Ludo Mennes

Jun 3, 20232 min read

2023 50th edition of Le Temps des Hélices, Aerodrôme Cerny La Ferté-Alais

For the 50th time during the weekend of Pentecost the Association of Amicale Jean Baptiste Salis (AJBS) organized the airshow Le Temps des Hélices at the airport of Cerny, La Ferté-Alais. Situated south of the capital Paris in the lovely countryside, the aerodrôme has become the center of piston engines and propellor driven aircraft. AJBS runs an impressive collection of historical aircraft and every year a large amount of aircraft gather for an aerial meeting showing their skills to the crowd.

Bücker Jungmeister Bu-133C taxing back to the flight line after its demo

Over the two days around 40,000 people visited the airshow enjoying the sun and skills of the pilots.

In the morning the crowds were allowed to walk the grounds where the aircraft were parked for some detailed photos. Both a jazz band and bag pipers enjoyed the crowds with their music.

Many re-enactors posed around the displayed aircraft, dressed up as French pilots in Russian service, Spitfire pilots, Japanese Zero pilots, German Luftwaffe officers and American crews, adding extra flavour to the atmosphere.

Around noon the grounds were left to the crews and pilots to prepare for the airshow which began around 01.30 pm and lasted for 5 hours! The show was opened by the parateam of the French Air Force, carrying large flags.

The spectators were treated to formations of aircraft from the different eras in flying history, such as WWI and WWII, Vietnam and the Pacific.

Lockheed L-12A Electra Junior painted as NR16020, the Lockheed 10E Electra in which Amelia Earhart disappeared in 1937

Japanese zero being shot down by a P-40 Warhawk

North American AT-6B Texan modified to"Zero"

The French Armed Forces were also present with different aircraft and helicopters showing their skills. Highlights were three Dassault Rafales from the French Navy performing buddy buddy refueling and some serious turn and burn manoeuvres. Both the French Airforce and Army showed some really impressive flying skills in the Extra EA-330SC and EC-120 Calliope.

Furthermore the French Rafale demo, the Belgian F-16 demo and Belgian SF-260 Marchetti flying Red Devils made their performance.

The Patrouille de France, celebrating their 70th anniversary, made the French crowds proud with their red, white and blue colored smoke and different manoeuvres.