The Royal Air Force Falcons, one of the most recognisable parachute display teams within the display circuit, thanks to their iconic red, white and blue canopies, had the privilege of jumping into the 2023 ZigAirMeet Mountain Airshow in Switzerland this weekend.
The show takes place in the air over Mollis Airfield, located between two distinct mountain peaks, Mürtschenstock and Rautispitz and gives the various displays some of the most incredible backdrops to fly, or in this case descend into, seen the world over.
Eight parachutists, jumping out of the RAF Falcons Dornier 228, exited the aircraft to the south of the show at around 7,000 feet. At this point the first 6 Falcons conducted a high-show on both days including criss-cross, heart & the famed carousel.
The display ended on the first day with a standard landing for the team, with the second day coming in as ‘ducks’ which will see the team running into the dropzone parallel to the mountains behind them.
When asked about the display at the ZigAirMeet, Officer Commanding the RAF Falcons, Flight Lieutenant Reeve said;
It’s always special to take our display overseas. However, displaying at the ZigAirMeet was a true privilege and an extraordinary setting for an Airshow. Free-falling with the backdrop of the Swiss Alps, is something I shall not soon forget.
The team put together a great show which was warmly met by the Swiss crowd. Another highlight of the weekend was watching and catching up with the Swiss Parachute Display Team, the ‘Swiss Parawings’. It is always great to share knowledge and ideas on display parachuting. An incredible experience all round, with the whole team eager to return to Switzerland at the earliest opportunity.”.
This was the first time the team has displayed at the ZigAirMeet, making such an impression at the show, that they were quickly asked to display again when it returns in 2026.
