Zagreb Aeromeeting 2005.
This year’s aeromeeting was better than the last year’s. Great opening with group flight from Austrian guest group of four old Saabs followed by the two attractive acrobatic demonstrations by Slovenian guest pilots. Those were great—looking at them doing all those difficult turns, makes you start wondering how the heck they know where they are when they finish some complicated loop.
Traditionally, military crafts came at the very end. First Pilatus and than MiG-21. The guy in Pilatus didn’t seem to be at his best, as he did just a few regular tricks. His ‘bell’ was poorly executed, totally opposite from the last year’s execellent performance. The only really impressive trick was reverse low flight with negative pull-up. G-force in that figure is negative—it doesn’t push you to a seat, it pulls you off and up, which could be very uncomfortable.
The MiG pilot really done his part well. From what they demonstrated last year, I expected just a few straight overflights with a forssage for the sake of making thunder for the crowd. Surprisingly, this pilot really stepped on it and did some amazing stuff with that aged aircraft. Almost like the plane came straight from a repair shop and he wanted to be the first one to try it out.
Anyway, I’m looking forward to see Eurofighter, F-16 and Tornado in Varaždin at 3rd of July.

6 Comments
It’s sad to see that they entire region has crappy military aircraft. On the other hand, we don’t really need them.
I saw the Blue Angels when they came to Romania, many years ago, and their extreme maneuvers in F-18s ruined me for regular acrobatics.
Any other photos?
Comment (#) by Gabriel Mihalache — 19th June 2005.
Good stuff. I am surprised the Croatian Air Force (HRZ) managed to roll out a MIG that was in working order!! They always seem down to 3/4 planes and they technically should have 20+.
No matter what they are awesome to watch. Remember seeing one at Zagreb Airport 95′, taking off/landing, flying around, pretty impresive to say the least.
Were there any helicopter displays??
Comment (#) by medo — 19th June 2005.
I can’t find any informations about Varaždin aeromeeting, but I’m pretty sure that I’ll see you there. I just must see F-16 :-)
Comment (#) by Pellmat — 19th June 2005.
Gabriel, I shot this one with my IXUS 500 and had to do some heavy magic in PS to make it look less than adequate. Maybe Mirko was more lucky.
medo, special police team (Alphas) demonstrated infiltration and parameter securing from the chopper. Also, the traffic control pilot demonstrated a few tricks.
Pellmat, sadly and as you know, in our country they don’t cover this kind of events over the internet… A friend and I gave an assignment to a colleague from Varaždin to investigate for more details, so I let you know when I get some info.
Comment (#) by marko — 19th June 2005.
Very Interesting – I guess I have been really spoiled living here in the USA and watching the American pilots and their aircraft.
One of my best friends is a pilot of the US Airforce and its impressive to watch what he can do with his aircraft.
I’m sure the show on July 3 will be very impressive with the F-16 – enjoy!
Comment (#) by Brandon S — 20th June 2005.
For all Croatian people, here is official web site Airshow Varaždin
Comment (#) by marko — 23rd June 2005.
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