I didn't have exact details yet, just the days, we picked the Monday and Tuesday. Pack the bags, time for another attempt to get this elusive TA-4J . Would it finally happen?
We arrived at Nordholz early in the morning, only to find out that the location at the fence is no longer directly reachable via the dirt track up the hill. New buildings are being constructed on that side of Nordholz, which will hold a company that does maintenance on parts for the Poseidon. I saw my whole plan go up in smoke for a minute. Luckely, driving around the field to the treeline we spotted a way to drive along the edge of the field. Take the Otto-Lilienthal-Strasse until you reach the treeline, then turn right into the field. https://www.google.com/maps/dir//53.759 ... ?entry=ttu
Drive as far as you dare to go, depending on the weather, it can be muddy there, so be careful. After parking, just walk along the treeline until you reach the fence again.
The tents that were used for the Alpha Jets have suffered from recent bad weather. They are no longer being used, and the Alpha Jets were lined up on the taxiway in front of it.
C-GITO/069 Alpha Jet Top AcesThe Alpha Jet 104 came back to Nordholz after starting from Laage and flying a mission. The 016 departed in the afternoon, and landed at Laage.
C-FHTO/104 Alpha Jet Top AcesShortly after the TA-4 started up for her planned taxi run around the field. Yes, she was on the flightline in the morning, and I knew she would do a taxi run around 10:00 local by then, and fly around 13:00, but I wanted to see it happen first. Well, it did.
C-FGWT/499 TA-4J Top AcesThe canopy was completely fogged up as you can see. It still went for the taxi run. FINALLY I got this unique bird.
During the taxi run, other traffic was flying around as well. A NH-90 decided to do its approach almost over the Top Aces platform. I'll take that, thank you.
79+61 NH-90 MFG5Another A-4 went for its solo mission:
C-FGZT/542 A-4N Top AcesAnd shortly after the star of the show returned.
C-FGWT/499 TA-4J Top AcesIn the afternoon the sun started showing up more and more. The last Alpha Jet I needed started up again, and went airborne:
C-GZTO/016 Alpha Jet Top AcesWith the sun turning behind us, the Alpha Jets on the flightline could be photographed better and better. Unfortunately the fence is a bit higher here, so you do need some steps for these.
C-GJTA/057 Alpha Jet Top AcesThe third Alpha Jet on the line was the 040, but it was completely wrapped up.
Morning turns into the afternoon and we are awaiting the flight of the TA-4 eagerly. The groundcrew comes out, and starts prepping the TA-4 again. The sun is shining, but she can not start to taxi, as a Piper 28 is making it's way up the taxiway towards the platform.. Oh please can you MOVE??? Nope, she can't. Sun gone the moment she starts to taxi. It is what it is.
C-FGWT/499 TA-4J Top AcesThe local flying school kept us entertained as well.
D-HTMJ EC135 MFG5The afternoon mission needed two Skyhawks, and the 531 was pulled out of the hangar. It departed together with the 542 that also flew the morning mission.
C-FGZI/531 A-4N Top AcesThen the TA-4 came back, and how..
C-FGWT/499 TA-4J Top AcesAn absolutely fabulous day at the fence in Nordholz was slowly going to an end, but not before the two Skyhawks returned in proper fashion:
C-FGZT/542 & C-FGZI/531 A-4N Top AcesI want to thank the people that made it possible to have the flightschedule of the TA-4 very much. Target achieved, finally.
I hope you like the pictures!
