REVIEW: Caslav Air Base Open Day 2025
Caslav Air Base, located about 75 kilometres east of Prague, is a key hub for the Czech Air Force’s 21st Tactical Air Force. The base has a long history, dating back to 1945, and remains a vital part of the country’s military infrastructure. On the day of the event, the weather was changeable—mostly cloudy with occasional bursts of sunshine breaking through—but a relatively strong wind kept things challenging for the pilots and added a brisk feel to the day.
The ground was buzzing with activity, offering plenty for visitors of all ages. Food stalls served up local favourites, while attractions kept both children and adults entertained. Our long-time member, Rene Folvarcny, was among the crowd, documenting the event and sharing his firsthand experiences. The day was packed with action, from roaring flypasts to ground displays, giving everyone a chance to see these aircraft up close and in flight. Despite some tricky weather, the event pulled in a huge crowd, all eager to celebrate the legacy of these iconic jets.
Caslav Air Base sits about 75 kilometres east of Prague, right in the heart of Bohemia, and serves as a key hub for the Czech Air Force. Home to the 21st Tactical Air Force Base, it’s been a vital part of NATO operations since its early days after World War II. On June 17, the weather kept things interesting—mostly cloudy with patches of sun breaking through now and then. A steady, strong wind blew across the base, testing the pilots’ skills and adding a bit of edge to the flying displays. It didn’t stop the crowd from enjoying the day, though.
There was plenty to do on the ground at Caslav. Food stalls lined up with everything from local Czech bites to international flavors, keeping everyone fed. Kids and adults alike had fun with various attractions scattered around the base. The static displays were a big draw—some of the aircraft from the flying program were parked close to the crowd line, letting people get a good look at them. Other aircraft joined them, like the Belgian Air Component’s F-16BM FB-24 from the Operational Conversion Unit (OCU). This unit trains new pilots and sharpens up future air defence pros, and their F-16 sported a special tail marking the shift from F-16s to F-35s as this OCU winds down. A German Typhoon stood tall nearby, alongside Czech Air Force machines—both modern and retired—like the MiG-21, MiG-15bis, and Sukhoi Su-7BM. The brand-new L-39NG Skyfox from CLV Flight Training Centre Pardubice was another star, joined by a handful of civilian aircraft rounding out the lineup.
The flying program kicked off with a striking flypast, setting the tone for the day. Two formations took to the sky: first, a Casa C-295M transport aircraft escorted by two JAS 39 Gripens, followed by three L-159 Alcas. The aircraft made several passes overhead, showcasing their sleek lines and precision before breaking off to land.
The first helicopter display of the day came from the PZL W-3A Sokol, flown by Lieutenant Colonel Petr Safarik of the 243rd Helicopter Squadron, based at Prague-Kbely’s 24th Air Transportation Base. The Sokol, a Polish-designed multi-role helicopter first flown in 1979, has been a reliable workhorse for the Czech Air Force since 1996, when 11 were acquired to replace the ageing Mil Mi-2 Hoplite. Used primarily for search and rescue (SAR) and medical evacuation, its distinctive red and white paint scheme is a familiar sight in Czech skies.
Safarik, a seasoned display pilot, put the Sokol through its paces with a SAR demonstration that highlighted its precision and versatility. The routine featured simulated winching operations and tight hovering manoeuvres, showing off the helicopter’s ability to operate in demanding conditions. The strong winds added an extra layer of difficulty, but Safarik’s skill kept the performance smooth and engaging, earning plenty of applause from the crowd.
Switching gears to a bit of history, Tomas Brustik took the controls of the LET C-11, a Czechoslovak-built Yakovlev Yak-11 trainer operated by CLV Flight Training Centre Pardubice. Produced between 1953 and 1956 at the LET Kunovice factory, this aircraft (serial number 171511) once flew with aerobatic group in Mladá Boleslav before a restoration in the 1990s and a full rebuild by LOM Praha in 2018 brought it back to airworthy status.
Brustik’s display was a graceful nod to the C-11’s legacy as a jet pilot trainer. He guided the aircraft through smooth loops, rolls, and low passes, its retro lines cutting cleanly through the cloudy sky. The performance was a crowd-pleaser, blending nostalgia with the elegance of a bygone era, and it showcased why the C-11 remains a beloved vintage aircraft at airshows today.
Next up, Michal Vorlicek from Aeroklub Kolin brought a touch of silent aerobatics with the Schleicher ASK 21 glider. As a Czech champion in the Intermediate category of glider aerobatics, Vorlicek knows how to make the most of this two-seat trainer. Without an engine, the ASK 21 relies on skill and air currents, and Vorlicek delivered a display full of loops, spins, and tight turns that seemed to defy gravity.
The quiet nature of the performance stood out against the roar of powered aircraft, offering a serene yet thrilling contrast. The wind played a role here too, but Vorlicek used it to his advantage, showing off the glider’s agility and his own expertise in a display that left the audience captivated by the art of unpowered flight.
More aerobatics came from the Flying Bulls Aerobatic Team, flying four XtremeAir XA42s. Based in Czechia, this renowned team is a regular at European airshows, known for their tight formations and daring manoeuvres. The XA42, a lightweight and powerful aerobatic machine, is built for precision, and the Flying Bulls made full use of it.
Their display was a masterclass in synchronisation, featuring mirror passes, opposition breaks, and negative g formation loops that pushed the pilots to their limits. The pilots wove through the sky with flawless timing, their colourful aircraft popping against the cloudy backdrop. It was a high-energy performance that set a strong benchmark for the rest of the day’s aerobatic acts.
Crossing the border for a bit of Slovak flair, the Sikorsky UH-60M Black Hawk took centre stage with a solo display from the Slovak Air Force. Introduced to their fleet in 2017, the Black Hawk is a versatile utility helicopter known worldwide for its rugged reliability. In Slovakia, it handles everything from troop transport to disaster relief, and its airshow appearances are a highlight across Slovakia, Czechia and beyond.
The pilot put on a perfectly flown routine, manoeuvring the Black Hawk in every direction—forward, backwards, left, and right—showing off its impressive agility. Quick climbs, sharp turns, and low hovers kept the crowd on edge, with the helicopter’s sleek dark olive green paint gleaming whenever the sun broke through. It’s no wonder this display is a popular fixture at regional airshows—it’s a real showcase of skill and capability.
The home team stepped up next with the Czech Air Force JAS-39C Gripen, flown by Captain Jan Ratz of the 211th Tactical Squadron based right at Caslav. Marking 20 years in Czech service, the Gripen is a lightweight, multi-role fighter known for its agility and advanced systems. Ratz, the new display pilot, brought a fresh routine that had the crowd buzzing from the start.
The display kicked off with a “dirty roll” on takeoff—landing gear down—before transitioning into a fast, aggressive sequence of high-G turns, steep climbs, and rapid rolls. It was a dynamic performance that showcased the Gripen’s power and Ratz’s confidence in the cockpit. Celebrating its anniversary, this was a proud moment for the Czech Air Force and a highlight for the home crowd.
Martin Sonka, the 2018 Red Bull Air Race World Champion and a former Czech Air Force pilot, took the controls of the Zlin Z-142C AF from CLV Flight Training Centre Pardubice. The Z-142, a two-seat trainer with aerobatic chops, is a product of Czech engineering, and CLV Pardubice use it extensively for pilot training. Sonka’s credentials need no introduction—his racing pedigree speaks for itself.
The display was a textbook blend of precision and flair, with Sonka guiding the Z-142 through tight loops, inverted passes, and crisp rolls. His fighter pilot background shone through in the smoothness of each manoeuvre, and the aircraft’s bright blue livery stood out even under the cloudy sky. It was a performance that bridged military precision with civilian aerobatic artistry, leaving a strong impression.
Keeping the helicopter theme rolling, Jiri Podolsky of HeliCzech flew the Bell AH-1S Cobra, a Vietnam War-era attack helicopter with a fearsome reputation. Podolsky, a former Czech Air Force Mi-24 pilot, brought plenty of experience to the controls of this slim, agile machine, which saw extensive combat use in its heyday and remains a classic in aviation circles.
The Cobra’s display was all about agility, with rapid climbs, sharp dives, and tight turns that showed off its nimble design. Podolsky handled the windy conditions with ease, keeping the helicopter steady as it sliced through the air. It was a nostalgic yet thrilling look at a legendary aircraft, proving the AH-1S still has plenty of life left in it.
A special moment arrived with a flypast celebrating Aero Vodochody, Czechia’s storied aircraft manufacturer. Leading the formation was the L-29 Delfin, joined by the L-39C from CLV Pardubice, two L-159 Alcas from Caslav’s 212th Tactical Squadron, and the L159T2X in Aero’s new factory camouflage. Major Katerina Hlavsova, the first female jet pilot in modern Czech history, flew one of the L-159s, adding a historic touch to the lineup.
The formation made several passes, highlighting the evolution of the Czech trainer and combat aircraft. After the flypast, the L-159s executed a run and break to land, while the L-29 and L-39 peeled off for solo displays. It was a proud tribute to Aero Vodochody’s legacy and a perfect lead-in to the next acts.
Martin Zeman took the Aero L-29 Delfin into the sky, sporting a Slovak Air Force livery with retro camouflage that harked back to its active service days. First flown in 1959, the L-29 was the first jet designed and built in Czechoslovakia, becoming a standard trainer across Warsaw Pact nations in the 1960s. This particular aircraft, OK-AJW, served in Slovakia before finding a home with Blue Sky Service.
Zeman’s aerobatic routine was a beautiful mix of grace and nostalgia, with smooth loops, rolls, and low passes that let the Delfin’s sleek mid-wing design shine. The display honoured its role in training generations of jet pilots, and the retro paint scheme added an extra layer of charm under the Caslav sky.
Following smoothly on its heels, Radovan Cingel flew the Aero L-39C Albatros from CLV Flight Training Centre Pardubice. The L-39C, a jet trainer known for its reliability, has been a staple in Czech aviation, though it’s soon to be replaced by the L-39NG Skyfox within CLV. Cingel made the most of its swan song with a display that was all about elegance.
The routine featured crisp rolls and high-speed passes, showing off the Albatros’s versatility and handling. Cingel’s graceful execution highlighted why the L-39 has been a favourite at airshows for decades, and it served as a fitting farewell to this iconic trainer before its next-generation successor takes over.
Something new took flight next as two W-3A Sokol from the 243rd Helicopter Squadron performed a synchronised display. Lieutenant Colonel Petr Safarik, fresh from his solo earlier, teamed up with Captain Antonin Petru for this two-ship routine. Building on the SAR theme, the duo brought a fresh twist with their teamwork.
The display mixed elements from the solo—winching demos and tight hovers—with synchronised manoeuvres like opposition passes and parallel handling sequences. The pilots’ coordination was spot-on, even in the wind, and the Sokols danced through the sky in harmony. It was a standout addition that showed off both skill and creativity.
The next international display roared in from the German Air Force, with Captain Alex “NOBLE” Stegmair flying the Eurofighter EF2000 Typhoon from the 74th Tactical Air Force Wing at Neuburg Air Base. The Typhoon, a twin-engine multi-role fighter, is a mainstay of German air defence, known for its power and agility. Stegmair’s performance lived up to its reputation.
This was an aggressive display from start to finish—high-G turns, steep climbs, and thunderous passes that pushed the aircraft and pilot to their limits. The Typhoon’s raw power echoed across the base, and Stegmair’s precision made it clear why this jet is a force to be reckoned with. It was a crowd favourite that brought some serious noise to the day.
Switching to something a bit different, the HPH 304 Shark from HPH Kutná Hora offered a unique twist as a jet-powered glider. Combining the grace of a glider with a small jet engine, the Shark can sustain flight longer and perform manoeuvres that traditional gliders can’t. It’s a rare bird at airshows, and this display didn’t disappoint.
The pilot showcased the Shark’s versatility with smooth passes, gentle climbs, and a few powered bursts that highlighted its hybrid nature. The sleek design cut through the wind effortlessly, blending silent gliding with the hum of the jet. It was an intriguing change of pace that kept everyone guessing what was next.
Back to the heavy hitters, the Mil Mi-171Sh Baikal from the 22nd Helicopter Air Force Base at Namest nad Oslavou Air Base rolled out a basic handling demo. This robust transport helicopter is a key asset for the Czech Air Force, used for troop movement and utility missions. Its rugged design is built for tough conditions, and this display showed it off.
The routine included steady hovers, gentle turns, and low passes that let the crowd appreciate the Mi-171’s size and stability. The pilot kept it simple but effective, giving a solid look at what this workhorse can do. It was a practical, no-frills performance that fit the day’s diverse lineup.
Adding a dose of history, the Miles M-14A Magister Mk.I from RAF Station Czechoslovakia, based at Podhorany Airport, took to the sky for a few flypasts. Built in 1938, this trainer (serial number 873) is one of just five still flying worldwide. It trained Czechoslovak pilots during World War II at Montrose, Scotland, including notable names like F/O Jan Mokrejs.
The Magister’s elegant wooden frame and classic lines were a sight to behold as it made its passes, its gentle hum a stark contrast to the jets and helicopters. It was a brief but poignant tribute to the past, connecting the day’s modern displays to the roots of Czech aviation.
Another glider to display at the show was the MDM-1 Fox from Glider Aerobatic Club, Czech Republic Aeroklub with Marek Vesely at the controls. Vesely, the 2024 World Champion in the Advanced category, brought his A-game to this sleek, two-seat aerobatic glider designed for precision and performance.
His routine was packed with tight loops, spins, and steep dives, all executed with the silence and grace only a glider can offer. Vesely’s championship skill shone through as he worked the wind to perfection, delivering a display that was both technically impressive and visually stunning. It was a masterclass in aerobatics without an engine.
Martin Sonka returned, this time in the Extra NG, for an ultra low-level aerobatic display that had everyone holding their breath. The Extra NG, a cutting-edge aerobatic aircraft, is built for extreme maneuvers, and Sonka—a Red Bull Air Race champ and ex-fighter pilot—knows how to push it. His earlier Z-142 display was just a warmup.
Flying just feet off the deck, Sonka ripped through rolls, knife-edge passes, and heart-stopping dives, all while providing live cockpit commentary that pulled the crowd right into the action. The precision was unreal, and the Extra’s bright paint flashed in the occasional sunlight. It was a jaw-dropping performance that cemented Sonka as a star of the day.
A special Saab flypast brought the anniversary theme back into focus, featuring the Czech Air Force JAS39 Gripen in a brand-new 20th-anniversary livery alongside the Swedish Air Force Historic Flight’s Saab J 32B Lansen and Saab SK 37E Viggen. This trio represented decades of Saab engineering and the strong Czech-Swedish aviation partnership.
The formation made several passes, the Gripen’s sleek lines contrasting with the Cold War heft of the Lansen and Viggen. It was a visual treat that set the stage for the Swedish pair’s solo acts, celebrating 20 years of Gripen service in style. The crowd loved the mix of modern and historic metal in the sky.
The Swedish Air Force Historic Flight kept the momentum going with the Saab J 32B Lansen, flown in its civil registration SE-RMD. Built in the late 1950s as a night and all-weather fighter, the “Lansen Sport” boasts a powerful Rolls-Royce Avon engine and a rugged airframe. Restored to flying condition, it’s a rare sight outside Sweden.
The solo display featured smooth rolls, sweeping turns, and high-speed passes that showed off the Lansen’s agility and power. The pilot kept it controlled but lively, giving a glimpse of its air defence roots. It was a classy performance that bridged the gap between history and the present, earning plenty of cheers.
The Swedish Air Force Historic Flight wasn’t done yet, rolling out the Saab SK 37E Viggen next. Registered as SE-DXO, this two-seat trainer—first flown in 1970—sports a distinctive double-canopy design and an extended tailfin for stability. Restored and operated out of F 7 Såtenäs, it’s a Cold War icon brought back to life.
The Viggen’s display was a blend of power and grace, with steep climbs, tight turns, and booming passes that echoed its electronic warfare heritage. The pilot showcased its heft and handling, making the most of the windy conditions. It was a fitting follow-up to the Lansen, rounding out the Saab tribute with style.
The last display was a rare treat you won’t see much outside Czechia—a joint performance by the Czech Air Force’s newest helicopters, the Bell AH-1Z Viper and Bell UH-1Y Venom, from the 22nd Helicopter Air Force Base at Namest nad Oslavou. The Viper, replacing the Mi-24/35, is a sleek attack helicopter, while the Venom, dubbed the Super Huey, handles troop transport.
The duo put on a combat scenario: the Venom dropped off troops while the Viper provided cover, complete with ground-based pyrotechnics that lit up the scene. The Viper’s sharp manoeuvres and the Venom’s steady presence showed off their modern warfare roles. It was an entertaining, high-impact closer that highlighted the Czech Air Force’s cutting-edge kit.
The day wrapped up with the recovery and landing of the Czech Air Force JAS39 Gripen in its special 20th-anniversary livery. Having flown in the Saab formation earlier, it made a graceful approach and touched down, closing out the flying program. The livery—a tribute to two decades of service—was a perfect final note.
Despite a few cancellations, like a planned parachute jump scrubbed due to the wind, the Caslav Air Base Open Day 2025 was a hit. Celebrating 25 years of the L-159 Alca and 20 years of the JAS39 Gripen, it delivered a mix of thrilling displays and historical nods that kept the crowd hooked. With the base set for reconstruction, this was the last Open Day for a while, making it a memorable send-off for one of Czechia’s top aviation events.
Share This Post
Copy the URL below and paste it into Facebook or Twitter to share this post with your friends!
Copied to clipboard!