Bridge Loop: Behind the Scenes of Another Red Bull First

Despite huge advances outside loops remain difficult and more hazardous than any other aerobatic maneuvers.

FLYING Staff

Tuesday, April 22, 2025 at 07:00 AM ET

Verified

Edited By:

Travis Tingle

Red Bull has pushed extreme aviation to a new level, executing the first formation flight through a viaduct bridge in Montenegro. [Red Bull/Predrag Vuckovic]

Key Takeaways:

The Czech Flying Bulls aerobatic team successfully performed an unprecedented "outside loop" in formation over and under the Mala Rijeka Viaduct in Montenegro, Europe's highest rail bridge.
This highly challenging "Bridge Loop" required two years of meticulous planning, including scouting suitable bridge locations across multiple countries and securing extensive permits from authorities.
The team underwent rigorous, two-week on-site training to master precise formation flying, low recoveries, and navigating the narrow valley and tight clearances between the bridge's support pillars.

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On October 8, four XtremeAir Sbach 342 aerobatic aircraft took off from Montenegro’s Niksic Airport (LYNK) and flew a circuitous course through the Dinaric Mountains, following the Mala Rijeka river. Ahead of them was their objective, the Mala Rijeka Viaduct, which carries the Belgrade-Bar railway across the river valley. And at 660 feet above the valley floor, the structure is recognized as the highest rail bridge in Europe.

As the group flew over the bridge in a tight diamond formation, flight leader Stanislav Cejka eased the stick forward, cresting at the top of the loop, and gradually arcing his aircraft into a vertical dive. With airshow smoke on, the rest of the team, including left wingman Jan Rudzinskyj, right wingman Jan Tvrdik, and slot Martin Spacek, followed
Cejka down.