Last weekend, Volkel Airbase opened its gates for the annual RNLAF Open Days.
This year I was one of 400 fortunate spotters who were allowed on-base on Thursday, the main arrival day.
Below is a small impression of the spotters day:
C-160 Transall of the Turkish Stars, with a USAF C-17A in the background
Full reverse
An SH-14D Lynx of the Dutch navy is being placed on the static show, right in front of us
"Orange 2", the RNLAF F-16 Demoteam scooter, with the coach 'Bitch' (waving), and pilot 'Sheik' on the back seat
The Spanish EF-18A is practicing its display
During his high-speed pass, he hit Mach 0.99, resulting in visible shockwaves above the aircraft.
Another rare participant to Dutch airshows is this Slovakian L-39ZA Albatross
Another addition to the static show: a German Bo-105CB
A PC-7 elementary trainer aircraft taxiing towards Hangar 3, the main recruiting place of the Dutch Airforce
The new Dutch demo F-16, here with coach 'Omelet' at the controls, on its way to escort the Polish MiG-29UB
F-16BM J-066 'Orange Jumper'. This is the most modern F-16 in the Dutch airforce, currently being used for testing the new M5 avionics package.
Another highlight at the static line: a Greek F-16D Block 52+, which flew non-stop from its home-base to Volkel.
The Polish MiG-29UB has arrived
The 'Orange Jumper' on its way to its spot on the static show
'Omelet' laat nog even de bovenkant van de kist zien, voordat hij binnenkomt voor de landing.
Before landing, 'Omelet' does a nice knife-edge flyby showing the Dutch Lion on the top of the demo F-16
The Dutch F-16 Demoteam represents KiKa, a foundation to prevent cancer in children.
Every spotter entering the airbase donated a small amount of money, which was handed to F-16 demo pilot 'Sheik'.
The sign he is holding says: "The participants to the spotters day at Volkel on June 18th, 2009, donate the RNLAF F-16 Display Team on behalf of the KiKa Foundation the amount of 1000 Euros"
Another nice Slovakian participant: an Antonov An-26
And yet another helicopter landing in front of us: a Royal Navy Lynx
Patrouille de France was nog druk aan het verkennen en oefenen
In the afternoon, the Patrouille de France took off to locate landmarks and practice their display.
That's it for now, next up: Friday - Airshow Day 1