Flugplatzkerb Gelnhausen: a small airfield with big events. In 2026, it was once again a pleasure to be part of it. With a great programme, remarkable warbirds, and impressive displays both in the air and on the ground, it was once again a weekend that offered plenty for every aviation enthusiast.

For the DTY demo team, it was fantastic to be back flying in Gelnhausen. The presence of the Fokker Four made it even more special, creating a wonderful Dutch contribution to the programme. That made the Dutch participation in this event feel truly complete.

After all the preparation and training hours, it is always something special to perform at such a well-organised flying event, surrounded by enthusiastic visitors, dedicated volunteers, and fellow pilots who share the same passion.

We would like to thank the entire Flugplatzkerb Gelnhausen organisation for the warm welcome, the excellent organisation, and the great care throughout the weekend. It was another wonderful event, and we are already looking forward to the next time in Gelnhausen.

Flugplatz-Kerb | FLY IN – AIRSHOW (flugplatzkerb-gelnhausen.de)
Flugplatzkerb Gelnhausen Photos | 2026 – Airshow Photography Dutch Flightline

Thanks for the pictures from Dutch Flightline and Oliver Janning.

https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=-cVBCXWq7Zcu0026t=9s

The Dutch Thunder Yaks once again made the most of their spring training, focusing on precision, teamwork, and formation flying. One of the highlights was the impressive 5-ship formation fly-by, with five Yak-52s flying past in close formation. A great sight to see, and a fine result of training, discipline, and teamwork in preparation for the new season.

Before the 22-year-old New Zealand pilot William Gibbs Abbott (nickname Bill) is ordered to neutralize enemy transports in the Netherlands on September 9, 1944, he writes a letter to his father. “I want to help tidy things up,” he writes. In other words: “I want to make my contribution here, then I will come home.” But that does not happen. During his flight on September 9, 1944 above Zutphen, Abbott’s plane is shot at by the Germans. His P51 Mustang III catches fire almost immediately and crashes in the floodplains on the side of the Hoven and Bill dies immediately.

On Monday, September 9, three planes, so-called Thunder Yaks, flew over the IJssel twice. And over the monument of Bill Abbott, the New Zealand pilot, affiliated with the British Royal Air Force, whose plane was shot down by the enemy nearby on September 9, 1944. Exactly eighty years later, there will be a commemoration meeting.

Gesneuvelde piloot krijgt na tachtig jaar indrukwekkend eerbetoon | Maatschappij – Achterhoeknieuws.nl