Alpine Aerobatics

In 2018, one aircraft caught my eye and my imagination more than any other, that of the Farner Werke C.3605 "Schlepp" , or the "Alpine Anteater". In the hands of National Aerobatic Champion, Emiliano Del Buono, this aircraft put on an agile and aerobatic display which was both surprising and eye-catching to watch over the skies of Duxford.

Emiliano founded 46 Aviation in 2009 to operate alongside his Aerobatic career, focusing firstly on the aerobatic aspect with the Extra 300, and later the warbird scene, with the acquirement of a varied collection of vintage aircraft restorations for his new company: 46 Aviation Classics -to join the Boeing Stearman, Yak-9 and Bücker Jungmann already under the 46 Aviation banner. 

Having started off his career at 17, (when he obtained his pilots license) he soon found himself drawn to the energetic world of aerobatic and competitive flying in the Extra - going on to become National Aerobatic Champion. In 2014, his interest in warbirds led to a growth in the types he flew. Now, in 2019, 46 Aviation works with both disciplines, with Emiliano at the helm, where both aerobatic and warbird aircraft are showcased around Europe from their home base in Sion, Switzerland. 

For the warbird fans, the unique "Schlepp" is one of the big highlights, being a truly one-off looking warbird. The Farner Werke C.3605 "Schlepp" began life in 1942 as a reconnaissance and ground attack aircraft. Later converted in 1971 to operate as a target tug, the nose was extended, and within it, housed a new turbine engine - additionally a modified vertical stabiliser was fitted. HB-RDH is one of only two flying examples currently airworthy. Capable of surprising agility and grace in the air, the "Schlepp" can punch above its weight with its aerobatic ability and stability in flight. All of this makes this aircraft standout amongst the regular warbirds on the flight-line.

Following his UK debut in 2018 at the Duxford May Airshow, Air Displays UK catches up with Emiliano for an exclusive insight into the work happening at 46 Aviation: 

"Firstly thank you for chatting with me; I hope you enjoyed your visit to Duxford last May with the "Shlepp" C.3605?"

"Very much so. Duxford is, of course, a very well known venue for airshows, and being able to display in such an iconic location was a pleasure and a ticked box."  

I saw your display at Duxford, and was surprised at how good an aircraft it (The "Schlepp") appeared, and how agile it is - Is it a particularly difficult plane to fly, compared to your other aircraft, like the Stearman and Extra, for example?"
   

"Bizarrely enough, it’s a very easy plane and a very good plane - when you think of the mistakes that were made during the piston/turbine conversion, (nose extension brought too far for example), it’s amazing to find yourself flying such a balanced and stable aircraft. There are 60 Kgs of gym weights, (yes gym weights) in and outside of the tail section, yet the plane will fly 15 minutes hands-off without any pilot interaction - and it’s a joy to fly. 

The one moment you want to be careful is at take-off on a grass runway, particularly if  (it's) wet, due to the torque effect of the prop. Even if the turbine isn’t particularly powerful, the fact that the propeller sits nearly 5 meters in front of the main wheels, and of the front cockpit, means that the effect of that big prop is something to recon with at take off."

"The "Shlepp" C.3605 is a very unique aircraft, how did you come to own it? Was it always an aircraft you wanted to fly and operate?"
   

"We don’t own it, but are in the process of buying it with our new company; 46 Aviation Classics. We currently operate it on behalf of the owner who decided to buy it - so as to keep it in Switzerland. I started to fly it for the previous owner and when the aircraft was sold, I started taking care of the paper work and the flying. I must admit that it wasn’t part of “the list” but I’m really glad that I’ve had this pleasure - it really is a magnificent machine." 

"You reference a list there, what aircraft are still on it that you want to tick off?"

"The truth is, if I could, I'd try every type of aircraft out there at least once. As a kid I used to dream of a hangar with an example of all the aircraft types to have ever flown. 

My shortlist of aircraft would be; F4-U Corsair, F-14 Tomcat, SU-27, C-27 Spartan and the Junkers JU-87 Stuka."

"Where did the idea to establish 46 Aviation come from? And what led to you bringing the aircraft you restore, operate and maintain, to airshows?"
  

"46 Aviation started with our extra 330sc back in 2009, followed by a TB20 and Bücker 131amp. It was all started based on my aerobatics sponsorships, to operate the Extra during the competition season and it stayed that way for the first 7 years. Meeting my wife, Danielle and starting our wing walking show together meant more airshows and less competitions, which worked well with the warbirds part of the company that was also picking up at the same time.
 

I was lucky to be asked to fly the C.3605 and a Yak-9 back in 2014 which acted as my entry into the warbird world and allowed me to get to grips with operating machines for which there’s often no clear standards, and on which I would have not been able to fly were it not for the operations services we offered."
 

"Am I right in saying that Duxford was your first UK Airshow display, at least with the "Schlepp"? Do you have plans to return to the UK this year to show off the C.3605 or some of the other aircraft in the 46 Aviation hangar?"
   

"Yes you are! And what a place to start! I would love to come back to the UK, and not only with the C.3605. We are currently waiting on replies from airshow organisers for both the Wingwalking and "Schlepp". Danielle, being English, means the UK is a bit of a second home for me, and it surely is a welcoming place for warbirds."  

"I saw via your website that you are in the process of restoring a selection of other warbirds like the 109 and P-40, and a second "Schlepp" - how are those restorations coming along?"
   

"This is where 46 Aviation Classics is coming into play. We are acquiring the projects and we are planning on speeding things up. The first aircraft to take to the skies will be a 109 probably, followed by a second C.3605 and then the P-40N. As people in this business know, it doesn’t always goes to plan with historical aircraft, but we are collaborating with a good team of people and we’ll do our best to have them up and flying in the shortest of times."
 

"You're a well respected aerobatic pilot, having achieved a lot, is there a standout moment for you, in your aviation career? And is there anything you still want to do?"
 

"First of all, thank you. My first flight with Danielle on the wings of our Stearman, the first WW2 fighter flight, and my first national aerobatic title would be some of the best memories, but flying has been part of my life for so long that it’s hard to stop at three moments. Last year I had the honour of flying in formation with a Gypaete Barbu (Bearded Vulture) - the simple fact that it allowed me to fly next to it, and to get up close while circling over the Swiss Alps justifies going to fly for the next 20 years."

With the 2019 season approaching, the hope is that Emiliano and Danielle return to the UK with some of their incredible fleet of aircraft. The sight and sound of the turbine-powered "Schlepp" is one any warbird fan will enjoy, or, indeed any aerobatic fan! If you can see them at an Airshow this year, I definitely recommend you do.  And with 46 Aviation Classics. I'm sure this is just the beginning, with more interesting and beautiful warbirds to come. 

My thanks to Emiliano Del Buono at 46 Aviation SA for his time. 

Words and photos by Matt Silvaire.