Who She Is When She’s Not Flying: Rare Moments with the F-35A Demo Commander

Get a rare behind-the-scenes look at the commander of the USAF F-35A Lightning II Demonstration Team during Day 3 of the 2025 Abbotsford Airshow in Canada.

Before the roar of afterburners and the precision of the full demo, she appears exactly as she is off the flightline—calm, focused, professional, and grounded.

She enjoys interacting with the crowd, handing out official F-35A Demo Team patches, answering questions and inspiring the next generation of aviators. It’s a side of the airshow most people never see.

This video captures exclusive moments before and after the performance: walking to the jet, preparing gear, interacting with the team, and transitioning from everyday composure to full on-display mastery of the F-35A.

Once the demo begins, watch the Lightning II pushed to its limits with high-G turns, pedal turns, and controlled precision maneuvers that showcase the jet’s power, agility, and 5th-generation capability.

✈️ Aircraft: USAF F-35A Lightning II Demo
👤 Demo Pilot: Major Melanie "Mach" Kluesner - Commander of the USAF F-35A Demo Team for 2025 Season
📍 Event: 2025 Abbotsford Airshow, British Columbia, Canada (Day 3)

If you enjoy real aviation, real sound, and real moments with the people behind these aircraft, you’ll appreciate this one.

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💬 Comment your favorite moment or maneuver from the demo!