As every year, the city of Lovere, on the shores of Lake Iseo, hosts air display to honour the memory of the local pioneer of aviation, Mario Stoppani.
The pandemic has changed many things for everyone. In some ways, the end of various restrictions coinciding with the summer was like an awakening, where the regained sense of freedom was sometimes met with unexpected surprises.
However, with great satisfaction, one event that has consistently promoted aviation (especially seaplanes) and honored the legacy of our aviation history has returned, driven by even more enthusiasm. This was made possible by the passion of Mario Caroli, President of the Mario Stoppani Association, his team, and Paolo Geminiani, who directed the MAF (Air Display).
Every year in September, the Stoppani Memorial celebrates Mario Stoppani, a highly decorated World War I aviation ace, and record-holder. This year, thousands of enthusiasts gathered in Lovere, including prominent figures who were drawn by the unique nature of the event and the charm of the many seaplanes that graced Lake Iseo. In addition to numerous demonstration flights, on-land conferences further enriched the event. One conference, led by Ilaria Zilioli, Legal Counsel of ESA, focused on space law.
In the hours leading up to the event, seaplanes began arriving: first, the ICP Savannah amphibian piloted by Alessandro di Piano, instructor of the Voli di Mare school, followed by the gleaming ICP Bingos of Graziano Mazzolari and Claudio Simonini. A Seamax from the Kong base in Lecco and an amphibious Cessna 182 also landed, along with other Savannahs. In total, nine seaplanes arrived at the lake near the town of Lovere, attracting people of all ages and backgrounds.
The atmosphere resembled scenes from Franz Kafka’s “The Aeroplanes at Brescia.” Military authorities like Col. Giacomo Lacaita and civilian dignitaries, such as the Prefect of Bergamo, Enrico Ricci, participated in the memorial. Among the attendees were Filippo Barbero, former soloist of the PAN, and Paolo Ferri, ex-Head of Space Missions at ESA, who directed the Rosetta mission.
The Inauguration of the Marone Seaplane Base and the Cant Z501 Flight
One highlight was the inauguration of the permanent Marone seaplane base, part of a network aimed at connecting the North and South. A temporary landing and takeoff area was set up in Lovere for the weekend. Another unique moment was the flight of a large-scale model (3.6 m) of the Cant Z501, built by Carlo Martegani and piloted remotely by Umberto Desanti. This was the plane on which Commander Stoppani set several distance records.
Space Flight at the Stoppani Memorial
After the Cant’s flight, Paolo Ferri spoke about the differences between spaceflight and atmospheric flight, noting the similarities to satellite flight but also highlighting key differences, such as the relative ease of flight in the absence of an atmosphere.
The MAF Begins!
Around lunchtime, the crowd grew in anticipation of the arrival of the National Aerobatic Team (PAN) and the upcoming displays. The PAN approached from the valley, filling the sky with color. Their perfect synchrony and the image of the Italian flag embroidered in the sky brought a profound sense of pride to the crowd. Following the PAN’s flyover, pilots Maurizio Costa and Roberto Magnani captivated the audience with their aerobatic maneuvers. The Magni Autogiro Team surprised many onlookers, including a child who mistook the autogyro for a helicopter.
Graziano Mazzolari’s Seaplane
Next was the turn of Graziano Mazzolari’s yellow and red Superbingo. It took off gracefully and demonstrated impressive maneuverability, thanks to its lightweight composite construction.
The Climax of the Air Display
Andrea Pesenato’s flight over Lovere was one of the most spectacular displays, with three-dimensional figures and daring maneuvers. Soon after, Emiliano Del Buono piloted the Boeing Stearman while his wife Danielle performed aerial acrobatics, leaving the crowd in awe.
As the paraffin trails faded and the sun set, the pilots and organizers gathered for a well-deserved meal. The weekend had been full of emotions and highlighted the timeless dream of aviation, bringing together pilots and enthusiasts from all walks of life.
