“The best part of being a pilot is the constant self-improvement and challenging yourself”
Introducing the Finnish Air Force’s 2026 Hawk display pilot, Captain Ville Luukkonen.
The Finnish Air Force Hawk display pilot for the 2026 season is Captain Ville Luukkonen from Fighter Squadron 41 of the Air Force Academy. He serves in the squadron as an air combat instructor.
How did you end up in the Air Force?
I ended up in the Air Force partly by chance. At the beginning of upper secondary school, I was certain that my path would eventually lead me to business school. As my studies progressed, I began exploring different options for military service as the call-up approached. I noticed that one option in the Air Force was the Pilot Reserve Officer Course. I started looking for more information about the course and its multi-phase entrance tests. At the Studia fair, I also had the opportunity to hear a pilot presenting the course and explaining the different stages of the application process. In the end, I decided to apply.
The multi-phase testing process itself was already a great and educational experience. Receiving the acceptance letter in the mail after the final phase was a huge moment for me. As my military service progressed, I began seriously considering a career as a pilot. What I especially liked about the course was working with like-minded people and, of course, flying itself.
By the end of the course, I was fully convinced that I wanted to continue on a pilot career path in the Defence Forces. Later in my career, I have progressed along the traditional fighter pilot path—from the propeller-driven Vinka trainer to the Hawk jet trainer, and from there to flying the Hornet.
What is it like to work in the Air Force, and what is a pilot’s job like? What is your current role like?
Working in the Air Force feels particularly meaningful at a time like this. Although our work has received more visibility in the media in recent years, we still do a great deal of work that goes unseen. What I especially appreciate is the opportunity to work with highly skilled and reliable people.
The best part of being a pilot is the constant self-improvement and challenging yourself. I have always enjoyed studying and sports, and I think the work of a fighter pilot combines these two very well. Fighter pilot training is highly progressive and requires continuous study as well as strong stress tolerance. During training, you get to push your limits many times. The job is also physically demanding at times, which is why maintaining good physical fitness through versatile exercise is an essential part of the profession.
In my current role as an air combat instructor, I get to teach younger pilots the intricacies of fighter flying. I have personally received excellent instruction and mentorship from more experienced pilots during my career, and now I have the opportunity to pass that knowledge on. I particularly enjoy seeing a motivated young pilot succeed in a challenging task and develop in their work.
What is it like to fly the Hawk?
The Hawk is a precise aircraft to fly and has excellent maneuverability. Thanks to its swept wing design, it retains energy—meaning speed—very well during maneuvers, which makes it well suited as a display aircraft. Over its service life, the Hawk has also undergone several upgrades, allowing it to still meet modern training requirements.
How does it feel to perform solo in the 2026 season?
I feel privileged to serve as the Hawk display pilot for the 2026 season. As a child, I occasionally attended air shows, and later in my career I have watched more experienced pilots perform their display routines. It is fantastic to now be able to give the audience those same thrills and excitement myself.
What is this year’s Hawk solo display like?
This year’s Hawk solo relies on the aircraft’s strong turning performance and speed. The routine largely consists of classic aerobatic maneuvers. The maneuvers are flown with high G-loads, which keeps the display relatively compact. The smoothness of the routine is enhanced by the use of smoke pods.
What is your favorite aerobatic maneuver and why?
I think the routine as a whole is dynamic and visually impressive. However, I particularly like the oblique loop in my sequence, which finishes with a descending segment into a Derry turn. The maneuver is directed toward the audience, and the descending Derry turn enhances its visual impact thanks to the high speed and smoke effects.
Another very impressive maneuver—both for the audience and the pilot—is the half spectacles flown toward the crowd.
Where can the solo display be seen this season?
This year’s Hawk solo can be seen at the Air Force Careers in Military Aviation days in Tikkakoski on 7 May, in Pirkkala on 12 May, and in Rovaniemi on 20 August. The events are open to everyone—welcome to enjoy impressive flight displays!
Anything else you would like to add?
I encourage young people to apply for the Pilot Reserve Officer Course if a versatile pilot career in the Defence Forces interests them. In addition to fighter pilots, the course also selects candidates for Army helicopter pilots and Border Guard pilots.
Have the courage to apply and believe in yourselves. The first and most important step in the application process is simply submitting your application!
Read more about display flying:
Captain Ville Tuomainen’s 2026 Hornet Solo Is a Cohesive and Dynamic Performance
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