The history of the PC-7 TEAM

In 1987, the Swiss Air Force raised a nine-ship PC-7 formation - the PC-7 TEAM. During the air force championships in Dübendorf the freshly founded PC-7 TEAM was to present an aerobatics programme for the first time. After a brief training period, the programme was well received by the public. Nevertheless, the team was not activated in 1988.

It was not until the following year in 1989 during the 75-year anniversary of the Swiss Air Force, that nine new pilots were designated who were able to begin training under Major Res Dubs, former Patrouille Suisse leader, for performing as the PC-7 TEAM.

Since 1989, the PC-7 Team has been flying at various events, mainly in Switzerland. Since 1992, the PC-7 TEAM occasionally performed abroad. (Italy, France, Ireland, Germany, Israel, Hungary, Czech Republic)

For financial reasons there was a serious debate in 1998, whether the PC-7 TEAM should be disbanded. Thanks to Federal Councillor Ogi, who advocated the further existence of the teams, the nine PC-7s can still be admired.

Again and again, members leave the team after a few years. Some abandon military aviation in favour of the Swiss International Airlines company, others terminate their team engagement for family or professional reasons, or to give new pilots equal opportunities to fly in a team. Because mood and mutual trust are very important for the team, new members are always determined by the team. The turnover time in the team is between two and seven years.