AIR14: “Best Organized Air Show of the Year”

During the first day visitors were able to enjoy the PC-7 TEAM as well as the Patrouille Suisse, which accompanied an Airbus A330 of SWISS International Airlines in the skies above Payerne. A further highlight was airplanes both old and new flying a homage to Swiss aviation, an event that will take place every day during the weekends.

The Patrouille de France’s breathtaking maneuvers and their precision certainly stirred a few emotions in the crowd. The Patrulla Aguila of Spain added a colorful accent in red and yellow. Matching a graceful lady, the elegant Breitling Super Constellation floated through the sky. The mighty MiG-29 and Suchoi Su-22 of the Polish Air Force thundered through the sky above Payerne. The fascinated spectators could not turn away, as they observed the ponderous Eurocopter Tiger from France being guided up into a vertical climb.

A great honor for AIR14 and its director Ian Logan: The International Council of Air Shows (ICAS) has venerated the organizer of the event for the “best organized airshow of the year”. The appraised passes on the commendation: “A great success for the entire team!” says Colonel Logan.

On Sunday an estimated 70’000 aviation fans made their way to Payerne. This is a rough estimate due to the free admission for kids under the age of 10 and family tickets, the final number will likely be higher: “In any case, the AIR14 can be seen as a great success with this many visitors” says Ian Logan.

The second day of flying cast a spell much like the first. “The program works very well” says Ian Logan. Choreography, timing and music harmonize perfectly. Solely a small technical defect during the Patrulla Aguila’s program caused a slightly shorter performance than planned.

Photos: Rob and Jeroen Vogelaar Z.A.P.P.