Aviatická Pilgrimage Soars into Pardubice This Weekend
Aviatická pilgrimage is one of the premier aviation and aerobatics events in the Czech Republic, taking place in Pardubice since 1991. This remarkable gathering features top pilots dressed in historical uniforms and costumes to add to the celebratory atmosphere. The Aviatic Pilgrimage is under the patronage of President of the Czech Republic Petr Pavel and Minister of Defence Jana Černochová.
The highlight of the event will be the traditional, about five-hour, continuous display of flight demonstrations. Attendees can look forward to seeing numerous historical airplanes alongside modern aircraft used by the Czech Army, including a solo performance by the Gripen fighter jet and a rescue helicopter. The airport gates will open at 8:00 a.m. on both days of the weekend, and the flight program kicks off at 11:30 a.m.
History enthusiasts can anticipate a flight program that highlights significant moments in Czech and European aviation history: the famed German Messerschmitt Me-262 jet fighter will arrive from Manching, part of the Messerschmitt Stiftung collection. The Dakota C-47 Skytrain, dressed in wartime invasion colors, will fly in from Switzerland, accompanied by a trio of Beech 18 Twinbeeches. Additionally, the Panavia Tornado will arrive from Germany featuring an anniversary design for a static exhibit. Attendees can also witness scenes from historical wars, which will depict significant battles from both the First and Second World Wars. There will even be a replica of the Bleriot JK to honor Ing. Jan Kaspar, the pioneer of Czech aviation.
Modern military and training aircraft will also have a presence at the Aviatic Fair: expect to see the Gripen and CASA 295 in action, along with parachuting displays, a W3A Sokol rescue helicopter, and a dynamic solo performance by the JAS 39 Gripen. The event will feature the arrival of the L-39C, L-39NG Skyfox, and the Zlin Z-142 AČR, with Martin Šonka onboard. Additionally, attendees can look forward to the historic C-11, Z-381 BASA, and the debut performance of the British bomber Avro Anson Mk.I.
Czech Republic Army at the Aviatic Fair
The Pardubice Aviation Fair regularly serves as a platform for the Army of the Czech Republic to showcase its capabilities. This year is no exception. Soldiers will engage with visitors on both days, presenting themselves through both static displays and, of course, during the flight program. A key attraction of the military showcase is traditionally the JAS-39 Gripen supersonic fighter jet. This year, it will be demonstrated in a solo display by Jan Ratz, the newest army display pilot and the sixth Czech pilot to hold this role, marking his second public performance in Pardubice.
The Army of the Czech Republic has also organized a range of traditional ground demonstrations. Alongside the air bases, the air force will include the 25th Anti-Aircraft Missile Regiment from Strakonice, featuring a light armored vehicle Dingo 2 and the RBS-70NG anti-aircraft missile system. The 26th Command, Control, and Reconnaissance Regiment from Stará Boleslav will showcase light-armored vehicles designed for intervention in chemically or radiologically contaminated areas. Additionally, attendees can look forward to watching military firefighters utilizing a so-called bambi bag and drone, which they use for locating, monitoring, and extinguishing fires.
