CIAF 2008
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The CIAF (Czech International Air Fest) celebrated ist 15th anniversary in 2008. After having started at the then still military airfield Hradec Kralove it moved in 2003 to the civil airport of Brno, around 200km south-east of Prague. In its anniversary year the participation was unfortunately quite low, nevertheless CIAF became a success once again and the trip to the nearby Czech Republic was once again very worthwhile.
Where? Brno, Czech Republic
When? 6-7/09/08
Arriving at the airport a first view towards the static display revealed the lack of any highlight on the ground and the row of aircraft showed major gaps, with the second one usually line-up on the opposite side of the taxiway completely missing. But nevertheless all the special coloured aircraft of the Czech Air Force (CzAF), the An-26, L-39 and L-159A, were present as well as a nice collection of Eastern-built helicopters.
Traditionally the flying display was inaugurated at 11am with the fly-by of the CzAF, a time around which a big part of the spectators was already sitting down, having a tasty sausage and a draft of the famous Czech beer.
Two 3-ship formations of Mi-24 combat helicopters arrived, followed by 3 L-39, twice 3 L-159 and a three-ship of Gripens. On Sunday the fly-by was completed by the Airbus A319. Furthermore parachutists were jumping out of an An-26, but the aircraft was only seen high above the airfield, and Mi-171 were missing in the air.
Czech Air Force - Formation Fly-By
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Of all the participating aircraft three Mi-24s were hovering along the runway until on of the Gripens, which was later presented in a solo display, came in to land at the airfield as well as two of the L-159A ALCAs separated from the group and performed an impressive airfield attack demo with a heavy use of pyrotechnics on the ground.
L-159A ALCA - Airfield Attack
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Saab JAS-39C Gripen - Solo Display
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Mil Mi-24V- Solo Display
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