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BEAUVECHAIN TUESDAY 2009-07-21 RW22R
Weather: variable clouds, mostly sunny, a light thunderstorm with
light showers at late afternoon, warm, light to moderate wind
(notes: as a rather interesting airshow was scheduled for the day right after RIAT departures, I had arranged my journey combining both events, thus safing life-time, money and energy. After the desperately needed load of sleep, the day began rather slow with only few noteworthy flying movements until late morning. At midday, friendy police-men recommended to spend the rest of the day INSIDE the airbase which was open for free. Amazingly, spotting conditions for flying movements where rather bad compared to outside circumstances. Also, some spotting collegues informed me that there was no flying expected except based aircraft Luckily I could get hold of a companion’s spotting card, allowing for a better view on the runway. Thus after a lot of walking and running in the heat, I could finally relax and wait for the things to come: The impressive mass-launch of 21 SF.260s was followed by seven Alpha Jets. Then nothing happened with exception of a few formation overflights and recoveries. Just when I wanted to leave more, interesting action took place with a flying display of three French TB.30s. And then the highlight of the day for me: four French Xingus departed right ahead of the nearing thunderstorm and performed a flying display before returning to Avord. Some additional movements completed this very hot day, leaving really no energy anymore for driving back home ...)
(notes: as the Beauvechain Open Door had attracted some very interesting visting aircraft, I decided to stay one more night, as already planned some weeks ago. This time, flying activity began very early, with runway lighting switched on at 08.00 hours, followed by arrival of a French CASA. Then a steady flow of departures took place during the morning. Highlights among these where the two new delivered Italian SF-260s, the two Tucanos, and two Czech L-39/L-159 variants. Something I had also hoped for became reality when four Swiss PC-21s departed for a local mission together with four based SF.260s – movements of the first classic squadron exchance ovserved by me since many years. Once again, Belgium proved to be one of the most interesting countries regarding military aviation events!)
