Pilatus P-2 flight from Grenchen

Experience the authentic feeling of flying like the military pilots of the 1940s: Experience the Pilatus P-2, the first production aircraft from the Swiss manufacturer Pilatus in Nidwalden.

Grenchen’s central location offers a wonderful starting point for flights e.g. towards:
– Jura Mountains: Creux-du-Van, Weissenstein, Röti, Balmfluechöpfli, Hasenmatt, Wandflue, Lake Neuchâtel, Gryère, etc.
– via Bern towards the south and towards the Bernese Oberland and Lake Thun.

From the traditional Grenchen airfield – a center of Swiss aviation since 1931 – you can experience a true piece of Swiss aviation history in a historic Pilatus P-2.

– Feel the power of the characteristic inline 12-cylinder engine
– 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 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.

You decide! For example: Creux-du-Van, Lake Neuchâtel, and over the Payerne military airfield. Or south over Bern toward the Bernese Oberland. The pilot knows the area like the back of his hand. He has great tips and is happy to share them with you.

First, you'll naturally take a closer look at this beautiful, gleaming silver warbird. Your flight adventure in this Swiss aviation legend begins with a "get-together" and introduction to the P-2. This is followed by a briefing and discussion of your preferred flight program. Afterward, you'll be prepared for the flight. Now the actual – unforgettable! – sightseeing flight begins. Afterwards, there's time for chatting, enthusiastically reviewing the flight, and, of course, taking photos with the pilot, often followed by a drink in the attractive airfield bar.

Add an hour to the actual flight time. It's also up to you. Of course, you're welcome to chat with the pilot about your unforgettable flight, take photos together, or invite him 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 state of mind. 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 figures and maneuvers include:

• Loops
• Roll
• Flight upside down or inverted
• Turn/Reversement
• Immelmann (upswing)
• Split-S

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, and during the flight, your companions can enjoy a coffee in the pleasant airfield cafe, complete with a playground and a fantastic view of the runway.

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 as well as the area.

The Pilatus P-2 is an impressive trainer aircraft with classic tailwheel landing gear, prized for its aerodynamic precision and unique flight feel. A true masterpiece of Pilatus engineering. During approach, the robust sound of the Argus As 410A-2 twelve-cylinder in-line engine The large main landing gear creates a distinctive soundscape. On the ground, the aircraft's long nose rises into the sky, while the tail, with its small wheel, remains stable on the runway.
Thanks to its perfectly tuned wing design, the P-2 offers an exceptional flying experience. However, handling the engine, originally developed during World War II, requires special attention. Landing with the high main 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. A true piece of Swiss aviation history!