Around 1555LT the 'NAF 312A-E' were airborne from Volkel. They entered their holding area over/around De Peel on Rapcon South 379.925. The formation leader was also coordinating with 'Windmill 01' groundstation on 140.175, and requesting updates on 'Panther 11 Flight', who seemed to be running late. Around 1615LT the 'NAF 312E' (spare?) separated from the formation, and headed to the TMA-D over the Eindhoven area. Around 1625LT the 'Panther 11' finally checked in at Beek Approach 278.500, and after getting a few directions they were swiftly handed over to Rapcon South 379.925, to join with the 'NAF 312'. The Eagles did not use the pre-designated holding area around Weert... (unfortunately for me, because that's where I'd positioned myself in a field overlooking all horizons). As stated, they were late and they were in a hurry to join the Dutch formation, aiming for 1631LT 'time over target'. Both formations were handed over to Beek Approach 278.500 for directions, and they were vectored to the fly by at Margraten at 1700FT, the Americans in the lead. 'NAF 312C' then performed the missing man break over Margraten.
After Margraten both formations were directed to overhead Beek Airport at 2500FT. After Beek the Americans were told to climb initially to FL070 (not 100% sure). They were then handed over to Dutchmil 397.275 for further instructions. The 'NAF 312A-D' were handed over to Rapcon South 379.925. These four F-16's overflew me abeam Weert, before making a righthand turn inbound overhead Eindhoven city for their rtb to Volkel.
Statistics: nice weather, 4 F-16's overhead me, nice chatter on the scanner, no Eagles.....that's a 3-1 score: I say it's a winner!
Regards,
Stephan
