As well as the Patrouille de Suisse, the Swiss also display the PC-7 Team at international events. The PC-7 Team consists of nine Pilatus PC-7 Turbotrainer aircraft. As ambassador of the Swiss Air Force, the PC-7 Team shows dynamic, elegant and precise formation flying at its best.
Flying aerobatics in close formation with propeller-driven aircraft demands the highest level of skill by the teams military pilots.
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HISTORY
The history of the PC-7 Team
In 1987, the Swiss Air Force raised a nine-ship PC-7 formation - the PC-7 Team. During the air force championships in Dübendorf the freshly founded PC-7 Team was to present an aerobatics programme for the first time. After a brief training period, the programme was well received by the public. Nevertheless, the Team was not activated in 1988.
It was not until the following year in 1989 during the 75-year anniversary of the Swiss Air Force, that nine new pilots were designated who were able to begin training under Major Res Dubs, former Patrouille Suisse leader, for performing as the PC-7 Team.
Since 1989, the PC-7 Team has been flying at various events, mainly in Switzerland. Since 1992, the PC-7 Team occasionally performed abroad. (Italy, France, Ireland, Germany, Israel, Hungary, Czech Republic, UK)
For financial reasons there was a serious debate in 1998, whether the PC-7 Team should be disbanded. Thanks to Federal Councillor Ogi, who advocated the further existence of the teams, the nine PC-7s can still be admired.
AIRSHOWS 2008
2008 PC-7 Team Schedule:
Click here for the 2008 PC-7 Schedule.
Links:
Ofiicial PC-7 Team website.
Scanner frequencies:
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