Oregon International Air Show 2016: Breitling Jet Team

All the way from Dijon, France the Breitling Jet Team is the largest civilian aerobatic display team in Europe and they delivered the goods at the Oregon International Air Show at Hillsboro Airport near Portland, Oregon this year. The team flies seven (plus a spare) Czech designed and built Aero L-39 Albatros jets (formerly an Eastern Bloc military jet trainer) that sport a smart-looking Breitling livery of black, anthracite gray and metal gray plus huge tail numbers that really makes them stand out in the sky! They are conducting a flying air show tour across the United States and Canada this summer.

The pilots are vastly experienced in aerobatic flying and were mostly former French Air Force fighter pilots who know the meaning of speed and precision. Just as you would expect, the French are elegant showmen and their display is smooth, well-coordinated and a stunning performance of precision formation flying. This was the first time I had seen the Breitling Jet Team and I was suitably impressed. Vive la France!

Breitling Jet Team Oregon International Air Show 2016 — 7 of the best at the Oregon International Air Show 2016

Pre-Flight

Breitling Jet Team 1-7 Oregon International Air Show 2016 — Breitling Jet Team 1-7

Breitling L-39 7 — Breitling Jet 7 just needs a pilot

Former combat jet pilot Patrick Marchand (“Gaston”) is aboard Breitling Jet 7

Former combat jet pilot Patrick Marchand (“Gaston”) is aboard Breitling 7 — Ready to go

The Take-Off

Breitling 1, 2 & 4 ready for take-off Oregon International Air Show 2016 — Breitling 1, 2 & 4 ready for take-off (Mt. Hood is visible in the background)

Breitling 3 & 5 ready for take-off Oregon International Air Show 2016 — Breitling 3 & 5 ready for take-off

Breitling 1, 2 & 4 rolling for take-off Oregon International Air Show 2016 — Breitling 1, 2 & 4 rolling for take-off

Breitling 6 & 7 rolling for take-off Oregon International Air Show 2016 — Breitling 6 & 7 rolling for take-off

Breitling 3 & 5 rolling for take-off with smoke on Oregon International Air Show 2016 — Breitling 3 & 5 rolling for take-off with smoke on

Breitling Jet Team take-off Oregon International Air Show 2016 — Away they go!

Aerial Prowess

First formation pass Breitling Jet Team Oregon International Air Show 2016 — First formation pass

Breitling Jet Team crossover Oregon International Air Show 2016 — Breitling Jet Team crossover

Breitling Jet Team final break Oregon International Air Show 2016 — Breitling Break!

Breitling Jet Team flare release finale Oregon International Air Show 2016 — Flare release finale!

The Return

The Breitling Jet Team Landing after their Saturday performance at the Oregon International Air Show 2016

Breitling Support Team

Running an international aerobatic display of modern jets is expensive and requires a team of mechanics, an aerobatic coach and support staff to keep things running. Lets pay tribute to the unsung heroes of the team who help keep the birds in the sky to entertain us.