Eric Hauert
Thank you for your time. Firstly please introduce yourself to us, and tell us about your aviation background.
Eric Hauert, Swiss citizen, cap.
- Glider in 1973
- Air Force pilot school 1979
- Air Force squadron and reserve 1980 – 2004
- Swissair & Swiss int. Air Lines 1984 – 2016
- Edelweiss Air Lines 2018 – 2021
- Amici dell’Hunter from 2000
Total flight hours: 19000
When was the first time you ever flew on the Hawker Hunter and how did it feel?
First time on Hunter: in 1981. It was really a great moment, a dream come true.
How does it influence the performance of the hunter flying in the Alps?
We have been trained to fly in the Alps, to do tactical flights in the valleys, ground attacks in the Alps. The Hunter is absolutely suited to this kind of mission.
You do offer passenger flights in the Hunter can you tell us more about them? How much does it cost? Are there any flight restrictions?
The cost of the flight includes the membership of our association, a non for profit and voluntary one. Passenger flights with the two-seater Hunter are reserved for AdH members. Therefore, members are responsible for all costs related to their flight, i.e., fuel, landing taxes, insurance, etc…, cost CHF 6000.— plus CHF 100.-- for video. Flight restrictions are the ones imposed by the military and civil aviation authorities.
Where can we see the Hawker Hunter this year? Any airshows planned?
The aircraft is based in Sion (Switzerland, Wallis).
Planned airshows :
-Flyin Saint YAN 2022, France (17-19 Jun)
-Aérotorshow 2022 - Fête Aérienne Valence Chabeuil, France (03 Jul)
-Hunterfest 2022, Switzerland (17-20 Aug)
Could you tell us a little bit about your hunter? It’s history?
Our Hunter, J-4201, was produced in 1975 and was in the Swiss Air Force until the end of 1994. Since 1996, she is operated by our association Amici dell’Hunter. In the air force, her missions were electronic war and ground attacks.
What’s the fuel consumption of the Hunter and how much fuel do you need to complete your typical display?
Consumption depends on the type of flight (dog fights, ground attack, observation flight, etc…). During a display, we would need about 1000 litres.
If one day you could choose any airshow in Europe to display at, which one would it be and why?
No preference for any particular airshow. It is always a great privilege to participate, and display this superb aircraft.
If you had a chance to fly any aircraft you like what would it be?
The Hunter Hawker
What is the best thing about the Hawker Hunter?
The Hunter Hawker is a very reliable and safe aircraft.
What is your most memorable flight experience on the Hunter?
Every flight (whatever the aircraft) is an enriching experience.
Do you still have any dreams that you are hoping to accomplish when it comes to flying?
Fly to the ISS
What advice would you have for someone who after watching your display wants to learn to fly?
Just go for it!
Thank you very much for your time! Any final words to our readers?
Thank you for your support and actions.
