A Great «Flügerchilbi» in Langenthal

The «Flügerchilbi» at the Langenthal/Bleienbach airfield has been a staple event for many fans for years. With this year’s event, the organizer, the Oberaarau Gliding Club (SGO), has really outdone itself.

Beautiful late-summer weather and what was likely the Patrouille Suisse’s final performance in Bleienbach: This scenario inspired the organizers, but also raised concerns about whether they would even be able to handle the influx of spectators. The verdict on the evening of September 6: Satisfied guests, satisfied volunteers and organizers, and an air show that was in no way inferior to the larger events in Grenchen and Altenrhein.

When, at half past eight, Stefu Wälchli and other hot-air balloons were floating over the Bleienbach airfield, the flying cow «Blüemli» had already set the tone: a cheerful folk festival in idyllic Oberaargau, which, judging by the booths, actually resembled a Chilbi. In terms of the flight program, however, it was a full-fledged and perfectly organized air show. It was also noteworthy that the professional model aircraft pilots did not serve as «filler,» but were an integral part of the flight program. The Patrouille Suisse, for example, could be seen much earlier on, though «only» in a three-ship formation with remote-controlled scale jets.

The flight program gave the approximately 10,000 spectators an overview of nearly every aspect of aviation: from a replica of the 1917 Nieuport 23-C1 to the ’Wingmen,« who performed a flawless formation flight with two Black Shape and one Tarragon aircraft. Shortly before half past three, the Swiss national anthem rang out, and Lieutenant Colonel Nils Hämmerli announced the Patrouille Suisse—arguably the highlight of the day for most visitors. But warbird fans also got their money’s worth: while the AT-6 Texan stationed in Bleienbach put on a perfect demonstration, a surprise guest—an F4U Corsair stationed in Germany—appeared shortly before five o’clock and, on its return flight from Gruyère, delivered another impressive display.

Photos: Giles Schneeberger, Urs Holderegger