Spottersday(s) Wings and Wheels Ursel 8/10 August

[Chrisse]

News about the spotters day at Ursel

This year will see the 7th edition of the Wings and Wheels “Int. Military History Show” on August 9-10.

In 2007, a special spottersday was organized to witness the arrivals of the aircraft that took part in the weekend's static display. This initiative was greeted very positively among enthusiasts, and the organizers therefore decided to expand this unique opportunity, especially because this edition has some truly wonderful participants!

First of all, spotters are invited to see the arrival on Friday August 8 of some of the aircraft that will be on display during the weekend from a special spotter stage near the middle of the runway. At present, the following arrivals are planned between 8:30 and 12:30:
-RAF Hawk
-BAC Marchetti
-Skyraider
-RNlAF B-25 Mitchell
-Auster MkV
-Nord 1101
-C-47
-Yak-52
-SV4
-Fiat G.46
-Ercoupe
Hopefully, B-17 'Pink Lady' will taxy past the spotters and pose for pictures.

Other aircraft that will be available to see in the afternoon include a P-51 Mustang, Bell 47, Ercoupe and F-16, plus some Ursel-based planes, including the PA-28s of the Victor Formation team. In the afternoon, spotters can also follow the build-up of the 'Wheels' section and re-enactment part of the airfield, whilst enjoying the event's legendary hospitality and catering.

On Sunday August 10, most aircraft will depart Ursel if weather permits this and perform a fly-past upon departure. As the area near the runway can get very crowded, spotters are offered the opportunity to view the departure from a point close to where the aircraft line up on the runway for take-off, offering them the opportunity to follow the departures more comfortably.

The following aircraft are due to depart on Sunday afternoon:
-B-17 Pink Lady
-P-51D Mustang
-Skyraider
-RNlAF B-25 Mitchell
-Auster MkV
-Nord 1101
-C-47
-SV4
-Victor Formation team
-Ercoupe
-Fiat G.46

The Auster MkV and Victor Formation team will honour the memory of Ursel B67 airfield with a special flypast: the Auster was the first RAF aircraft to land at Ursel in October 1944, while the Victors represent the current aircraft operating from Ursel. With this formation, they will bridge past and present. In further memory of the Ursel-based 609 Squadron, the organizers will adopt a goat as mascot, just like 'Billy the Goat' was the mascot of 609 Squadron back in 1944. Spotters will be able to meet-and-greet Billy the Goat on Sunday.

The Belgian air component will also perform a flypast with a Seaking.

Attention: Sunday's spotter's event is only open to spotters who attended the spottersday on Friday. If anyone is absent on Friday, access to the Sunday spotterzone will not be granted!

This exclusive spotter's package costs only €20. This includes access to Ursel airfield on Friday, an entrance ticket to the event during the weekend (value €10), including access to the spotters zone on Sunday if so desired, plus parking and a programme booklet.

Programme:
Friday August 8
8:00 : Welcome and security briefing (mandatory for all participants!) No access to the spotters zone on Friday or Sunday to anyone who did not attend this briefing)
8:30 : Transfer to the spotters zone
12:30 : end of arrivals, access to static display area and build-up of the event

Sunday August 10
14:00 : Gathering at pre-arranged location for access to the spotters zone
16:30 : End of fly passes, return to the public zone

The entire programme is subject to change, weather and aircraft availability.

If you are interested in this opportunity, please write to spotters@wingsandwheels.be with the following information:
-Name and First Name
-Full address
-Date of Birth
-Number of your identity card
You will then receive payment instructions and registration confirmation.

On behalf of the Wings Team
Wings and Wheels Ursel