F/A-18 Swiss Hornet Solo Display Team
Captain Nicolas "Vincent" Rossier, F/A-18 pilot from Fighter Squadron 17, is also the Swiss Air Force's Hornet Display pilot for the seasons 2017-2018-2019-2020. The native of Fribourg already has 2,000 flying hours to his credit, of which 1,600 are on jet aircraft, including 1,000 on the F/A-18 Hornet.
He completed the flight preparation courses (formerly FVS, now known as SPHAIR) at Ecuvillens.
Captain Rossier completed his air force training flying the following aircraft:
- Pilatus PC-7,
- Northrop F-5E Tiger II,
- and Boeing F/A-18 Hornet.
Capt Rossier has been assigned to Squadron 17 since 2008. For three years, he flew the Mirage 2000-5 as exchange pilot with the French Armée de l’Air. Today, he passes on his experience as a flight instructor.
For his attractive solo performances, our display pilot flies the Boeing F/A-18C Hornet interceptor.
F/A-18 Swiss Hornet Solo Display Team schedule
Training and air displays: Cancellation due to COVID-19
Due to the current situation with regard to COVID-19, all training flights and air show appearances by the Display Teams of the Swiss Air Force have been cancelled until further notice. This also includes the planned training course by the F/A-18 Swiss Hornet Solo Display in the third quarter of 2020. We regret the cancellations and hope to be able to perform at air shows again next year. We look forward to the season ahead. In the meantime, continue to take care of yourself and observe the protective measures, get yourself tested immediately if symptoms appear, keep your distance and wear a mask if you cannot keep your distance.
List of our Swiss Hornet Solo Display pilots
| Display years | Name | Nickname | Squadron |
|---|---|---|---|
| Since 2017 | Capt Nicolas Rossier | Vincent | Fighter Squadron 17 |
| 2014 - 2016 | Capt Julien Meister | Teddy | Fighter Squadron 17 |
| 2013 | No displays | ||
| 2010 - 2012 | Capt Ralph Knittel | Deasy | Fighter Squadron 17 |
| 2007 - 2009 | Maj Thomas Peier | Pipo | Fighter Squadron 18 |
| 2004 - 2006 | Capt Michael Reiner | Elvis | Fighter Squadron 11 |
| 2001 -2003 | Capt Patrick Dähler | Dähli | Fighter Squadron 11 |
| 1999 - 2000 | Capt Frédéric Ryff | Styff | Fighter Squadron 17 |
| 1997 - 1998 | Capt Werner Hoffmann | Höffi | Fighter Squadron 11 |
| 1997 - 1998 | Maj Stéphane Rapaz | Punzel | Fighter Squadron 17 |
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F/A-18 Hornet
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F/A-18 Hornet
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F/A-18 Hornet
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Captain Nicolas "Vincent" Rossier
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