The prestigious Blue Angels demonstration squadron is the second oldest "formal" aerobatic team in the world. Established in 1946, the Blue Angels fly as a six-member demonstration team with speeds up to 700mph (just under Mach 1). Typically split into two groups - a four-plane diamond formation and two solo planes, they perform numerous breathtaking, intricate maneuvers like flying toward each other (opposing passes), belly-to-belly, back-to-back and wingtip-to-wingtip mirror formations. Many times, one aircraft is flying inverted. The weather plays a crucial role in determining which aerobatic routines the Blue Angels are able to perform on any given day.