Frecce Tricolori Take to the U.S. Skies for the First Time in 32 Years

On August 10th and 11th, the Italian Air Force aerobatics team Frecce Tricolori will glide, swoop and soar in perfect synchronicity over American skies for the first time in 32 years as they join the U.S. Thunderbirds in headlining this year’s New York International Air Show. The Tricolori’s first stateside performance comes just two years after being honored by the Guinness Book of World Records as the largest military aerobatics display team with a total of 10 jet aircrafts, and one year after the Italian Air Forces’ 100 year anniversary. Frecce Tricolori’s unique Italian style is derived from intensive training and a dedication to showcasing the beauty and skill of their culture. 

The training to become a part of Frecce Tricolori is comprehensive. Applicants must first be involved in the Italian Air Force for six years before applying to move to the aerobatics team. Then, applicants work to prove themselves over a two week long trial process. If they are selected to progress, they are paired with an outgoing pilot where they observe, train, and live with the squadron for one year. These trainees are not only observing the members of Frecce Tricolori, but are being observed themselves. Their work puts them into amazing but often intense situations and all potential squadron members are thoroughly psychologically tested before becoming one of the team. All members fly around 200 to 250 hours a year, not including air shows, and are constantly working to improve both their aerobatic and operational skills. 

However, the Frecce Tricolori are not only here to show off their training. Lieutenant Colonel Massimiliano Salvatore, the Commander of the Frecce Tricolori squadron, highlights how Frecce Tricolori are here “To join all the Italian communities of the US and Canada”. Colonel Stefano Pietropaoli, Commander of the North America Tour Air Force, elaborated on this point. “Because we are from Italy, there are more people, more Italians that are looking for us. They want to talk to us. The reason why we are here is not only to show how good are the pilots (and) how good are the jets, and… the biggest Italian flag. We are here also to meet all the Italians.”

Colonel Stefano Pietropaoli also shared the more emotional side of his time flying with Frecce Tricolori and seeing his flag displayed. “So I just think about, you know, people who (served in) the Air Force, and when I see a flag,” said Pietropaoli, “I don’t want to care about what kind of flag, even the American, the Italians, whatever. But I think about… the people who died for the freedom. And so this is really emotional to me.”

Those who would like an opportunity to see the world’s largest Italian flag and the Frecce Tricolori live and in action can go to https://airshowny.com.