The excellent air show was held in Lignano Sabbiadorobo in the afternoon on Sunday, 15 September. Over a few kilometers of beautiful sandy beach, the highlight was the performance of the world-famous Frecce Tricolori aerobatic demonstration team of the Italian Air Force.
A day before, we were watching TV in the afternoon, and it happened to pick the channel of an Italian TV station that was broadcasting live an air show from Lido di Jesolo near Venice. We were all mesmerized watching the acrobatic tricks and admiring the skill and courage of the pilots. We regretted that we had not known about this event before, because in all likelihood we would have attended it. Then, like a bolt from the blue, a journalist told that the next day, the air show would be held again in Lignano Sabbiadoro, which is less than an hour's drive from us. And so Sunday was planned, without any words needed 😜
We left home early enough to avoid the traffic jams and the search for parking lots that the organizers had warned us about in advance. Of course, we equipped ourselves with a lot of patience beforehand in case we needed it 🙃
Security on site was more than taken care of. Even though it is not exactly bathing season anymore, swimming was forbidden. Due to the dizzying aerobatic flyovers, the bathers had to get out of the sea, presumably a few hours before the start of the aviation event. I don't think anyone minded, because the weather was quite capricious at that time, it rained for half a day, it cooled down, and there was a slight breeze, so you could feel the autumn coming. Instructions were handed out by civil protection volunteers, police, and firefighters who were at every step.
The ban applied not only to bathers, but also to boating, fishing, and diving. The sea off the coast was monitored by carabinieri on jet skis, and a police helicopter flew over the scene.
In front of a crowd of several thousand people, including us, there were breathtaking performances by pilots who, separately or together, flew over the sea in front of the shore in aerobatic and military aircraft and drew interesting figures in the sky, all in less than three hours. For thunder fans, the performances of the American F-35 fighter jets and the Italian Eurofighters were sure to attract the most attention and enthusiasm, while fans of aesthetically sophisticated group choreography were treated to the performances of two world-famous aerobatic groups.
Two tents were also set up on the beach, where visitors could buy various products bearing the names of the famous Frecce Tricolori.
Experienced pilots performed technically challenging and sophisticated aerobatics that impressed even experts in the laws of physics. The acrobatics we saw really required a huge physical effort and extreme concentration from the pilots. The pilots' concentration and precision during the fly-past are crucial for the safe execution of the maneuvers. To this end, large booms were also placed in the sea to serve as ground support points for the pilots in the air and to keep them on the required course of flight.
It all started with a fly-past by an Agusta HH 139 military helicopter towing the Italian flag. This flying beauty carried out a demonstration of intervention at sea, which is also often used to rescue people. This is known professionally as SAR - Search and Rescue.
This was followed by the performance of the Pitts S-2B Special aerobatic aircraft. At first glance, I thought this two-winged single-seater looked rather clumsy and awkward, but we all know looks can be deceiving, as it left us open-mouthed when it started its performance. In my opinion, neither the aircraft nor the pilot knows what gravity is, because they certainly defied it perfectly.
This was followed by a joint flyover of a C130J Super Hercules military transport aircraft and a Leonardo P-72A, which is a multi-role aircraft capable of performing a huge number of operations.
They were followed by a Boeing 767 military aircraft, escorted by two Eurofighter Typhoon fighter jets. They were followed by a Gulfstream G550 CAEW spy plane and a pair of F35A fighter jets. It was a feast for the eyes and a unique test for the ears.
It was really loud with the military fighters whizzing over us, my whole body vibrated. Exciting, but when you think about the main purpose why these aircraft are made, it becomes frightening. I would not want to be anywhere near the target of these planes and their missiles.
Then came the Royal Jordanian Falcons, with four aircraft. The Royal Jordanian Falcons are a long-established national aerobatic team, founded in 1976. They have an international reputation for precision, professionalism, and spectacular performances. The Royal Jordanian Falcons act as a highly specialized asset for the promotion of Jordan, as they are the country's "traveling ambassadors." The Royal Jordanian Falcons team currently consists of 5 Extra-330 LX aerobatic aircraft.
They have performed a really large number of figures, all very interesting and complex. On their website, I got a description of all the elements they perform in their shows.
The most anticipated attraction of the event was the Frecce Tricolori demoteam, a symbol of excellence and national pride. They’ve closed the event with their incredible aerobatics and gave visitors the thrilling sight of tricolors streaming across the sky.
The day was unforgettable as the sky was transformed into a stage for the world's best pilots and aerobatic aircraft. The Frecce Tricolori used no less than ten planes in their choreographies, which is their usual formation.
If you are a fan of military and aerobatic aircraft, acrobatic performances, and breathtaking group choreography in the sky, thunder, and Top Gun, then this Sunday's air show was an event not to be missed.
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