THE PC-7 TEAM
DYNAMISM - ELEGANCE - PRECISION
The PC-7 TEAM showcases the high level of training and performance of both the Swiss Armed Forces and the Swiss Air Force by flying dynamic, elegant and precise manoeuvres. With their culture of commitment and discipline, the pilots prove to the public that they master the challenges of top-level military flying. Flight safety and teamwork are top priorities during the professional displays by the PC-7 TEAM, which are characterised by clear flight paths, attractive formation changes and varied manoeuvres. It is therefore no surprise that the team with its nine Pilatus PC-7 trainers enthrals tens of thousands of spectators every year and is highly regarded at home and abroad.
Learn more at www.pc7-team.ch
HOME
Since 1989, the PC-7 TEAM has thrilled a wide audience at home and abroad every year. Under the motto “Dynamism – Elegance – Precision”, we proudly represent the Swiss Air Force and the Armed Forces, act as ambassadors for Swiss values and offer a varied flying program.
ANNUAL PROGRAM
The PC-7 TEAM performs at various locations both domestically and abroad each year, captivating a wide audience ranging from young to old. Here you will find all of the team’s scheduled appearances.
SUSTAINABILITY
With its turboprop engines, the PC-7 TEAM is already one of the most fuel-efficient demonstration teams in the world. In the coming years, the TEAM will continue to strive to set an example for other display teams.
The TEAM
Formation flying at the highest level as a side job
Formation aerobatics performed in propeller planes are highly challenging even for proficient military pilots. Therefore, all team members are pilots from the Air Force's Professional Aviator Corps who normally fly the F/A-18 Hornet, helping to fulfil the air force's mission of safeguarding air sovereignty and carrying out air policing missions in Swiss airspace.
The PC-7 TEAM is made up exclusively of F/A-18 career military pilot who perform displays as a second job; this is rare in the military aerobatics community worldwide and proves the high performance capacity of the Swiss Air Force.
TEAM
The pilots of the PC-7 TEAM fly full-time in one of the two F/A-18 squadrons of the Swiss Air Force in Payerne or Meiringen, completing around 110 flying hours a year on the Hornet. In this function, they contribute to the fulfillment of the Swiss Air Force’s mission.
THE HISTORY OF THE PC-7 TEAM
In the 70s, the Air Force laid the basis for today's internationally renowned PC-7 TEAM by having two Pilatus P-3 pilots perform synchronised aerobatics. After the introduction of the Pilatus PC-7 Turbo Trainer in 1982, solo performances were flown with this new orange and silver colour scheme trainer aircraft. For the 1987 Air Force championships, Colonel Hansruedi Ruesch, the Commander of the Surveillance Wing at the time, decided that a formation of nine PC-7s should take to the air. On 20 July 1987, the first group of nine volunteers met for a three-day training course at the Swiss Air Force pilot training facility in Locarno. The formation thrilled the spectators with their first public performance at Dubendorf on 29 August 1987.
1989, however, is considered the foundation year, when the TEAM was officially brought together for the celebrations to mark 75 years of the Swiss Air Force. Nine pilots, led by Major Res Dubs, tackled the task of setting up an attractive programme that was intended to demonstrate every aspect of aerobatics performed with propeller planes. From 1989 onwards, the Swiss Air Force PC-7 TEAM thrilled the public with their performances several times a year. In 1992, the “neuf magnifiques” were bold enough to take their first step, or rather flight, abroad and showed their skills to a delighted crowd in Avord, France.
In 1998, the disbandment of the nine-propeller aircraft aerobatic team for cost saving reasons was seriously discussed. However, the then Federal Councillor Adolf Ogi passionately defended the team, the only one of its kind in the world, and guaranteed its continued existence. The number of performances increased considerably from then on: Monaco, England, Germany, France, Sweden and many other European countries were added to the annual list of venues. In 1998, the TEAM even showcased its skills in Israel. Over the years, the display programme has continuously been improved and manoeuvres such as multiple crossings, mirror flights and new formations have been added.
Much has changed over the years but the PC-7 TEAM's basic values of fellowship, dedication and striving for perfection have remained the same.
LINKS
Air display of the Swiss Air Force
The Display Teams of the Swiss Air Force participate in numerous events in Switzerland and abroad every year. You will find on this website all the information you need to request the participation of our Display Teams to your event.
Swiss Armed Forces
Three tasks – one goal: Security for our country. The Swiss Armed Forces defends our country and people against a military attack. It supports the civilian authorities in dealing with natural disasters and in countering serious threats to internal security. And it assists within the context of international peace support and humanitarian aid.
Dübendorf Air Base
During a training week, increased military flight activity is expected at Dübendorf Airfield. The operations will take place from Tuesday 21 April to Friday 24 April 2026 during normal flight operating hours. The training will take place, amongst other locations, in the airspace above Dübendorf Airfield.We ask for your understanding.Questions regarding Dübendorf Airfield can be directed to 0800 002 440.
Locarno Air Base
All these activities result in around 10,000 aircraft movements and around 13,500 overnight stays at the Locarno base every year.