Classic Formation – Flying Legends 2018

At the recent Flying Legends Airshow at Duxford UK, Warbirds Online was very interested in a unique team of Warbirds, the Classic Formation team based in Switzerland, featuring 3 Beechcraft Model 18’s and 1 Douglas DC-3. Although this team has been in existence for some time it was our first occasion to witness this excellent display. The team is owned by Swiss businessman Hugo Mathys and is based in Grenchen, Switzerland.

The aircraft were parked together on the flight line at Legends 2018 and were immaculate in every way with some of the most highly polished aluminum we have seen rivaling their countrymen of the Red Bull team parked nearby. The team spent a lot of time cleaning and polishing the 4 aircraft when they weren’t flying. The pride in the presentation of the team was obvious. The team flew together at least 3 times over the weekend and the standard of their formation flying was excellent with uniform gaps between the aircraft and precise handling in all phases of their flying.

It seems somewhat unusual to compose a display team of transport/training aircraft; however they certainly looked the part as they went through a complex routine for the highly appreciative audience at Duxford, one of the most knowledgeable air show crowds anywhere. It also has to be remembered that although the aircraft were mostly involved in transport and training all 4 have strong military backgrounds and can thus be considered Warbirds in the true sense.

As part of their display the aircraft performed a number of formation changes which enhanced the view of the crowd and highlighted the formation skills of the pilots. The team flies at a number of air shows across Europe each year and the annual display hours vary between 30-50 each year.  All of the team’s pilots are highly experienced and regularly undergo training.

Classic Formation Aircraft:

Beech 18 (N21FS)

Beech 18 (N223CM)

Beech 18 (N184KP)

All 3 Beech aircraft are model 18s, all constructed in 1952, N21FS, N431HM and N184KP served with the RCAF before taking on different civil roles in Canada and elsewhere, the aircraft are all powered by Pratt & Whitney R-985 engines and have between 5,500 and 7,500 hours total flying time, although all 3 have had several complete rebuilds over the years and are in excellent condition.

DC-3 (N431HM)

This aircraft was built in 1943 as a military transporter C-47A-45DL tail number 42-24133 at Douglas Aircraft Company, Long Beach CA, USA and served with the USAAF and then in 1945 was sold as surplus and began a civil career at first in the USA and later in Europe. In 2010 the aircraft was acquired by Hugo Mathys and then fully overhauled,   becoming the lead aircraft of the Classic Formation.

The aircraft are housed in equally immaculate hangars at their Swiss base and subject to a very high level of cosmetic and mechanical maintenance. Originally the team comprised two Beech 18s and the DC3 however in recent years the third Beech 18 was added.

Should you have the time to see the Classic Formation team performing in Europe we recommend you take the opportunity to witness their unique and energetic performance.

© John Parker 2018