De Kooy in early July 11

[Vulture One]

Good morning,

In early July I will once again have the pleasure of a holiday in the Netherlands. In order to try and catch some aircraft in between time with the grandchildren, I shall be going to the Den Helder Navy Day. If I may enquire;
* I noted that De Kooy has runway work going on. Is this likely to still be the case in early July and if so, will it affect any flying?
* Will there be based flying on the Saturday of the Navy Day?
* I have looked at the Scramble site for airfields and also GE so are these still the best spots for checking out any based helicopters if they are out or hangars open?

Your Lynx and NH90s are too rare up here in Scotland for me not to take every opportunity to see any of them. Looking forward to this chance.

And finally, what are the chances of a visit to the base around this time if anyone can advise, please? If anyone believes it is a possibility, I shall write to the authorities but if not, I shall not waste anyone's time. I would still like to photograph the Sea Hawk which I understand is in a building. Any help is much appreciated., thank you.

Regards
Rick W

2 miles east of EGPJ, 15 m SE of Leuchars & directly under UN610

[Pete]

Vulture One,

There is runway work going on at the moment, if it will affect flying in july is hard to tell. ( work might be finished by then )At this moment flying is affected for non based fixed wing aircraft only. Naval helicopters and offshore helicopters from Bristow and CHC are still flying on a daily basis using the paralell taxi track. Be aware that the naval days are the last days before the Navy has its summer holiday so after the naval days flying will be limited. A base visit and especially a visit to the tradition room where the seahawk is should be possible.

I hope this info helps you a bit, have a nice holiday overhere.

Regards,
Pete

[aviodromefriend]

Runway work should be finished by July 1, (Yep, the same date as there should be a decision if the field should close or stay open, completely overhaul of the infrastructure, then close, should be another victim of strange doctrine within NATO countries) but guarantees on the date are not given by the MoD. This has already prompted the organisers of the Texel Air Show to postpone their event for (another) year some time ago.

On Navy-days' Saturday there might be some flying, but in history militarywise this was mostly limited to choppers hopping over from and to the harbour for refuelling. I would say your best chances for seeing Lynxes and NH-90s are at the harbour that day. (One time, long ago even the SAR services were launched from the harbour during this event, instead of the Air Station).

Be aware, the road directly south of the field to spot 2 should no longer be available for the "normal" public, this will become part of the military terrain. A new road is now a bit south, then you have to turn right after that towards the Airport.

For a visit to the Traka, contact OS&O via 0031223658777, maybe they can also help you with a visit to the rest of the base (else PM Jutter). IMO the Sea Hawk is in a much better position for photos now compared to where it was a number of years ago.

Hope it helps

[Piet Luijken]

Hi rick, this is the official notam concerning the runway.


M0302/11 - RWY 03/21 CLSD. 07 MAR 06:00 2011 UNTIL 01 JUL 06:00 2011. CREATED: 25 FEB 09:27
2011

[ Post made via Mobile Device ]

[Otto]

Your Lynx and NH90s are too rare up here in Scotland for me not to take every opportunity to see any of them. Looking forward to this chance.

Hi Rick,

Keep in mind Lynx operations will be limited after july first! This because the Lynx will lose it's SAR function. After this date only ship/shore operationes will be practiced representing only 5-10 flying hours a week. To fill the SAR gap you probably will see a AB412SP "Tweety" 303 Sq operating from the Kooy between sunrise & sunset.

Good luck, regards Otto

[Vulture One]

Good morning all,

And this is why I really like the Netherlands for me to keep coming back - life's simple courtesies. Many thanks for your help and advices, guys - would not get this on a UK e-Group (except on my own one of course) - excellent.

In understanding all mil bases are always a hit or a miss,it all adds up to being of great benefit to me in planning. If I can clarify however, what is the OS&O and is the PM a private message to a chap called Jutter? I can find no e-mail address for De Kooy on any website. Sorry for being dense.

Regards
Rick W

2 miles east of EGPJ, 15 m SE of Leuchars & directly under UN610

[aviodromefriend]

OS&O is the thing that is responsible for visits to the TraKa for people that wish to, amongst other things (it has a meaningfull meaning of the abrev. which have escaped me for a long time), about the PM, you're right, Jutter is a member of this board.

[Vulture One]

Hi,

Thanks for this. I believe that this means Ontwikkeling, Sport en Ontspanning. I shall not insult by attempting a translation but makes some sense to me. I shall make direct contact with them and see what can be arranged.

I think I shall be in contact with other bases as well as it would seem a pity to come across and not see as many noisy things as I could. (Still have a few gaps at EHGR.)Your help much appreciated.

Regards
Rick W

2 miles east of EGPJ, 15 m SE of Leuchars & directly under UN610

[Jutter]

Rick,

Aviodomefriend refered to me (Jutter) for a base visit at NAS De Kooy. Unfortunatly I do not work at the airfield anymore and even though, for a visit you should realy have to contact the PRO. I only organized (point of contact) visits for our spotting group, but the PRO and security officer had and have to give their permission for this.

Send me your e-mail adress with a private message, then I'll send you a map of the airfield (surrounding).

TRAKA means traditiekamer = tradition room which is a sort of museum with a Sea Hawk, Wasp, Grumman Tracker and the cockpit section of Neptune 207 and lots of photo's and scale models.

Even in the summertime their will allways be (limited) military flying.

Check www.sgdk.nl for many photo's to get a picture of the spotting possibilities.

Menno

[Vulture One]

Afternoon Menno,

Thanks for taking the time to respond. I understand the way a request would work so am following up that route.

I also have a fairly clear plan now of the airfield and surrounding so again thanks for your offer. Whether I get to see the Sea Hawk or not, or enough of the NH90s, I consider everything a bonus when I am holiday with the family. Now need to sort out if Gilze is an option. Anyway just visiting Netherlands is often just good enough for me when it's like that. Thanks to all for their advice and help.

Best regards
Rick W

2 miles east of EGPJ, 15 m SE of Leuchars & directly under UN610