Sion airshow update – a report from the ground

The airshow’s first day was a non-stop dazzling display of aircraft in the sky and on the tarmac, plus amazing flight simulators visitors could try out. Just a few quick highlights:

The Italian Frecce Tricolori aerobatics team flying their colors.

Visitors get to sit for a few seconds in the cockpit of one of the world’s most advanced fighters, the Eurofighter Typhoon, which also puts on an aerial ballet each day.

Decidedly slower, but just as elegant, ELA gyrocopters.

Two giant video screens give amazing views of airplanes flying low, and during the flight of a Hawker Hunter, visitors even got this amazing live view from the cockpit as the plane dove over the airport.

If you’re willing to wait in line you can take the controls in a Typhoon or F-35 flight simulator.

The show continues Saturday and Sunday, with different planes and helicopters flying each day.

By Bill Harby

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