Where? Payerne - Switzerland
When? 26/04/2002

This open doors day at Payerne AF Base, located near Bern, was originally meant as a celebration day for young recruits of the Swiss AF, who officially got their promotion that day. For the parents and the public, which assisted that ceremony, some activities were presented around the base.
At the outside a simulated fire rescue mission was presented as well as the flight preparations on F-5 Tigers and Alouette III helicopters.

Inside a maintenace hall hydraulic tests with a F-5 Tiger were made and a F/A-18 Hornet, another F-5 Tiger, a Mirage III RS and two helicoters (Puma and Alouette III) were on display.
During the whole morning the usual training flights with F-5s and F/A-18s were held, so one was able to have a look at 'the real life' on this base. Also in the morning was the training for the afternoon of the PC-7 Team.
The real flight display started in the afternoon with the departure of the PC-7 Team. Afterwards a Super Puma presented its fire fighting capabilities as well as his manouverability and troop transport. This demonstration was followed by another helicopter, the Aloutte III, which was presented in a rescue mission.
Than the planes came with a stunning solo demo by the F/A-18 Hornet, followed by the PC-7 Team with an excellent formation flight. Some time after the real highlight of this day arrived: a fly-by by a formation of a Swiss F/A-18, Mirage III RS and a German MiG-29 which made two passes. The finish was the Patrouille de Suisse, taht unfortunately showed only its bad weather programm due to the heavy rain.

Due to this rain and an overcast day you will not see a bright blue sky on the photos, but you are kindly invited to enjoy them!

Formation with a MiG-29

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Swiss AF Flight & Static Display

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