Event was held on Sunday (30/07) by the Department of Aerospace Science and Technology (DCTA)
DCTA, by Lieutenant Alessandra Borges
The Department of Aerospace Science and Technology (DCTA) held, on 07/30, the traditional Air Sunday, in São José dos Campos (SP), bringing together more than 50 thousand people who attended a program full of activities specially planned for aviation enthusiasts.
The event is part of the official calendar of the Brazilian Air Force (FAB) and, this year, is part of the celebrations of the 150th anniversary of the birth of Alberto Santos Dumont, Father of Aviation and Patron of Brazilian Aeronautics.
For the Director-General of DCTA, Air Lieutenant Brigadier Maurício Augusto Silveira de Medeiros, reopening the gates, after the pandemic, marks not only the return to normality, but also the celebration of the continuous advancement of science and technology.
“Air Sunday is a special occasion that allows visitors to experience the legacy of Alberto Santos Dumont and the evolution of aerospace science, from the beginnings of aviation to the cutting-edge technologies of the present. It is an exciting moment, when we celebrate the 150th anniversary of the birth of the Father of Aviation, a Brazilian of whom we are so proud and who inspires all DCTA professionals. In this event, we had the opportunity to integrate the celebrations of the 256th anniversary of São José dos Campos, also honoring the Joseense community”, said Lieutenant-Brigadier Medeiros.
The Mayor of São José dos Campos, Anderson Farias, was present and emphasized the vibration of the people with the air shows. “They look forward to this opportunity. It is a great gift for the city,” he added.
Throughout the day, visitors followed several attractions, such as the presentation of the Falcões Team Paratroopers, the Esquadrilha da Fumaça and the Esquadrilha Ceu, in addition to knowing the projects developed by the DCTA institutes.
For Vicente de Paulo Enedino, from São Bernardo do Campo (SP), who came with his wife, attending the event was an unforgettable experience. “It is the first time I have seen the presentation of the Esquadrilha da Fumaça and I am delighted, because the pilots are excellent aviators”, commented Vicente.
The public was able to appreciate the exhibition of several aircraft, with emphasis on the KC-390 Millennium. Also available were the military instruction aircraft of the cadets of the Air Force Academy (AFA), which are the T-27 Tucano and T-25 Universal, as well as the A-29 Super Tucano, used by the Esquadrilha da Fumaça, and helicopters of the Brazilian Army and the Military Police of SP (PMSP).
The event also featured the display of hybrid cars of various brands, different models and the replica of the 14-Bis, which was a hit among the public due to the presence of a character characterized as Santos Dumont.
Smoke Squadron
The history of the Air Demonstration Squadron (EDA) – popularly known as the Esquadrilha da Fumaça – demonstrates the passion for aviation and the talent of Brazilian pilots who sought to bring the public a breathtaking spectacle. Created in the city of Rio de Janeiro (RJ) by a group of young FAB pilots, the Squadron initially had T-6 aircraft. Since then, it has evolved and improved over the decades, gaining international recognition and delighting audiences around the world.
Participating in countless events, celebrations and performances, this historic Squadron continues to inspire generations and fill the hearts of audiences with awe.
“It is very rewarding when we see children coming up to us, asking for autographs and saying they would like to be in the military. I find it valuable to motivate and encourage this future generation of ours,” said one of the EDA pilots, Captain Moisés Kawka.
Ceu Squadron
The Ceu Squadron is formed mostly by experienced pilots from fighter aviation and today FAB reserve officers. Its activities began in 2011, at the former Clube Ceu, on the shores of Lagoa de Jacarepaguá. Since then, more than 70 aerial demonstrations have been carried out and the pilots together have accumulated more than 25,000 flight hours.
The Ceu Squadron performs aerial demonstrations at various civil and military aeronautical events throughout Brazil, displaying acrobatic flight maneuvers in formation.
For Lieutenant Colonel Alfredo Salvatore Leta, leader of the Ceu team, seeing this large audience gathered to appreciate the achievements of the aerospace sector and the history written by Santos Dumont is of great value. “I am immensely proud to be a member of the Ceu Squadron and one of its founders. Santos Dumont’s dream materializes in every look of the children who watch our show, “concluded Lieutenant Colonel Salvatore.
