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 Red Bull-sponsored Czech Flying Bulls aerobatic team successfully performed an unprecedented outside (inverted) loop in a tight diamond formation over and under the Mala Rijeka Viaduct, Europe's highest rail bridge.
This highly complex and rare maneuver required two years of extensive planning, including scouting suitable locations, securing government permits across countries, and rigorous on-site training to ensure precision and safety.
Despite the inherent danger and difficulty of an outside loop, especially in formation near a bridge, the team meticulously prepared for various scenarios and executed the stunt flawlessly, capturing it with unique drone footage.

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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.