A new application designed to help spectators track aerial maneuvers over Washington D.C. was launched ahead of the Fourth of July celebrations. The "4th of July Fly Over" app provides real-time flight data and an adjustable countdown timer to assist viewers in following the "Freedom 250" schedule, which spans more than nine hours.
The app, created by senior White House official Shawn Chittle, allows users to manually adjust the timer if the flyovers run ahead or behind schedule. It also offers access to photos, historical details, and facts about the aircraft participating in the event. Spectators can add the app to their mobile home screens for easy access.
The aerial showcase is set to begin at 1:14 p.m. with a NASA F-5 flyover, followed by demonstrations from various branches of the U.S. military. The Navy Blue Angels are scheduled to perform at 4:59 p.m., and the Air Force Thunderbirds at 6:25 p.m.
Air Force One is slated to fly over at approximately 7 p.m., leading a "HUGE 1" flyover at 7:17 p.m. The event will also feature a U.S. Stealth Airpower flyover at 7:38 p.m., an F-22 Raptor afterburner display at 7:53 p.m., and B-1 bombers in afterburner at 8:07 p.m. A final B-1 afterburner night pass is scheduled for 10:36 p.m.
President Trump had previously praised the refurbished presidential aircraft, referring to it as a "flying White House," and indicated it would lead a significant America 250 flyover over Washington next year, featuring fighter jets and military aircraft.