A Polish fighter pilot has captured international attention after being named the standout performer at the world’s largest military aviation event.

Major Maciej “Slab” Krakowian, a member of Poland’s elite F-16 Tiger Demo Team, received the coveted “As the Crow Flies” Trophy during the 2025 edition of the Royal International Air Tattoo (RIAT) in Gloucestershire, England.

The award, which recognises the best flying display of the show, is voted on by members of the RIAT’s enthusiast community.

Held annually at RAF Fairford, this year’s airshow attracted a record-breaking crowd of 175,000 spectators and featured more than 200 aircraft from around the globe. Known for its dynamic performances and elite competition, the event serves as a proving ground for some of the world’s finest military aviators.

Krakowian’s F-16C Fighting Falcon routine was lauded by organisers as “aggressive and powerful,” showcasing not only the capabilities of the aircraft but also the precision and creativity of its pilot. He flew three separate displays over the weekend, each carefully adjusted to cope with the UK’s notoriously unpredictable weather.

In an interview with the Polish tech outlet Spider’s Web, Krakowian explained that the performances had to be adapted due to low clouds and rain. 

“We had to modify the show to fit the conditions,” he said. 

Despite the challenges, his ability to maintain high display quality under adverse conditions impressed both judges and audiences alike.

The adaptability and skill demonstrated in the modified routines were key factors in earning him the award, Spider’s Web noted. For Krakowian and Poland’s demo team, the recognition marks a significant moment on the international stage and highlights the growing presence of Polish aviation talent.

Source: TVP World

Photos: FB F-16 Tiger Demo Team Poland

Tomasz Modrzejewski