La Ferte-Alais Airshow (27th & 28th of May) 2023 France

40,000 Spectators present for the 50th EDITION

After celebrating the 50th anniversary of its creation last year, the Amicale Jean-Baptiste Salis organised this year the 50th edition of its aerial festival: Le Temps des Hélices.

One of Europe's oldest and best-known aeronautical events, the Cerny la Ferté-Alais rendezvous drew a capacity crowd of 40,000 enthusiasts from all over France and abroad over the two days.

For the occasion, many collectors and pilots of aircraft from all eras of aeronautical history made the trip to meet up in the historic and rural setting of the famous aerodrome and offer the public a sumptuous exhibition of around a hundred civilian and military aircraft, most of which were going to take to the skies. The organisers of Temps des Hélices were keen to ensure that spectators and participants in the event were as close as possible, so visitors of all ages were able to admire all the machines up close and meet the mechanics and pilots who keep them flying.

The afternoon programme included almost 5 hours of non-stop action, alternating between historic aircraft in themed displays ranging from the pioneering days to the latest generation of aircraft, aerobatic displays and re-enactments of aerial combat with sound and pyrotechnic effects, such as the now-famous "Tora Tora" display, which brought back to life the attack on Pearl Harbor with eleven T-6s, or "Vietnam", with North American T-28s, a Douglas Skyraider and a North American OV-10 Bronco.

Among the stars of this 50th edition are the Moranes, Blériots, Caudrons GIIIs, Derpussins and Fokker DR1 Triplanes of the early 20th century. The 1930s period will be represented by Bücker 131s and 133s, Stearman PT-17s and N-3Ns.

Always a firm favourite with enthusiasts, the Warbirds were also on show, with two Spitfires MkXIV and MkXIX, as well as a Chance Vought F4U Corsair made famous by the TV series 'Les têtes brûlées', and Curtiss P-40Ns and H-75s. There was also a display of Luftwaffe aircraft, including a rare Junker 52 and a Storch Fi-156.

As five Bückers flew overhead, a vibrant tribute was also paid to Bernard Chabbert, pilot, journalist, writer and aviation historian, and historical commentator on Temps des Hélices, who passed away last December.

The French Air Force, a regular fixture at the event, once again made its mark with spectacular displays by the Patrouille de France, which is celebrating its 70th anniversary this year. There was also an impressive display by the Rafale Solo Display and the French Air Force Aerobatic Team (EVAA), which is celebrating its 50th anniversary. There was also a flyover of a Lockheed Martin C-130J Super Hercules.

The Aéronautique Navale was also present with three Rafale Marine aircraft. And the ALAT (Aviation Légère de l'Armée de Terre), with its Puma, Gazelle and Calliopé on dynamic display.

Another highlight of the afternoon was the first appearance in the skies over La Ferté-Alais of the F-16 Solo Display and the Red Devils Patrol, made up of four Marchetti SF-260s belonging to the Belgian Air Force, who had come to celebrate the event.

The 50th edition of Temps des Hélices was a great success with a large audience of enthusiasts and participants, who are looking forward to seeing you next year with a renewed programme and some great surprises in store. An event not to be missed!