Red Eagle Aerobatic Team flies over Changchun to mark PLA Air Force 77th anniversary
The Red Eagle Aerobatic Team flew over Changchun's first aviation-themed park on 9 November as part of celebrations for the 77th founding anniversary of the People's Liberation Army Air Force. The display included eight aircraft in three formations and coloured smoke trails, followed by a 15-parachu
The Red Eagle Aerobatic Team from the People's Liberation Army Air Force Aviation University flew over Blue Sky Park in Changchun, Jilin province, on the morning of 9 November as part of a series of events marking the 77th anniversary of the founding of the PLA Air Force. The park is the city's first aviation-themed urban park.
At about 10am, eight aircraft from the Red Eagle team performed low-altitude flypasts in three formations – the Red Eagle, War Eagle and Sword formations – and released red, yellow and blue smoke trails. The display lasted about 20 minutes.
Wei Qiang, a member of the Red Eagle team, told state broadcaster CCTV that 11 November is the 77th anniversary of the PLA Air Force and also coincides with the 80th anniversary of the founding of the Northeast Old Aviation School. He said the flyover over Blue Sky Park was intended as a tribute to the school's pioneers.
After the aerobatic display, a parachute formation of 15 powered parachutes created the number 77 in the sky, with banners reading 'Happy Birthday to the People's Air Force'.
In addition, a light show featuring 3,000 drones in formation was scheduled to take place over the Changchun International Aviation Expo City at 5pm on the same day, according to the organiser.