The Air Force's flying aces will perform this weekend at Hickam Air Force Base — banking, diving and turning at high speeds.

The Thunderbirds arrived at Hickam late yesterday afternoon, their eight F-16 fighters flying in formation, and before landing took several passes over the base to scout the airspace and familiarize themselves with the area where they will perform.

Honolulu International Airport was shut down for the arrival of the Falcons and will be shut down again when the Thunderbirds practice Friday and for the shows on Saturday and Sunday, all beginning at 3 p.m. and lasting about 40 minutes.

Maj. Rick Goodman said the precision movements used in the show have practical application.

"The same skill sets that I'm going to apply Saturday and Sunday at the show, combat pilots will be applying overseas as they defend our precious freedom," said Goodman, who will fly the No. 6 position in the performance.

The Thunderbirds' red, white and blue aircraft are no different than F-16s used in war, he said.

"It's one of our combat aircraft that's currently deployed overseas fighting the global war on terror," Goodman said, adding that the only difference is the paint job and that they remove the guns and install smoke-makers that dress up the stunts.

For the show, Goodman said, his top speed will be about 650 mph.

TOURING THE WORLD

The teams train four months before heading out for a nine-month tour of the world, including Australia, Malaysia and Guam as well as the Mainland. Hawai'i is the first stop on this year's tour.

The show will amaze people, especially those who have never seen it before, said Tech Sgt. Matthew Inman, crew chief for the No. 8 aircraft.

The fighters can go as fast as Mach 2.5 (1,200 mph) but will be flying close together and moving a lot slower, Inman said.

"It's six aircrafts flying about 500 mph about 3 feet apart," Inman said.

The Thunderbirds last visited O'ahu two years ago, putting on a show off Waikiki Beach.

Stationed at Nellis Air Force Base in Nevada, the team flew six hours non-stop, refueling on the way.

Support crew accompany the jets, taking care that necessities such as fire equipment and road cleaners are available, Inman said.

On the ground, the crew members were greeted with lei, a chant and a performance by young dancers of Halau Hula Olana from Pearl Harbor.