KATOWICE, September 19, 2023 — Between September 8 and 9, 2023, the Central European Spotters Association (CESA) visited Hungary’s largest airshow, Szeged International Airshow 2023, or SZIA 2023.
The Aerosparx team (2x Grob G109B) from the UK, together with Marek Choim (Extra 330SC) and the Flying Dragons Team (paramotors) from Poland, with unique firework and colored smoke displays, Danielle Del Buono ‘Wingwalker’ and her husband — Emilio Del Buono (Boeing PT-13D Stearman), Hawks of Romania (1x Extra 330SC and 4x Extra 300L), and many more.
Furthermore, the PZL (Polskie Zakady Lotnicze) in Poland created its own derivative, known as the PZL Kania. The PZL Kania, introduced in 1974, was a licensed manufacturing of the Mi-2 in Poland, with enhancements such as more powerful engines and avionics. This Polish variant improved the Mi-2’s flexibility and expanded its operating capability. — This Polish-made helicopter is also used by Heliforce.
Peter Besenyei – Edge 540
Following Heliforce, Peter Besenyei distinguishes out with his distinct flying shows that flawlessly integrate classic and advanced aerobatic skills. His competence is unrivaled, with a track record spanning over 7,000 flying hours across a range of aircraft, from gliders to cutting-edge aerobatic planes.
Notably, Peter is credited with inventing the Red Bull Air Race. He is a ten-time Hungarian National Champion and has been named “The Year’s Sportsman” an incredible 18 times for his abilities in aerobatics. His accomplishments include over 30 European and World Championship medals, as well as a coveted spot in the elite Aerobatics World Cup, a testament to his consistent excellence, as only the top nine freestyle aerobatic pilots earn this prestigious qualification based on their prior achievements.
For his Red Bull Air Race and full career information, please visit his website at http://www.besenyeipeter.com/
The Hawks of Romania, a civil aerobatic display team, have been a dazzling spectacle in the world of aviation since their formation in 2007. Flying a combination of two-seat Extra 300L and single-seat Extra 330SC aircraft, this team has enthralled audiences not only in Romania but also across Europe. Based at the Strejnicu Airfield, just 56 kilometers north of Bucharest, these aviators showcase the spirit of Romanian flight with every performance.
Clad in the vibrant colors of the Romanian flag — yellow, red, and blue — the Hawks of Romania take to the skies, leaving behind trails of white smoke that create intricate patterns, demonstrating their precision and control. Beyond their breathtaking displays, the team is a vital part of the Romanian Aero Club, sponsored by the Ministry of Transport.
Their dedication to aviation excellence is evident in their long-standing association with the Extra 300L aerobatic aircraft, which has been part of the Romanian Aero Club’s inventory since 1999 — 11 years after the first takeoff. In essence, the Hawks of Romania are not just aerobatic performers; they are ambassadors of Romanian aviation, inspiring generations to reach for the skies and beyond.
Gyula Vári – Yakovlev Yak-55
The YAK-55, piloted by Vari Gyula, performed admirably. Gyula is a former MiG-29 fighter pilot with extensive flight experience. As a result, he is the ideal candidate to host the show on YAK55. The crowd was thrilled when the stunning red-blue-white Russian masterpiece, registered as 4L-GFB01, appeared in the sky. Gyula put his experience to good use and put on an excellent show.
The Yakovlev Yak-55 is a renowned Russian aerobatic aircraft celebrated for its exceptional precision and agility. With its low-wing monoplane design, robust radial engine, and modern cockpit, it’s a favorite among competitive aerobatic pilots. This iconic aircraft continues to inspire awe in the world of aerobatics, pushing the boundaries of what’s possible in the skies. That’s why Gyula was able to show everyone what he can and what his YAK can.
Ocovski Bacovia – 4x L-23 Blaník
When Gyula finished his performance, the Ocovski Bacovia team onto the stage in a formation of four L23 gliders and performed admirably. The Ocovski Bacovia Blanik Team is a glider aerobatic group recognized for its breathtaking aerial feats. They fly the Blanik glider, pushing the limits of what is possible in gliding formation flying. They perform coordinated feats that awe viewers with precision and coordination, as they demonstrated in Szeged. This duo exemplifies the beauty of glider flight as well as the artistry of aerobatics, making them a notable presence in the world of aviation.
They fly in the L-23 Blanik, a legendary glider with a long history in the soaring world. The Blanik, designed and manufactured in the former Czechoslovakia, has established itself as one of the world’s most frequently used and known gliders.
The Blanik is well-known for its sturdy and trustworthy construction, making it a good choice for both rookie and expert glider pilots. Its tandem seating configuration accommodates an instructor and a student, making it a popular choice for glider training schools. While newer glider models have evolved over the years, the L-23 Blanik’s ongoing appeal and reputation in the world of soaring keep it a popular choice for anyone seeking the joy of unpowered flight and the excitement of exploration.
Hungarian KFU Team
The next performance was made by the Hungarian KFU Parachute Team, a group of dedicated parachutists who share a passion for skydiving and aerial acrobatics. This team is known for its thrilling performances and precision jumps, showcasing the exhilarating world of sport parachuting.
The Hungarian KFU Parachute Team typically consists of experienced skydivers and instructors who not only enjoy the adrenaline rush of freefall but also excel in imparting their knowledge to newcomers. They often participate in various skydiving events, competitions, and airshows, where they demonstrate their skills and promote the sport of parachuting.
One of the most captivating aspects of the Hungarian KFU Parachute Team’s performances is their synchronized jumps and formation skydiving. Whether they’re forming intricate patterns in the sky or executing perfectly timed group exits from an aircraft, their displays are a testament to teamwork and precision.
Danielle Wingwalker – Boeing PT-13D
Allow us to introduce Danielle Del Buono ‘Wingwalker’, the mesmerizing performer of the skies whose aerial artistry has left audiences spellbound worldwide. As a prominent member of the renowned 46Aviation team, Danielle has consistently pushed the boundaries of aviation entertainment. She, alongside her husband Emiliano Del Buono, has been at the forefront of this thrilling industry.
The N450D, a Boeing PT-13D, has a rich history dating back to World War II. Originally built for military training purposes, it has since been meticulously restored and transformed into a flying work of art. With its unmistakable vintage design and powerful engine, this aircraft becomes the perfect platform for Danielle’s daring wingwalking feats.
This is not just a vehicle; it’s the stage upon which Danielle and Emiliano demonstrate their remarkable talents, combining precision flying with breathtaking wingwalking displays. This aircraft represents the heart and soul of their performances, embodying the spirit of adventure and passion for aviation that defines their extraordinary careers. It’s no wonder that the N450D is a beloved icon in the world of airshows, leaving audiences in awe with each graceful maneuver and daring stunt.
Zoltan Veres – MX Technologies MXS
Zoltan Veres, the genius of aerobatic flight, demonstrates his unrivaled talents with the precision and grace that can only come from years of dedication to his profession. He has transformed the skies into his canvas, creating amazing compositions with every twist and turn while piloting the stunning MX Technologies MXS aircraft.
The MX Technologies MXS is a high-performance aerobatic aircraft intended primarily for competitive aerobatics and airshow performances. It is the perfect extension of Zoltan Veres’ artistic expression in the air, with its elegant design, strong engine, and astounding capabilities.
The MXS’s extraordinary agility and responsiveness is one of its prominent features, allowing Zoltan to execute the most intricate aerobatic feats with unparalleled precision. This aircraft is engineered to withstand the tremendous pressures of aerobatics, with the ability to bear forces of up to +14g and -14g, allowing Zoltan to push the frontiers of what is possible in aerobatic flight.
Zoltan Veres’ mastery of the MXS and its remarkable capabilities are a testament to his unwavering commitment to excellence in aerobatics. Whether he’s executing gravity-defying rolls, tight spins, or inverted flight, the MXS serves as his trusted partner in the sky, facilitating his ability to create awe-inspiring performances that leave spectators on the edge of their seats.
Aerosparx – 2x Grob G109B
Aerosparx, the groundbreaking aerobatic display team, has earned worldwide acclaim for their unmatched precision, finesse, and a truly unique blend of pyrotechnics, aerobatics, and formation flying — all performed under the cloak of the night sky. Flying the agile Grob G109Bs aircraft, designated as G-OSTX and G-OSNX, Aerosparx has made history as the first team in the world to master the art of pyrotechnics, aerobatics, and formation flying at night.
The Grob G109B, a versatile powered glider, provides the perfect canvas for Aerosparx to execute their aerobatic flights while carrying the pyrotechnic magic that sets them apart below the large wing surfaces and winglets.
Aerosparx’s performances are not just displays of skill; they are extraordinary sensory experiences that leave audiences spellbound. Their passion for aviation, dedication to their craft, and innovative spirit have brought them to the forefront of airshow entertainment. With a remarkable blend of professionalism and daring, they entertain audiences with their high-energy displays, leaving spectators on the ground in awe of their aerial prowess.
As the sun sets and the sky darkens, Aerosparx ignites a symphony of pyrotechnics that trail behind their aircraft, creating dazzling bursts of light and color that dance through the night sky. Colored smoke further accentuates their maneuvers, transforming the sky into a canvas of vibrant hues.
Marek Choim – Extra 330SC
Marek Choim’s aircraft, the Extra 330SC, is truly exceptional. According to the official Extra Aircraft website, the Extra 330SC is renowned for being one of the best aircraft for aerobatics, thanks to its remarkable capabilities. With the ability to withstand incredible forces, it’s designed to handle a staggering +/-10g, making it the perfect choice for aerobatic professionals like Marek Choim. Its precision, responsiveness, and state-of-the-art design allow him to execute breathtaking aerobatic maneuvers that seem almost impossible.
During the daytime shows, Marek Choim wowed the crowds with his aerobatic skills, demonstrating the true potential of the Extra 330SC with colored smoke. Gravity-defying rolls, loops, and spins left spectators in awe as they watched this incredible aircraft perform feats of precision and power.
Flying Dragons Team
In addition to Marek Choim’s extraordinary displays, the Flying Dragons Team took to the skies with their paramotors, providing a unique and mesmerizing aerial spectacle. Powered by lightweight engines and equipped with paragliding wings, paramotors offer a distinct form of aerial artistry. Maneuvering gracefully through the skies, the team demonstrated their exceptional control and skill, painting the sky with intricate patterns and colorful daytime smoke trails during their daytime displays.
As the sun set, the Flying Dragons Team continued to captivate audiences with their night performances, combining the beauty of paramotors with the magic of pyrotechnics. Nighttime pyrotechnics lit up the sky in a dazzling display, choreographed to complement the graceful movements of the paramotors. It was a visual extravaganza that left spectators spellbound, as they witnessed the union of flight and fireworks.
As we conclude this article, the Central European Spotters Association would like to express our deepest condolences for the tragic loss of Vilmos and Árpád Rózsavölgyi. These seasoned pilots met with a devastating accident at Börgönd Airport (LHBD) during their airshow display, just a day after SZIA 2023. It is with heavy hearts that we convey our profound sympathy during this challenging period.
In conclusion, the CESA team was not only thoroughly impressed by the event itself but also by the warm and welcoming atmosphere created by the organizers and fellow visitors. It was heartening to witness such a diverse and friendly community coming together to celebrate aviation and entertainment.
The nighttime spectacle, highlighted by the enchanting drone show and the dazzling portrayal of beloved cartoon characters from our cherished childhood tales, left us in awe. Furthermore, the grandeur of the fireworks display exceeded all expectations, setting a new standard for excellence.
What made this experience truly remarkable was the camaraderie among the visitors. We genuinely enjoyed interacting with and getting to know each and every attendee. The shared enthusiasm for aviation and the sense of unity amongst all those present added an extra layer of magic to the event.
Article written by Dominik Csordás and Konrad Wyszynski.
Featured image: Dominik Csordás
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