On May 23–24, the 53rd edition of the renowned La Ferté-Alais – Le Temps des Hélices airshow took place at Cerny Airfield, home of the Musée Volant Salis, south of Paris. Organized by the Amicale Jean-Baptiste Salis, this year’s event paid tribute to the history of French military aviation, from its earliest pioneers to the modern era, while reminding visitors that flying continues to inspire dreams across generations. Nearly 40,000 spectators attended the weekend gathering, enjoying both extensive ground displays and a spectacular flying program under clear blue skies. As is customary at La Ferté-Alais, visitors were able to spend the mornings walking among the aircraft on static display. Historical reenactors stationed alongside many of the aircraft helped bring the stories of the airplanes, their crews, and their wartime units to life. Those seeking a more immersive experience could purchase sightseeing flights aboard a variety of aircraft, including helicopters, a North American T-6 Texan, a Travel Air 4000, a Boeing Stearman PT-17, and even a North American P-51 Mustang.
The afternoon flying display featured nearly five hours of nonstop action spanning more than a century of aviation history. One of the event’s signature performances, the dramatic “Tora Tora” reenactment of the attack on Pearl Harbor, involved fifteen North American T-6 Texans portraying the Japanese strike force. Early aviation was represented by aircraft such as the Blériot XI and Morane monoplanes, while a dedicated segment honored the aircraft and aviators of WWI.
As always, numerous aircraft from the Musée Volant Salis collection took to the air, giving visitors a rare opportunity to see these historic machines in operation. A major highlight was the world-premiere flying display of the Caudron-Renault Rafale C.460, presented by the Renault Collection. The sleek racing aircraft became famous through the speed records established by pioneering French aviator Hélène Boucher. Photographers were treated to a unique formation flight featuring the Caudron-Renault Rafale and the modern Rafale Solo Display aircraft. Renault’s historical connection to aviation was further showcased on the ground through an exhibit of record-breaking automobiles, including the 40 CV (1926), Nervasport (1934), Tank Riffard (1956), and Étoile Filante (1956).
(Image credit: Kris Christiaens)
In keeping with the theme of French military aviation, a Morane-Saulnier MS.406 flew alongside a Supermarine Spitfire and a Messerschmitt Bf 109, commemorating the Battle of France. Another standout performance featured an Avro Anson from RAF Station Czechoslovakia. Currently the world’s only airworthy example of the type, the Anson drew considerable attention from aviation enthusiasts.
The French Air and Space Force, a longstanding partner of the event, once again demonstrated its capabilities through displays by the Patrouille de France, the Rafale Solo Display, and the Phoenix parachute team, which performed jumps from a North American Rockwell OV-10 Bronco.
A particularly attractive formation featured three aircraft produced by Nord Aviation: a Nord 3400, Nord 1101, and Nord 3202. Other highlights included the popular wingwalking display by Daniele Del Buono, flying with her husband Emiliano, and a performance by the Aéro-Club de France aerobatic team. The latter combined Fouga Magister jets from the Tranchant team with propeller-driven aircraft flown by several aerobatic champions, including Catherine Maunoury, president of the Aéro-Club de France, and three-time world aerobatic champion Aude Lemordant. The 2026 edition also marked the public debut of Les Casques Rouges, a new civilian formation team flying three SOCATA TB-30 Epsilon aircraft.
Year after year, La Ferté-Alais – Le Temps des Hélices remains one of Europe’s premier airshows thanks to its exceptional variety of aircraft, high-quality flying displays, relaxed atmosphere, and picturesque setting. By presenting themed demonstrations that place historic aircraft in their operational context—from WWI and WWII to Pearl Harbor and beyond—the event offers visitors a deeper appreciation of aviation history. Combined with the remarkable collection of French-built aircraft and aviation heritage on display, La Ferté-Alais continues to be an essential destination for vintage aviation enthusiasts. For more information about La Ferté-Alais – Le Temps des Hélices, visit www.letempsdeshelices.fr.
