46 Aviation Wing Walking
About the Act
46 Aviation Wing Walking is a high-energy wingwalking display flown by husband-and-wife team Emiliano Del Buono (pilot) and Danielle Del Buono (wingwalker). Based at Sion, Switzerland, they tour widely across Europe with a vivid pink “Super Stearman” biplane, combining classic barnstorming with dramatic walkarounds, wingtip poses and crowd-pleasing smoke.
The routine features smooth aerobatics — loops, aileron rolls, stall turns and barrel rolls — while the wingwalker transitions from the top-wing rack to the interplane strut and even out towards the wingtip. The aircraft is fitted with a certified wing rack and structural strengthening specifically for wingwalking duties, plus an onboard smoke system for sky-writing style effects.
Recent appearances include Sywell Airshow Weekend 2024 in the UK and shows across France and Scandinavia, following earlier outings such as the Danish Air Show 2022. 46 Aviation also highlight that Danielle became the first wingwalker to perform in Greece (announced in 2017), underscoring the team’s pioneering streak.
About the Super Stearman (Boeing PT-13D / Model 75)
Type & role. A two-seat, open-cockpit biplane trainer from the 1930s–40s, the Boeing–Stearman Model 75 remains a favourite for airshows. 46 Aviation operate a modified PT-13D Kaydet configured for wingwalking.
Power & mods. The aircraft is upgraded to a 450 hp Pratt & Whitney R-985 Wasp Junior radial with a constant-speed prop — the classic “Super Stearman” conversion that provides punch for verticals while carrying a wingwalker.
Construction & performance. Welded steel-tube fuselage with fabric-covered wooden wings; fixed tailwheel undercarriage. Typical figures for an R-985 Stearman are around max ~156 kt, cruise ~117 kt and service ceiling ~13,200 ft, ideal for crowd-friendly aerobatics at airshow altitudes.
Wingwalking fit. Certified top-wing rack, extra anchorage points and structural reinforcements; smoke system for visual effect. 46 Aviation’s display machine is registered N450D (c/n 75-5099).
Team Facts
Display Aircraft
Boeing–Stearman PT-13D “Super Stearman”
Registration
N450D — c/n 75-5099
Powerplant
P&W R-985 Wasp Jr — 450 hp
Base
Sion, Switzerland
Crew
Pilot: Emiliano · Wingwalker: Danielle
Milestone
Switzerland’s first certified wingwalking team (2017)
Highlights
European circuit. Regular show appearances around the continent, including the Sywell Airshow Weekend (UK) in June 2024 and French/Scandinavian dates, with the aircraft photographed widely in distinctive pink livery.
Certified for wingwalking. The airframe carries a certified wing rack and strengthening specifically for the act — part of 46 Aviation’s claim as Switzerland’s first wingwalking team.
Signature moments. Danielle’s dynamic transitions — from the top-wing rack to strut and wingtip — coupled with smooth Stearman aerobatics and dense white smoke, make this a crowd favourite at fly-ins and major airshows alike.
Did You Know?
- The team’s Stearman is a PT-13D (Model 75) upgraded to “Super Stearman” spec with a 450 hp radial and constant-speed prop.
- 46 Aviation are based at Sion and promote themselves as Switzerland’s first wingwalking team (certified in 2017).
- Their aircraft, N450D, was photographed at Sywell Airshow 2024 and other European shows.
- Danielle was announced as the first wingwalker to perform in Greece (46 Aviation news item, 2017).
- Stearmans have a steel-tube fuselage with fabric-covered wings — rugged and perfect for barnstorming-style shows.
