Post all airshow-related items here. Please keep the postings as informative and to-the-point as possible. Refrain from postings with the sole intention to communicate whether you like the show or not, unless accompanied by arguments that can help others.
On Friday, we went to Elefsis (small static with P-3B, CL-215, C-130H, M-18, AS332, AB212, AB205, C-27J), with nearby several CL-215s, P-3Bs and a wfu HU-16s. Great picturing. Multiple based aircraft can be seen without picturing.
After that, we drove to Tanagra (again small static with 2x Mirage 2000 One inside), 2x 2000-5 (one inside), F-16C, F-4E, TA-7H, all poor picturing) and several preserved aircraft (again poor picturing). On your way to the static you're able to watch and read multiple Mirage F1 in wfu park. Two Mirage 2000s (one 2000-5 and one 2000B-5 came back from a mission which resulted in 100% great picturing on the taxy track.
Then we continued our way to Dekelia (small static with CL-415, M-18, Agcat, T-6A, T-41, TB20, CeF406, acceptable in picturing), visited the nice museum and a small museum storage compound.
This day resulted in 163 serials and some very nice pictures.
Last year we had formal approval with us to make pics of static at Nea. The local security chief (driving in a Mercedes) was not very happy and is very much anti-spotters. After consulting Headquarters at Athens we were allowed pics of static, but were followed at every footstep, and in the car both entering and leaving the base..
Others who did not have written permission from Atheds were flatly refused permssion to make pictures.
So I think the same guy is in charge. And he is obviously an exception as in general Hellenic air force staff was (and is) very friendly!
Today, we visited Agrinion. Nice pictures of the stored A-7s and F-104s (pre-arranged permission), and a CL215 and two AgCats. Elefsis was nice as well with the aircraft Stephan mentioned. Tomorrow Tatoi and Tanagra!
Ergo01 wrote:Last year we had formal approval with us to make pics of static at Nea. The local security chief (driving in a Mercedes) was not very happy and is very much anti-spotters. After consulting Headquarters at Athens we were allowed pics of static, but were followed at every footstep, and in the car both entering and leaving the base..
Others who did not have written permission from Atheds were flatly refused permssion to make pictures.
So I think the same guy is in charge. And he is obviously an exception as in general Hellenic air force staff was (and is) very friendly!
If he was short with kind of red face (probably when he is angry) and a bit large at the waist he is the same guy. I managed to take one picture in the hangar with permission of the guarding officer but when my friend tried to take one, the big angry boss almost arrested him. He was very very angry and he couldn't believe that we were allowed to take pictures at Larissa. Anyway... he let us go and watch the static but he was constantly watching us. I felt like I am in the mid 80s.
Larissa on monday was very good in the beginning.
Upon arrival, four F-16s departed, taxiing in front of you to the runway.
Photography was no problem.
Thereafter, four RF-4Es taxied along the taxiway in front of you towards the main runway, very cool!
Again, photography was no problem.
However, when the F-16s returned, a jeep parked in front of us, obscuring the taxiway.
Out of the car, a guy in a brown leather jacket sprinted towards us telling 'no photography'.
Having been on the 4Aviation trip (great work, guys) I can only confirm that Larissa was great until photography of the flying activities was not allowed anymore; after that we went to Nea Anghialos and were "treated" to the same security guys as the rest. After half an hour of deliberations in the parking lot we were allowed to take pictures of the static, but only because we had proof in writing from the General Staff in Athens that this was allowed. No video, no tele-lenses were allowed however. Not that bad though, considering the fact that some UK spotters had been kicked off-base within 10 minutes of arriving some days earlier... We had at least 4 security types following our moves so we left rather quickly. Flying activities were seen but were bad for photography anyway as they were way away from the static and backlit. Funny thing: back on the parking lot we met the base commander who was very friendly and invited us to take pictures of the preserved aircraft on the parking lot... much to the dismay of the security guy . Serves him right.
Weirdest visitor on the static at Nea: Ce172 PH-TXL with "Den Helder Airport" logo on the tail. What a civil, Dutch, Cessna was doing in Nea's static display is open to suggestions... anyone??
BTW: we visited Tanagra late in the afternoon on Sunday. That resulted in some really beautiful photo-opportunities of the static in the late afternoon sun. Perhaps Arnold can post some proof of this ?!
frank kramer wrote:
Weirdest visitor on the static at Nea: Ce172 PH-TXL with "Den Helder Airport" logo on the tail. What a civil, Dutch, Cessna was doing in Nea's static display is open to suggestions... anyone??
Maybe the manager of BAD had a navigational trip to NEA or the next Heldair airshow will be a bit less boring.
Just my wild guess
After some great trip's to Greece in the past it was time for another to finish the W&R known on the mainland. All was done but the OH-13 at Porto Koufos and the F-104 at Plataies. I asked several people but nobody knew it's whereabouts.
We flew from Gatwick to Thessaloniki 04/11/09, I had the wife in tow so a nice change from the usual chums! After picking up the car we headed for Serres, on the very small airfield here is T-33 29881.
I knew the next 2 days where going to be busy so we headed next to Kavala. The Soutern road looked good on Google but was lined with reeds. I could see a Herc tail and 3 of the F-5's but not the other 2 I decided to waste a little time and head for higher ground. Back towards the main road I turned left then right to an industrial area. From here I could see all 5 3005, 303, 69167, 89067 and 89078 all assumed from EMOOS.
Next it was the long drive to Didimoticho 21217 F-5A
Now we headed back to Thessaloniki to the hotel ready for another long day.
05/11/09 First we headed to Alexandria but the ramp was being worked on. Last time here you could read he based aircraft with the eyes. Then just down the road to Veroia but no sign of the OH-13 on disply at the barracks.
Next was the king of the mountains stage to Vasiliada F-104 32734
Onwards to Delvinaki for another F-104 7090
Both aircraft at Ioannia are in the base now and easily seen 36741 F-84 3047 NF-5A
We just about made the fading light at Preveza to see 131 Mirage F-1 7511 F-4 1060 CL-215 and 36689 F-84F at the gate.
We arrived at Vonitsa to see the F-84 at the gate 26540. As you arrive at the gate turn left and you can see the F-84 just to the left of the gate. Next it was the drive to Patra for the next nights stop.
The following day we did Araxos, Andravida and Kalamata. A much more relaxed day!
After the night in Kalamata we headed for another mountain climb to Georgitsiou F-104 7168
We visited Tripolis then headed to Solomos F-104 6678 is nicely displayed on a pole here about 10Km of the motorway
A quick look at Megara then onto Elefis, another nice relaxed day done.
Sunday was another nice day I looked for the F-104 at Plataies as explained earlier then spent some time at Tatoi. Anyone for a log of the Cessna's Ag Cat's and Dromader's?
On the Monday I did Tanagra, Nea Anchilios no photography as usual and Larissa. I had to drive to Lamia for the final push on Tuesday.
Lamia 10577 F-5A
Another mountain stage, Kapnochori 7427 F-104
Redina Agrafa 37192 F-84
Elinpyrgos 7206 F-104
Ampelonas 3073 F-5A
Rizari 52 161 N2501D fuselage, on the road opposite the church on the left and side.
From the hotel balcony at Thessaloniki I could see the new F-5B on the ramp displayed next to the displayed F-4. Also 2 other F-5's in the shelter area serials?
Anybody for the ERJ-145 at Elefis on the Sat, the AB-205 at Nea and the ramp aircraft at Tatoi?
Credits for this long list must first of all go to fellow traveller Jan Swart; I chipped in a bit of work myself; the rest of the group joined forces whenever necessary. Finally, thanks to two anonymous groups (one of Scots, one of Brits) who filled in some annoying gaps!
Obviously, corrections and additions more than welcome! I will try to keep up with additions and corrections as I go along checking out records (especially tricky with preserved aircraft..) and will incorporate the additions and PM's of other vistors (Trueno, Jon Snow, etc: THANKS!).
Last edited by frank kramer on 19 Nov 2009, 13:42, edited 12 times in total.
Post all airshow-related items here. Please keep the postings as informative and to-the-point as possible. Refrain from postings with the sole intention to communicate whether you like the show or not, unless accompanied by arguments that can help others.
. Serves him right.
