F-22 Raptor Pilot Rips Over Washington in Cockpit View

Cockpit footage shows an F-22 Raptor stealth fighter rolling and banking over the U.S. capital as its pilot practiced for America’s 250th anniversary celebrations.

The two videos, released by the U.S. Air Force, follow Capt. Nick “Laz” Le Tourneau, pilot and commander of the F-22 Raptor Aerial Demonstration Team, as he rehearsed his routine over the National Mall on July 3, 2026, during Fourth of July celebrations. Cameras inside the cockpit show him in helmet and mask as the jet twists over the city, with the Potomac River and the sprawl of Washington wheeling below.

The Air Force said the display showcased American airpower and marked the nation’s 250th anniversary. The routine is designed to show off the F-22’s maneuverability through a series of combat maneuvers.

The footage was filmed by Staff Sgt. Lauren Diaz and posted on October 20.