Captain Yannick “FÖNSI” Zanata
First of all thank you very much for your time, please introduce yourself to us, and tell us about your pilot career in the Swiss Air Force.
I am Cap Yannick “Fönsi&” Zanata. I am 34 years old and I come from Geneva. I am a squadron pilot in the Fighter squadron 17 based in Payerne.
I started my career when I was 17 with the first selection. This is a program called SPHAIR (sphair.ch) that we have to do before starting in the military. After the selection, I went to the Swiss air force pilot school to attend the standard training. We did the ATPL together with a bachelor in science of aviation and then flew PC-7 and PC-21. I received my wings in 2013 and started the conversion course on the F/A-18 in 2014. In 2017 I flew one year on the PC-7 as an instructor. After that I did all my qualifications on the F/A-18 (division lead, Instructor and tactical instructor). In 2019 I was chosen to be the Display pilot from 2020.
How does someone become the Hornet Display pilot? Is there a selection?
We have to fulfill the requirements (section lead, 400h on the Hornet). Then we have to apply for the job. The squadrons commanders together with the commander of the air defense branch and the last demo pilot then choose the pilot.
Could you summarize the 2021 season? Where have you performed?
It was definitely not a standard year. We had a lot of cancellations because of the covid-19 and I had to fly more training than planned to keep the currency. This was very important to be able to train more and maintain a good safety margin. At the end I flew at three airshows in Switzerland, I went to Luxeuil (FR) and Malta and of course at the end of the season at the Axalp.
If you had a choice to fly any aircraft in the world what would it be and why?
This is hard to say. I really love flying the F/A-18. It has an amazing maneuverability. Even if it is no longer the most modern fighter it is slowly becoming a legend as the F-14 before. But if I could choose one I might take the F-14 for the same reason.
When do you start your display training, and how often do you practice before the airshow season?
Usually I have two training weeks in April. During these two weeks I first go in the simulator to train the new program and all the malfunctions that could occur. Then I do two sorties per day. At the end of the training I have one validation flight to be qualified for the season.
Is there any European Airshow you haven’t displayed at but you would really like to?
There are many… Each Airshow is unique but what I like the most is to get to know new people each time. What I prefer are the military airshows because this is our world and I can see different ways of working.
What’s the Hornet like to fly? Is it a good display aircraft?
I think it is a perfect aircraft for display. With the F/A-18, we do not have any angle of attack limitation. This allows me to perform maneuvers that most aircraft cannot do. With the hornet you can almost do anything you want to do, it has almost no limitations. You just have to think about something and the aircraft will follow.
When you are not taking the sky, what is your favourite way to unwind and relax?
In winter you will find me most of the time in the mountains on the ski slopes. I love to go skiing or ski touring. The rest of the year I love to do any kind of sport.
Any other solo display in Europe you like? And why?
They are all great; each solo has its own DNA. The F-16 has an incredible roll rate, the typhoon has as much power as you can dream of and the Rafale always looks so agile. However, the most important is that there is an enormous mutual respect between the display pilots and we always enjoy spending time together. They are all great guys!
Could you tell us something about your display routine? Any favourite manoeuvres? How long did it take you to design it?
I actually did not design much myself. When you are new to the job the biggest mistakes you can do is to try to change everything. First, you have to learn to fly it because it is a new way to fly your aircraft. My favourite manoeuvres are the rudder roll (a high angle of attack roll where you kick the ass of the aircraft with the foot to enter the roll) and the pirouette (this is a kind of controlled spin). Both manoeuvres are only possible because we do not have any angle of attack limitation. This is why the F/A-18 is one of the only aircraft able to perform such a manoeuvre.
Any airshow this year you’re looking forward to the most?
Not really, I am looking forward to the whole season and if I don’t have to fight too much against the COVID, I will be happy…
What advice would you have for someone who after watching your display wants to become a fighter pilot?
Only those who have tried eventually became fighter pilots. So, go for it, give it all you have with all your dedication because it is a hard and long journey but it is the best job I could dream of!
Thank you very much for your time! Any final words to our readers?
I hope to see you soon somewhere in Europe!
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