Seasoned Colorado Springs residents have learned to spot signs that the Air Force Academy commencement is only days away.

Traffic on Interstate 25 gets heavier, particularly on the north end of town. Banners and yard signs appear in neighborhoods and businesses, congratulating the latest class of new Air Force second lieutenants. And the telltale roar of fighter jets overhead, signaling the arrival of the Air Force Thunderbirds.

The F-16 Fighting Falcons soaring above Falcon Stadium, timed to coincide with the ceremonial hat toss, will signal the end of Thursday’s commencement ceremony. On Tuesday, pilots and crew members from the precision aerial demonstration team conducted a site survey of the academy before landing at Peterson Space Force Base.

The squadron performs roughly 75 demonstrations each year, but the USAFA graduation has a special significance for many of the pilots, according to pilot Maj. Brandon Maxson.

“This is a special one for a lot of us, because we are graduates of the Air Force Academy,” said Maxson, who graduated in 2014. “We know the impact the Thunderbirds had on us when we were cadets.”

Maxson, who is in his second year with the Thunderbirds, said he especially enjoys interacting with the people who attend their shows.

“Our mission is to recruit, retain, and inspire,” he said. “I really enjoy the inspiration piece. It’s one thing to see the demonstration, but another thing to meet face to face with an aviator. I hope to instill something in people that will make them chase their dreams just like I did.”

Following an air show in Miami, the team flew to Colorado Springs on Tuesday and began their site survey, during which they identified landmarks and features that will help them dial in their maneuvers, officials said.

The team will hold two practices on Wednesday. The morning rehearsal will focus on flyover mechanics, dialing in the precision timing that allows them to pass over Falcon Stadium at the exact moment the new graduates toss their hats in the air. In the afternoon, the team will take a second run at the flyover before practicing for their post-graduation air show.

“We want to be able to do an awesome flyover for the graduates, and give an awesome air show afterwards,” Maxson said.

Event coordinators will be keeping a watchful eye on the weather forecast. Last year’s flyover and demonstration were canceled due to wet conditions and low visibility.

Thursday is expected to be mostly cloudy, with a 40% chance of thunderstorms in the afternoon, according to the National Weather Service in Pueblo.

Weather permitting, the ace pilots and crew plan to deliver a memorable show on Thursday.

“We’re super excited to be here,” Maxson said. “We’re excited to be able to put on a show for the graduates and their families, and we’re looking forward to the Class of 2026 joining us in the Air Force.”