V Małopolski Piknik Lotniczy. Czyżyny. 2008

Air Show in Kraków

The V Małopolski Piknik Lotniczy took place on June 28-29, 2008.

PZL TS-11 Iskra nb 1. 2008. Photo by Karol Placha Hetman
PZL TS-11 Iskra nb 1. 2008. Photo by Karol Placha Hetman

Year by year, the Aviation Picnic at the Polish Aviation Museum was developing. There were more and more aircraft presented in flight and in the static exhibition. The first companies offering aircraft for sale appeared. The number of military reconstruction groups increased. There were more and more commercial and gastronomic stands and attractions for children and adults. And most of all, the number of viewers who came with whole families increased.

For the duration of the event, the Civil Aviation Authority issued a conditional consent to take off airplanes and helicopters from the rest of the runway (RWY). Some planes were based on Pobiednik Airport or Balice Airport. As there is a nearby descent path to the landing of planes at Balice Airport, the show zone was limited to the north and within the altitude.

As every year, the 5th Małopolska Aviation Picnic was opened by the parachute jumps made from the Antonow An-2 plane.

The company "Aero-Kros" sp. Z o.o. presented at the Aviation Picnic. in Krosno. The company was established on December 1, 2007. "Aero-Kros" is an Aviation Production and Repair Plant. The company continues the aviation activity in Krosno. The company renovates gliders and airplanes. It produces aviation parts and trades in flying equipment. In Czyżyny, the company presented the Rotorway Executive 162F, SP-YSC helicopter.

Rotorway Executive 162F, SP-YSC. 2008 year. Photo by Karol Placha Hetman
Rotorway Executive 162F, SP-YSC. 2008 year. Photo by Karol Placha Hetman

The beautiful Eurocopter AS-355F-2 Ecureuil 2, C-FXGO helicopter was presented at the Aviation Picnic. The Eurocopter AS-355F-2 Écureuil 2 is a twin-engine utility light helicopter developed and originally manufactured by Aérospatiale in France. The helicopter is derived directly from the single-engine AS-350 Écureuil, which made its first flight on September 28, 1979.

The Mil Mi-24 nb 728 combat helicopter was a big attraction. The helicopter was already after a general renovation, as evidenced by the new dark green painting.

Mil Mi-24 nb 728. 2008. Photo by Karol Placha Hetman
Mil Mi-24 nb 728. 2008. Photo by Karol Placha Hetman

In Kraków there was also the Biało-Czerwone Iskry team from the School of Eaglets in Dęblin. This time the team presented itself on four PZL TS-11 Iskra planes. At the same time, the museum was enriched with the PZL TS-11 Iskra, nb 1 plane, which was flying in the team.

Once again, the Hungarian Lisunov Li-2, HA-LIX aircraft demonstrated during the picnic.

The "Żelazny" Aerobatic Team took part in the picnic. The team presented itself on three Zlin-50 L planes.

"Żelazny" team. Zlin-50 L planes. 2008. Photo by Karol Placha Hetman
"Żelazny" team. Zlin-50 L planes. 2008. Photo by Karol Placha Hetman

The Turbolet L-410, SP-TPB, Polish Air Navigation Services Agency (PAA) was again in Kraków. This time the plane was already in a new livery.

Turbolet L-410, SP-TPB. 2008 year. Photo by Karol Placha Hetman
Turbolet L-410, SP-TPB. 2008 year. Photo by Karol Placha Hetman

Once again in Krakow there was the PZL M-26 Iskierka, SP-DIF plane. Viewers could admire the planes: Orka SP-YEP, Zlin-142 SP-KSW, and many others.

Military reconstruction groups were present at the 5th Małopolska Aviation Picnic. As every year, there was a staging of historical battles from the Second World War.

Historical staging. 2008 year. Photo by Karol Placha Hetman
Historical staging. 2008 year. Photo by Karol Placha Hetman

Historical staging. 2008 year. Photo by Karol Placha Hetman
Historical staging. 2008 year. Photo by Karol Placha Hetman

Historical staging. 2008 year. Photo by Karol Placha Hetman
Historical staging. 2008 year. Photo by Karol Placha Hetman

A big attraction was the F-1 racing car, which belonged to the outstanding Polish racing driver, Mr. Robert Kubica. It was a time when Mr. Robert Kubica was successful in the F-1 formula.

Mr. Robert Kubica's car. 2008 year. Photo by Karol Placha Hetman
Mr. Robert Kubica's car. 2008 year. Photo by Karol Placha Hetman

The presenters of the picnic were Messrs: Krzysztof Radwan (MLP director), Jan Hoffmann and Tadeusz Sznuk (journalist, presenter and pilot).

Written by Karol Placha Hetman