Chris b,
As the weathre can do strainge things in the mountains, especially in autumn, it's best to go as many day's you can. Normally monday afternoon, from 14:00hrs lt onwards the SAF starts practicing doing shooting runs and display rehursals. Tuesday's are the same exept the time slot starts round eight! So be on time, maybe you can catch a breathtaking sunrise aswell!
The official showday's are the same as on tuesday, starts round eight.
It 'll take you in between about 1,5 to 3 hours hiking, depending on where you park your car (or if you'd take the bus or what have you) and whitch point you want to go to.
In effect there are three places to go to. Well known is the Ebenfluh crest of witch the range controle tower is situated. Then there is the Tschingel peak, the mountain peak witch can hold most spectators (a good spot on the showday's as it's a little less crouwded as the Ebelfluh where the VIP's has thair enclosure). Then the third spot is on the foot of the Tschingel. The view is a bit blocked by the entire Tschingel but some aircraft come by nice and close.
Next to these points there is a possibilety to go to the other side, but I would not recommend this at all! To reach the area the hike is easely twice as long, much steeper and more dangerous. If you where to have an accident getting rescued will be harder to realise!
Offcource, next to visiting the Axalp show a visit to Meiringen airbase is recommendable. F/A-18 Hornets fly from here, aswell as the F-5 tigers. During the Axalp show it's a busy base as lots of the logistics for the show is been done from here. This is done by Alouette lll's, Super Puma's, Cougars and a Falcon (to bring the minister of defence).
Standard tip for the axalp show: Go well eccuiped! Use good mounteneering of hiking shoes, bring a pair of skiing or Nordic walking rods, wear your clothes in layers. Begin with a summer outfit, shorts and a T-shirt because it cán get very warm still. Then pull over a sweater and jeans, and make sure you're protected from possible rain, snow and wind. Because this can also be reality here! In the space of half an hour a warm sunny day can turn into a showstorm. It may not be likely, but better safe then sorry. And last of all, bring sunscreen someting to eat like biscuits and a good amount to drink. about 2 liters minimum, the hike makes you sweat quite a bit.
And then make the most of it!!
If you or anyone else have any questions, feel free to ask. If you or anyone else have additions, feel free to add
Greetings,
René