General view of at flyover the shoulders of the Denver Broncos before the game against the Oakland Raiders at Sports Authority Field. (Ron Chenoy-USA TODAY Sports)

It looks like the Air Force Thunderbirds flyover at Denver Broncos games will be a thing of the past. That is, if the federal budget cuts of sequestration go into effect.

All flyovers before sporting events will be grounded as the nation makes $85 billion in budget cuts. The stoppage will run through at least September 30 (the end of the fiscal year).

According to Wendy Varhegyi, Air Force’s chief of the engagement division for public affairs, Air Force conducts roughly 1,000 flyovers a year between sporting events and other events.

The Thunderbirds fly over Sports Authority Field at Mile High on every Sunday that the Broncos have an afternoon home game. They come in from the south cruising over the white Bronco in the south stands first. Heads crank upwards and sway sideways as the brief but beautiful tradition gives fans goosebumps as the national anthem closes out. However, tax dollars are being used to fund the spectacular vision.

Aside from curtailing flyovers, there could be cuts to service academy’s athletic programs as well.

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