Kapfenberg Airshow

Kapfenberg Airstrip
Steiermark
Austria
July 7 -9, 2006

Combine Aircraft with Gliders and Model Aircraft, Beer Tents with a travelling Amusement Park, add a picturesque grass airstrip tucked away in the Austrian Alps and you will begin to get some idea of this Airshow.

Although the atmosphere was more village fair than serious Airshow, it was impossible not to get caught up in the fun of it all.

This was the 8th Airshow organised by the enthusiastic and energetic pairing of Herr Johann Siber and Karl Gosch. (Who I gather started this whole venture because it seemed a good idea at the time.) Entry is free; the crew are all volunteers as I think are the performers. The Red Bull Team with their Corsair, Edge and Apache added a professional touch, as did the Austrian Airforce with a fire fighting helicopter display.

The model aircraft contingent provided some eye-catching sequences with some Very Large Models, a Glider and Tug combination and several aerobatic displays – one of witch was done by a jet model and was particularly smooth. With the larger models it was difficult to tell you were actually looking at model and not the real thing.

But of all the performances, the one I really thought outstanding was a formation aerobatic display by a pair of Blanik gliders. It was very graceful and somehow seemed to capture the essence of flight. Hats off to the pilots.

Of course just being in Austria added a distinctive flavour – we ate quite a few schnitzels – and I don’t think I’ve ever seen as many ski fields!

I don’t think this Airshow will be on the circuit next year – I understand a much bigger affair is planned just up the valley. It will be worth looking out for if you are planning on being in that part of the world.