At a glance: Nine facts about AirPower09

On June 26 and 27 participants from 19 countries made the Fliegerhorst Hinterstoisser airfield in Zeltweg, Austria, the most exciting airfield in the world. They also presented the incomparable fascination of the perfect interaction between humans and technology in all facets. Some of the most important insights into AirPower09.

1. Most successful AirPower of all time.

On both days the air show was attended by a total of 280,000 spectators – a new record!

2. AirPower loved by Europe’s stunt-flying echelon.

‘Although we had other engagements this weekend, deciding to go to AirPower came easily,’ said Daniel Hoesli, commander of Patrouille Suisse. ‘Because nowhere else is there such a fantastic atmosphere than in Zeltweg.’ Guests such as Turkish Stars, Wings of Storm and others also expressed similar sentiments.

3. Physical laws are a matter of question.

At least that’s the way it seemed at the Red Bull Air Race demo: World Champion Hannes Arch flew through a slalom course made up of 20 meter tall pylons with three other Red Bull Air Race colleagues – at 400 km/h and forces of up to 10 G. Arch: ‘In the cockpit I was fully concentrated. Beforehand and afterwards I felt like a little boy: you hardly ever get to see so many planes in one spot.’

4. Helicopters can also fly loops.

There are only three civil pilots worldwide who practice stunt flying with helicopters. One of them, namely the German Flying Bulls pilot Rainer Wilke, impressively demonstrated what can be done with a helicopter.

5. Audience wowed by flying and diving stunts.

It wasn’t only the numerous aircraft that excited the crowd but also the Red Bull Skydive Team that displayed breathtaking action with their sky dive from 1200 meters up. Team captain David Hasenschwandtner also expressed enthusiasm for AirPower09: ‘With so many people, the picture from above was simply amazing. We’re looking forward to the next AirPower ...’

6. AirPower the best organized airshow in Europe.

This was the general consensus amongst numerous airshow participants. The Dutch DC2 pilot Dick Algra praised the ‘perfect all-round service’; Turkish Stars commander Zeky´ Kamy´L Celykkol ‘the Styrian hospitality’. Pilots from 19 countries attended AirPower09.

7. AirPower fans are peaceful and disciplined.

A harmonious atmosphere without any incidents is not to be taken for granted at events of this scope. At AirPower09, however, the whole event was peaceful and well disciplined.

8. Something for everyone at AirPower09.

From the flying rarity of the Flying Bulls to Europe’s best stunt flying echelon; from wide-bodied aircraft to fighter planes: AirPower09 enthused 550 spotters as well as tens of thousands of families who used the event for a day outing.

9. AirPower09 blessed by good weather.

While half of Austria suffered the consequences of trough ‘Quinton’, Zeltweg was blessed with dry weather from Thursday onwards. The two short showers on Saturday afternoon affected neither the atmosphere nor the airshow program.