller! Keep chasing your dreams Amelia. All of the people that work around these planes are pretty wonderful people. I say that with years of experience under my belt.

[@irisadams7639]

How very awesome for the US AIRFORCE to stoke this young girls dreams, they even put her name on the jet! I am often embarrassed by our government but I am so proud to be an American and to know our armed forces are so kick-ass. Thank you all for your service and sacrifice and thank you to the future service members who will do what so many others can't and/or won't.

[@luigiwastaken]

If only every parent would be this supportive the world would be a MUCH better place.

[@Kriscollector]

Nothing will ever take away the memories of Amelias special day, whatever the future holds for her. Kudos to the Thunderbirds for giving Amelia such a wonderful day, respect!!!!

[@mikewrasman5103]

All the pilots are giving Amelia high fives! What a thrill that must have been for Amelia and to see the F16 jets!

[@CLK15]

Best four videos in the history of KZbin. She is a remarkable little person and it was so much fun to follow a dream come true through her eyes. Thank you for sharing with us all and thank you to the Thunderbirds for such an inspiring visit.

[@SuellRacingTelevision]

Thank you.

[@lynngreco6304]

You go Amelia. Follow your dreams and your heart. I hope to see you in the Blue Skies With the Thunderbirds someday. Good luck to you.

[@jameswildes2207]

I really hope you stay in touch with her Mace. I hope l live long enough to watch her fly a Thunderchicken.

[@jamesselig8461]

Thanks for taking us along with Amelia on this journey

[@BenNgo]

I've seen Amelia flying and watched her whole 4 parts day with the Thunderbirds. And I have to say: Not only she is incredibly talented and passionate about flying and she's so pretty as well. But what impresses me the most is: Amelia is laser focussed and very disciplined throughout the day and especially when she's flying. You can see her professional attitude in her eyes and even in her whole body language. You keep it up girl and one day, you will be the pilot who surprises another little girl at the Kelly Clarkson Show.

[@mrstnfmly]

She is a real trooper, amazing young gal and a great group of Pilots coaching her along the way. Go Air Force

[@PaulJosephdeWerk]

I miss my time as a mechanic in the Air Force for the F-16's. I am glad to see more women taking a leading role. Amelia, I hope to see your name as commander of the Thunderbirds one of these days. I'm sure you'll make a great Viper pilot.

[@bagelnagel20]

It's nice to hear that jet noise again.

[@uncasunga1800]

It's cool to see how she talks about her Dad. She puts him on a pedestal with fierce loyalty and adoration. He must have really instilled a strong love for His family there. Good for them.

[@theonlysjc]

Just now coming across this and the emotions I feel are indescribable. The adults acting like it's a field trip and Amelia is still waiting on her paycheck for her first day on the job. Absolutely well done all the way around. I have zero doubts we will see her in the skies.

[@davidminjares9556]

Wow !!! I so love the Thunderbird team !! I’m actually jealous of this little girl 😂😂😂 Just gives me chills when ever I see these amazing men and women perform this job !! My daughter was a schedule maintenance for the jets and the D.J on show days such an amazing team I can’t wait to see them at a show again I love each and everyone of you thunderbirds !! And like this little girl I got to hangout with them a few times such awesome people!! God bless all of our military men and women!!!

[@Fatherofheroesandheroines]

Woowww I've been trying to find this for MONTHS! She was so cute on the Kelly Clarkson show

[@schuylergrossman6169]

Thank you for the great video. The military has my respect. Female pilots has my respect

[@xandercage360]

Amelia is born ready...Wow...she does not forget her poise each time both hands crossed behind... Wish you more success my daughter's namesake

[@gtmalalo]

Watched this video made me cried with pride 😢😭. For these sweet little girls. When I was a kid I wish to be an air traffic controller or have any job within the aviation, weather be cleaners or any job simple with aviation, but unfortunately didn't made it through ,due to poor financial situation. Very touching and moving video 😢💙 Thanks US 🇺🇸 Air Force to keep continuing to inspire ✨ young kids like Amelia and her friends spark up their motivation in the field of aviation. Go Amelia!! 🙏🙋‍♂️ May your days be bright. 🛫🙋‍♂️😇❤ God bless.

[@kimberlyanne434]

I’d love to see field trip through schools. What a way for a child to spark their interest for the rest of their lives.

[@SuellRacingTelevision]

That would be amazing!

[@hurrad3853]

I have to say as a dad to 3 kids 1 son and 2 girls. I have tried to teach all my kids they can do any thing they are willing to work hard and set there minds too. You are great examples for all your kids. You have given all of them the ability to see if they work hard and do there best there dreams can come true much respect to mom and dad for doing such a great job. Of course big props to the Thunderbirds all for helping foster this young ladies dream.

[@kenkhan7325]

Awesome parents, awesome kids! Thunderbirds well done!

[@only1mere123]

Im a nine year old i also love aviation i just focus on the 737s.

[@MattLeger]

Thank you for sharing Amelia and her incredible journey with all of us. She is showing other little girls that they can do ANYTHING they dream of doing if they keep at it and never give up. Men and women should reach for the stars together, as equals.

[@creativitycell]

Aged 7 and she already had the bearing of a adult professional fighter pilot on the tarmac, that spin turn she on her heel and toe after going down the line and slapping hands with everyone was epic! 👌👍😄

[@albkmj57]

I met the TBirds when I was active duty Air Force and was so wowed by them then--and still am. I WILL be watching for this baby to be the commander she dreams of being.

[@strikebr]

They are PR masters. I love to see the huge collection of flags, for where the squad made their air show. Our smoke squadron has a huge list of countries that they have performed too. Lots of respect for them.

[@joemac9039]

Just awesome! I saw the Kelly show with young Amelia, and was hoping for this follow follow follow follow-up. As an Air Firce vet, this made me soon proud.

[@carloscunha8284]

Amelia you are already a truly aviator, you will be a thunderbird for sure, i bet when you will be a bit more older "Mace" aka Maj.Michelle will take you to fly in an F16. I just loved this videos. Way to go Amelia!!!! your future will be bright.

[@SuellRacingTelevision]

Thank you.

[@drjaye1962]

nobody better say anything bad about Major Curran "Mace" around me, cause she treated this lil pilot w/nothing but respect, Amelia is gonna have a great future, cant wait for her to 2 follow her dreams....also I spent 20yrs in Oklahoma "love those boots"....peace

[@bgmedia4199]

She's only 7yrs old I've just watched the first episode of this little girl and seeing her with the biggest smile on her little face is awesome bless her heart, and Kelly Clarkson you are awesome ❤

[@mikewrasman5103]

Amelia will graduate from the Air Force Academy and be the lead solo in about 20 years. You go, girl!

[@slobama]

I was thinking the same thing. This could be her ticket to the Academy.

[@cyh4031]

Congratulations young lady! I am 64, been an aviation nut since I was about 5, but really never fully went after my dreams. Keep moving forward!!!

[@angelaoigara7617]

When I was 20 I was busy closing the fridge slowly to see if the lights go off I thought you should know

[@mshappyapple8663]

LOL!!!! Did they?

[@theresesheets1776]

This. Child. Here! Is where greatness comes from! I'm in such awe, and proud, and just filled with love watching this! Pffft. When I was 7, I wanted Barbies. And my own dad was in the USAF! I do miss hearing the jets, but I just can't get over this young girl and her plans! I sincerely hope she gets her aspirations met!

[@mshappyapple8663]

What an experience for this little lady! She'll never forget it. I truly hope all her dreams come true and she is able to reach all her goals. She's amazing and cute as a button! Thanks to mom and dad for allowing her to follow her dreams and for sharing this wonderful experience with all of us. Special thanks to the Thunderbirds for going above and beyond for this little lady. God bless you all!! :-)

[@pauldutcher9105]

I ran across the show clip as well then after this came up...As much as Amelia enjoyed this I can imagine it was just as special for the crew. Amelia is one adorable young lady. I hope this inspires her to work hard and hopefully we get an update when shes about 24.

[@terryrussell-dn2is]

Wow!! Thunderbird pilots are in an elite class of their own!!! So impressed ❤

[@TheRealMiniIsHere]

This is amazing! Glad KZbin recommended this video, flying is an amazing feeling when you're in control, there is nothing else better than flying through the sky like a bird. I've flown 5 times in the UK as an Air Cadet with an R.A.F pilot who taught me how to do some acrobatics and a control stall.

[@juliannegallo6816]

What a. Amazing group of young women. What an amazing day for them. They are our future. God bless you.

[@SuellRacingTelevision]

Thank you.

[@jamesabrothers8117]

Wow, Amelia, you certainly are special when my dad was stationed at Nellis some 45 years ago I never got as close as you did to those Thunderbird jets so cool back then they were the F4 phantoms

[@jamesholcombe435]

Made a young woman's dreams explode into the afterburner, that smile, she was climbing through the clouds

[@cindiemoore2530]

This child is at ease the entire time when most would be jumping out of their skin with excitement. Wow special young women 👏

[@shannonpshannon886]

I am not into flying or anything like that but I love what you guys did for this little girl. It makes my heart feel so good. Thank you.

[@renerich]

That is such an amazing Girl, hope shes gonna be ladyboss for the squad. 😊🤘🏻

[@SuellRacingTelevision]

Thank you.

[@randomtask9643]

They put her name on the plane too?!!? That's awesome!

[@davidjames3126]

I have 4 daughters and will always use the young ladies closing statement...Follow your Dreams. She is awesome Thanks Kelly👍🙏❤️💯💯💯💯💯🎯

[@risksrewardsrelics51]

Pretty awesome that they put Amelia’s name on the jet! My cousin was crew chief for #1 back in the 90s. Got to see the jet and meet the team, but you got the full experience!

[@SuellRacingTelevision]

It was amazing that they did that for her, we were so surprised! That’s so cool.

[@jer4whlr0210]

Keep reaching for the stars Amelia!! I too knew I wanted to join the Air Force from when I was eight. Spent 20 years doing what I loved!! I know you will be a great #1 one day!!!

[@stevennagley8969]

Was expecting more of a reaction after the post flight exercise the young lady said “follow your dreams”, everyone that participated in making this young lady’s dream come true, expressed a promising future of many amazing things to come!

[@rachelhaywood833]

This is just too cool!! I couldn't stop smiling while watching these four videos!

[@SuellRacingTelevision]

Thank you.

[@gussrogers2287]

It is fabulous to see a child making a dream come true, and it is more beautiful to see when parents supports their children because they are making a better person for the future. God Bless You, Greetings from Mexico.

[@xihuantiyu]

This girl is having the experience of her life time. She got opportunity of getting that close to Thunderbird. I visited Nellis AFB in the past. I saw Thunderbird from distance. It was an awesome experience. The only thing better is the girl actually sits in cockpit and flies.

[@SuellRacingTelevision]

She did has an amazing experience!

[@MrPhife333]

Seeing this level of professionalism, advanced technology, and just good old fashioned love for the next generation gives me hope that mankind may actually make it to Mars, and then to the stars one day. All of you rock!

[@geofiggy]

What a wonderful 4 Part series. All the best Amelia. May your dreams come true. Take care and fly safe. 🖖🏼🤟🏼🙏🏼🇨🇦

[@jonathanbonaparte5673]

Mace, you get a golden star for that one

[@brandonhunter3036]

That little girl is OFFICIALLY the competition!!😂😂😍😍

[@insanepolarbear]

With the amount of love and passion she shows for the profession, I have no doubt she will make a good pilot in some years.

[@mikewrasman5103]

She will treasure this day forever!

[@grahammcrobert7141]

Just watched all the episodes of her and if she joins hope she has a wonderful career in the air force and joins the Thunderbirds from the uk

[@SuellRacingTelevision]

Thank you.

[@markkirby4992]

This is so nice that these lady's and gentlemen would take the time to help a little ladys dream come true. I'm so proud to have them in the military of my country. MAKES ME PROUD TO BE A AMERICAN. Thank you.

[@deadbug9513]

That's awesome this is just a video and it's giving me chills. Wicked cool!

[@thedoctor4637]

Those are some Service Men and Women who are serving our country with pride and love doing it! Thank you to all our past, present, and future Men and Women serving the USA!

[@albertmedellin5665]

That woman is a true Hero 🦸‍♀️ keep up the good flying !👩🏼‍✈️✈️

[@edt140589]

Just watched these 4 videos from down here in SYDNEY AUSTRALIA not only is Amelia a awesome person but same is Major Michelle Curran.. please go through and become a pilot...Who knows one day you could go head to head with out RAAF and show them whos boss

[@SuellRacingTelevision]

Thank you for your support!

[@malikgrant461]

Awesome Job.. Can't wait to see the whole Family at the Springs Preserve Again... God Bless 😇

[@SuellRacingTelevision]

Thank you! We can’t wait to see you again!

[@YoutubeCommenter495]

Completely Awesome!!! MACE is sooo..cool!!!

[@saito125]

I saw the T-Birds in Brazil in 1973, I was just a couple years older than Amelia... they flew the huge, awesome Phantoms then. Amelia rocks!

[@laneyallan8796]

I really hope Amelia gets to live her dream. I hope nothing gets in her way and wish her nothing but success! Love from Australia 🇦🇺

[@av8tore71]

This is so awesome Thunderbirds always taking care of the kids

[@gregkimball3004]

That little girl will remember that forever

[@tonybird1245]

Their is no way Emelia is not going to achieve her dream you can see the dedication in her at this young age. I just wish i was young enough to be around to see it.

[@joshuavanlalrochung6286]

This is why I like America,, America knows how to fill in the dots.. Proud of you

[@steveroth5484]

God bless this little lady and these pilots.

[@USAIRFORCE621]

When you see a child at such a young age know what they wanna be as an adult its a wonderful thing. I knew from an early age that I wanted to serve our country as my family has for over a century, but I knew my disability might stop those dreams. Fortunately in 2007 that dream came true, and now nearly 15 years later I'm a Captain with Civil Air Patrol the all volunteer auxiliary of the USAF!

[@robbmanchester5747]

As a Dad that raised three great women ... my learning experience was finding ways all my girls could experience their individual dreams for their future ... and as all parents know those dreams change very quickly ... at the time I thought it was incredibly difficult ... looking back and seeing them now as women that are fulfilling their childhood dreams it was a minor inconvenience ... but it’s all thanks to organizations such as this example by the Air Force I can say it wasn’t me it was the organizations that have the vision and desire to create the opportunity for young women to fulfill their dreams - Thanks to the Air Force for not only protecting the USA but finding time in their schedule to help all of us parents that want our daughters and sons achieve their dreams ... Thanks for making this happen

[@dougstrong1750]

One of the best vids I've watched! This young lady is the future.

[@sandgroper1970]

Good on the USAF and the Thunderbirds public relations departments, for arranging this.

[@itstheendanimation563]

I haven't visited this channel for a while she's grown-up that's the same girl who fly the airplane when she was two i think some of it was her dad maybe the one flying part

[@SuellRacingTelevision]

Yes, this is the same girl 😊

[@vettebecker1]

So awesome!! Wish Amelia nothing but the best!

[@Miamiflow885]

When she was in that plane, its like a fish in water, she already knows her place in this world

[@kimmyombing377]

GOD BLESS YOU MAJOR MICHELLE AND ALL USAF AIRFORCE AND THANKS FOR SHARING AMELIA’s JOURNEY WITH YOU MAJOR AND ALL OF YOU

[@nomadikmedia]

This is so cool! Love it...Hope she fulfills her dream and passes on the torch to future female pilots for the Thunderbirds. Just like Major Michelle 'Mace' Curran