On Thursday, December 18, in the historic hangar of the Frecce Tricolori in Rivolto, the traditional presentation of the new Formation and the Poster of the National Aerobatic Team for the year 2026 took place.
The event, now a well-established appointment for the PAN, presided over by Air Division General Marco Lant, Commander of the Air Force Combat Forces, represented an important opportunity to meet with local communities, Frecce Tricolori Clubs, families, and enthusiasts.
During the evening, Lieutenant Colonel Franco Paolo Marocco, Commander of the 313th Acrobatic Training Group, presented the new formation for 2026: the reference roles of Pony 1 (Formation Leader) to Major Pierluigi Raspa and Pony 10 (Soloist) to Major Federico De Cecco were confirmed. Among the wingmen, there is an update in the setup, with the confirmation of Major Simone Fanfarillo as Pony 6 (first tail light) and the most anticipated novelty: the entry of Captain Tommaso Calogeri, coming from the 6th Wing of Ghedi, who takes the position of Pony 8 (third right wingman).
The evening continued with the presentation of the 2026 poster of the Frecce Tricolori, depicting the MB-339PAN with the commemorative livery developed for the 65th anniversary of the PAN, celebrated in September 2025. The first copy of the poster was symbolically handed over to Commander Alberto Moretti, former Commander of the PAN, as a testament to the strong bond of today's Patrol with those who contributed to writing the history of the Unit and the Air Force.
An important moment of the event was dedicated to charity, supporting the initiatives of the association “Il Filo di Simo” and the project supported by the entire Air Force “A gift from the sky”, thanks also to the participation of the Frecce Tricolori Clubs.
The 2026 Formation (single list)
- Pony 0 – Lieutenant Colonel Franco Paolo Marocco
- Pony 1 – Major Pierluigi Raspa
- Pony 2 – Major Alessandro Sommariva
- Pony 3 – Major Leonardo Leo
- Pony 4 – Captain Luca Pozzani
- Pony 5 – Major Giovanni Morello
- Pony 6 – Major Simone Fanfarillo
- Pony 7 – Captain Emanuele Bernuzzi
- Pony 8 – Captain Tommaso Calogeri
- Pony 9 – Major Oscar Del Dò
- Pony 10 – Major Federico De Cecco
The 2026 tour: main stages
With the formation officialized, the PAN now looks to the 2026 demonstration season. The air show calendar is published and updated by the relevant bodies (Aero Club of Italy), and is naturally subject to changes. (Aeci)
According to the first schedules released in December, the tour is expected to start on May 8 in Bari, then continue with appointments such as Salerno (May 17), Varazze (May 24), Grado (June 7), L’Aquila (June 14), Bellaria (June 21), Noto (June 28), Lignano Sabbiadoro (July 12) and the big season closures in Desenzano (September 5) and Jesolo (September 12). (AvioHub)
A bit of history: from Rivolto to the symbol of Italy in the world
The 313th Acrobatic Training Group, the official name of the Frecce Tricolori, is a Flight Unit of the Air Force composed of about 100 military personnel and based in Rivolto since its establishment: the formation employs 10 aircraft (9 + soloist).
The roots of the acrobatic tradition date back to the early 20th century, with the experience gained in the Campoformido area, and in the 1950s with the “rotating” patrols (including Lancieri Neri, Diavoli Rossi, Tigri Bianche, Getti Tonanti, and Cavallino Rampante). It was from the latter that in 1960 the nucleus of pilots was identified that led to the creation, on March 1, 1961, of a stable unit dedicated to collective aerobatics: the 313th Group.
Today the Patrol flies with the Aermacchi MB-339PAN, used by the PAN for decades and become a recognizable icon worldwide.
The Rivolto event thus represented a moment of sharing and identity for the National Aerobatic Team: a look at tradition and, at the same time, the official start of the path that will lead to the emotions of the 2026 aerobatic season.
Comments
No comments yet. Be the first!