The rain continued until after noon and caused some chaos in the program; the Airpower air show is now taking place in full sun. The fans are enthusiastic. More visitors are expected on Saturday.
The Ambuscher family travelled a whopping 770 kilometres from Donaueschingen in Germany’s Black Forest to Zeltweg in Upper Styria. The journey was worth it, says dad Klaus: “We’ll be back. It’s great here!” Son Leo will soon be celebrating his second birthday and is a big aviation fan: “His grandpa is a rescue helicopter pilot,” says mother Kathrin. And there’s an airport in Donaueschingen too.
Stefan Petridis’s trip from Traun (Upper Austria) was not that far away: he is part of a group of no less than 24 people who spend several days in the region. In a good mood we braved the rain in the morning. Previous highlight: “The helicopter demonstration by Felix Baumgartner and Blacky Schwarz.”
“I would like to come back”
Hinterstoisser Air Force Base is packed around 2:30 p.m., with an estimated 100,000 visitors on site. While part of the morning program had to be canceled (such as the Spanish aerobatics team Patrulla Aguila), the flying demonstrations now take place under a clear blue sky. A special highlight was the demonstration of the modern F35 Lightning II fighter jet by American pilot Melanie “Mach” Kluesner.
An hour after her performance, she appeared relaxed in an interview with the “Krone”: “It was a challenge. But I enjoyed the scenery.” How would she describe the power of her plane? “It’s like having lightning in my fingertips. From the first minute, I’m pushed into my seat.” She would love to return to the Zeltweg: “We love it here.”
Few operations for the police
According to the police, the day has been quiet so far – apart from the tragic accident of a 9-year-old boy who fell off his bike while traveling and was run over by a bus. Also, a few drones had to be fended off. The traffic jams on arrival had already cleared after 09:00.
In general, after a year and a half of preparation, the authorities are well prepared for two days of air power. “I am deeply relaxed,” said district governor Nina Pölzl this morning.
Ideal weather expected on Saturday
The flight program lasts until about 17:30. Then the big departure begins. Tomorrow Saturday – if the weather continues to be good – everything must be prepared for an ideal airpower day with the entire program of Friday plus a flyover of an AUA Boeing 787 (Dreamliner).
And when will the next Airpower take place? Defense Secretary Klaudia Tanner would like it to be two years from now, and Governor Christopher Drexler certainly isn’t shy when asked.
Source: Krone
I am Wallace Jones, an experienced journalist. I specialize in writing for the world section of Today Times Live. With over a decade of experience, I have developed an eye for detail when it comes to reporting on local and global stories. My passion lies in uncovering the truth through my investigative skills and creating thought-provoking content that resonates with readers worldwide.
