The aviation event known as the Feria de l'Air or as Air Fest was held at the old Naval Air base Nîmes Garons. The Air Fest, the first one after nine years of absence, was a two day affair. Saturday, September 26th was dedicated for a Forum for students, and people interested in an aviation related career, training or retraining.  Access to the forum was free (9:00 a.m. to 6:00 p.m.) On Sunday September 27th the air show was held open to the general public. We attended both days, but this short report will only cover the air show only The grounds opened at 9:00 a.m with the actual air show started at 1 p.m.

We along with the 30,000 people who attended enjoyed the variety of the aircraft performing from old warbirds to the latest French Air Force's jet. Where else could you see the power of the Rafale rubbing shoulders with a Piper Cub. The majesty of a Spitfire and its American cousin, the P51 Mustang. Agility of aerobatic planes, all under the wings of the majestic Catalina. In total there were 10 different nations with 70+ aircraft represented both flying and on display. Some of which we featured in depth in our magazine such as the Breguet ALIZE and the North American OV-10B Bronco you can read about them by clicking here.

There were several demonstration that provided included additional excitement by the Sécurité-Civile with water bombing demonstration By the Canadair CL415, and the Bombardier Dash 8 Q400MR.. There was also a medical emergency evacuation demonstration with an EC147 helicopter. The medical emergency services provide 24/7/365 in France with a personnel 184 and 35 helicopters. The event was closed with Rafale display by the French Navy as well as from the Air Force's Solo Team. This was Captain Benoit "TAO" Planche's last performance for the Rafale Demo Team, for 2016 he will become the Coach for the team, and the pilot will be Captain "Marty" Martinez JC. We would like to thank "TAO" for all the thrills that his outstanding flying skills provided for all the spectators through the past 3 years.

would like to thank Mr. Alain Maire and his team for their warm welcome.