Introduction

Formation Team The Victors is a Belgian civilian formation flying team specializing in precision flying. Based at the former military airfield of Ursel (EBUL), the team brings together several pilots passionate about aviation. Since its creation in 2004, the team has regularly participated in airshows in Belgium and various European countries.

Origin

The team was formed by coincidence. In 2004, three pilots were approaching Ursel airfield at the same time and decided to try flying in formation. They enjoyed the experience so much that they began training every weekend to improve their technique with the help of experienced pilots.

Shortly afterward, they were invited to perform a fly past at a local event, marking the official birth of The Victors formation team.

The name “The Victors” comes from the registrations of the first three aircraft they used, all beginning with the letter “V,” pronounced “Victor” in the international phonetic alphabet.

The pilots

The team consists of six pilots and a small support crew. Most of the pilots are not full time professionals, as they also have other careers. However, all of them have substantial flying experience and train regularly to ensure the precision of their demonstrations.

The pilots include:
• Emmanuel De Craene – formation leader (Victor 1)
• Luc De Smet – left wing (Victor 2)
• Rick De Smet – right wing (Victor 3)
• Bram Joly – rear position (Victor 4)

During demonstrations, four aircraft usually fly together in a precise choreography, but on special occasions the formation may expand to five or six aircraft, joined by former Victors pilots.

The aircraft

The team flies the Piper PA 28 Cherokee, a light aircraft widely used in flying clubs for training and leisure. This aircraft was not originally designed for formation flying and has relatively limited power.

This is precisely what makes The Victors’ displays remarkable: thanks to their precision and coordination, the pilots perform elegant and tight maneuvers, proving that a training aircraft can still deliver an impressive airshow.