P-2s fly from Reichenbach im Kandertal

Authentic flying experience like the military pilots of the 1940s: Experience the Pilatus P-2, the first production aircraft from the Swiss manufacturer Pilatus from Nidwalden, with its characteristic large nose gear and its robust, powerful 12-cylinder inline engine.

Reichenbach im Kandertal is a picturesque village, known among other things for the famous Reichenbach Falls. This impressive waterfall is not only a natural beauty but also known as the place where Sherlock Holmes fought Professor Moriarty in Arthur Conan Doyle's story "The Final Problem".

Reichenbach's location in the Kander Valley—the former Swiss Air Force airfield is located directly on the Kander River—makes it a wonderful starting point for flights from the Bernese Oberland: one of Switzerland's most impressive landscapes! Here are some highlights you can enjoy from a bird's eye view in the P-2—and "do some gymnastics" in:

• Eiger, Mönch and Jungfrau – The famous trio of the Bernese Oberland impresses with its majestic peaks and the imposing Eiger North Face.
• Aletsch Glacier – The largest glacier in the Alps stretches over 23 kilometers and offers a breathtaking backdrop.
• Matterhorn – The iconic mountain with its striking shape is one of Switzerland’s most famous landmarks.
• Lake Thun and Lake Brienz – The deep blue lakes nestled between the mountains are a fascinating sight.
• Interlaken – The city between the lakes.
• Schilthorn – Famous from the James Bond film “On Her Majesty’s Secret Service,” this peak offers spectacular views.

There are also narrow valleys, mountain lakes ranging in color from milky gray-blue to deep blue-green, and indentations in mountain ranges that you can soar through at low altitude. It simply doesn't get any better than this. Do you have a specific route in mind? The pilot will be happy to accommodate your wishes!

From the former Reichenbach Reduit airfield – located directly on the Kander River – you can experience a true piece of Swiss aviation history in a historic Pilatus P-2.

Feel the power of the 450 hp engine and enjoy the characteristic, original feeling of flight – without any modern assistance systems.

Choose between:
A leisurely panoramic flight or adrenaline-pumping aerobatic maneuvers—or, of course, a mix of these options. The P-2 flight is continuously adapted to your needs.

Flights take place throughout the year depending on the weather, but preferably from spring to autumn by arrangement.

That's entirely up to you; the flight will be discussed during the briefing. Your pilot will, of course, have some real insider tips for you! He knows the area like the back of his hand. Here are a few of the highlights in this area:

• Eiger, Mönch and Jungfrau – The famous trio of the Bernese Oberland impresses with its majestic peaks and the imposing Eiger North Face.
• Aletsch Glacier – The largest glacier in the Alps stretches over 23 kilometers and offers a breathtaking backdrop.
• Matterhorn – The iconic mountain with its striking shape is one of Switzerland’s most famous landmarks.
• Lake Thun and Lake Brienz – The deep blue lakes nestled between the mountains are a fascinating sight.
• Interlaken – The city between the lakes.
• Schilthorn – Famous from the James Bond film “On Her Majesty’s Secret Service,” this peak offers spectacular views.

First, you'll naturally take a closer look at this beautiful, gleaming silver Pilatus P-2. Your flight adventure in this Swiss aviation legend begins with a "sniff around" and introduction to this classic "warbird." A briefing follows, with the compilation of your flight program. Afterward, you'll be prepared for the flight. Now the actual sightseeing flight begins – Reichenbach Airfield is located directly on the Kander River, and the takeoff and landing are truly spectacular. After the flight, there'll be time for photos and a relaxed chat with your pilot.

Add an hour to the actual flight time. It also depends on you. You are welcome to chat with the pilot about your unforgettable flight, take photos together, or Airport restaurant invite for a drink.

Your highly experienced pilot will ensure that your P-2 flight is unforgettable. He will tailor the flight program to your needs and preferences. His goal isn't to demonstrate what he or this warbird is capable of. Rather, he will complete a flight program that precisely matches your preferences and your mood. During aerobatics, he will ask you how you feel after each maneuver and adapt the program accordingly. Beautiful scenic flights and sporty aerial acrobatics can be combined as desired. Possible aerobatic maneuvers and figures include:

• Loops
• Roll
• Flight upside down or inverted
• Turn/Reversement
• Immelmann (upswing)
• Split-S
• Tactical flight in the Alpine landscape

You'll be in constant contact with your pilot. If your stomach needs a break, you can always switch to the leisurely sightseeing flight program. You'll probably also find that you enjoy some maneuvers more than others—this also depends on your individual preferences.

Of course! Your loved ones are welcome at the airfield to accompany you during flight preparation, the briefing, takeoff, and finally, landing. Just watching is a blast! Weather permitting, the airfield bar is open, where your companions can enjoy a coffee during the flight—and you afterward. You can find out whether the bar is open. here.

You are allowed to take photos and videos before and after the flight free of charge. Videos during the flight can be bookedTo do this, make sure to add the video option when booking your flight.

Much like the P-2 itself, the pilot is a well-known face in the Swiss aviation scene. He has flown countless models, starting with gliders, and today he also flies the Bücker Jungmann and the Pilatus P-3He is known for his passion for tail-wheeled P-2s. They're in very good hands with him. In addition to his love of flying, as a trained mechanic, he also enjoys working on things and knows his aircraft like the area.

The Pilatus P-2 is an impressive trainer aircraft with a classic tailwheel landing gear and a strikingly large main landing gear. It enjoys a high reputation in the aviation world for its aerodynamic capabilities and unique flying experience: a true masterpiece of Pilatus engineering! During approach, the robust sound of the Argus As 410A-2 twelve-cylinder in-line engine This creates a distinctive soundscape. This is housed in the long nose, which – due to the tailwheel landing gear arrangement and the large main landing gear – rises high into the sky on the ground. Thanks to its perfectly coordinated wing design, the P-2 offers an exceptional flying experience. However, handling the engine, developed during World War II, requires special attention. Landing with the high main landing gear also requires utmost concentration, as the aircraft must be precisely controlled to ensure a smooth landing.

The P-2 was First flown in 1945 and later in a series of 54 machines produced for the Swiss Air Force. With a maximum speed of 335 km/h and one Range of 560 km It was a reliable training aircraft. After its retirement in 1981 Some examples found their way into the warbird scene and were used in films as World War II fighter planes. For example, in «Indiana Jones and the Last Crusade«. A true piece of Swiss aviation history!