The Flyover: An All-American Tradition

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Blue Angels at Super Bowl 50. Photos by Army Spc Brandon C. Dyer

By Donna Reuss

Alexandria, VA – It’s February, and we all know what that means: Super Bowl! And this most iconic of American obsessions will begin as it has for nearly as long as the contest itself, with a precision military flyover. But how did an armed forces display of power become associated with a sporting event?

Flyovers originated in World War I as a way to gauge mission success. Pilots would fly over the battlefield after a skirmish and those on the ground would count the number of planes returning to determine if any were lost.

Near the end of the war, the first documented US public use of military flyovers was the 1918 World Series in Chicago. A formation of more than 60 army biplanes honored the military, captivated spectators, and started a tradition which has become a classic element of American culture.

The display of power and precision has a huge emotional impact. It excites the fans for the coming competition, creating a united, positive environment. It also engenders feelings of safety. During war, flyovers assure troops below that they are protected. And with the influence of Hollywood, air power became a visible sign that Americans were safe at home during the Cold War. Movies helped equate air power with both global security and patriotism.

The US Army, Marine Corps, Navy, Air Force, and Coast Guard all conduct flyovers, for anything from NASCAR races to World Series games, even the Men’s Final of the US Open Tennis Championships. The Defense Department receives more than 1,000 requests for sporting event flyovers every year. The military services view these events as promotional and recruiting opportunities, a chance for the public to experience the military close-up.

And a flyover isn’t only fighter jets. Helicopters such as the UH-60 Black Hawk, large cargo planes like the C-17 Globemaster III, or even a mix of generational aircraft may be used. The Coast Guard often showcases its unique aircraft to highlight its diverse missions and capabilities. In fact, someone requesting a flyover can ask for any plane within the military’s inventory.

For the Super Bowl, the honor rotates among the services, which often feature their elite demonstration teams, such as the Navy’s Blue Angels or Air Force Thunderbirds. Participation in the event is coordinated with the NFL’s Social Responsibility team.
Air Force Thunderbirds. Photo by Master Sgt Mark Olsen

While precision flying is a demonstration hallmark, Super Bowl flyovers also require precise timing. The formation usually arrives during the National Anthem. Normally, a combat “time-on-target” allows for plus or minus 5 seconds. The NFL standard is much more rigid due to very strict timelines and TV schedules: it expects the formation to be exactly over the 50-yard line to the second!

You may be wondering: how much does a Super Bowl flyover cost, and who pays the bill? According to Thoughtco.com, it costs American taxpayers about $80,000 for gas and operational expenses. A flyover actually counts as training for the pilots, so the cost is deducted from military training funds.

When the public sees a military demonstration at a sporting event, it transcends entertainment. Flyovers foster a unique connection between sports fans and the military, symbolizing unity and national pride. Jennifer Bentley, Chief of Public Outreach for the Air Force Public Affairs Office, stated in Naval History Magazine, June 2020, that flyovers “inspire patriotism…” and “…it’s knowing that our freedom is there for a reason and it’s on the backs of the men and women and their families who serve our country.”

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If you are a veteran or know a veteran who needs help, go to Virginia Board Veterans Services at www.dvs.virginia.gov/dvs; or contact American Legion Post 24 Veteran Service Officer at [email protected]. For crisis intervention and suicide prevention, dial 988 and Press 1, or text 838255 for the Veterans Crisis Line.