Well, the project was this. I booked a seat in the Aviation Photocrew Skyvan for their Top Aces day, and went for my first air to air session.
In the morning of the 5th of June we had to meet up at the airfield of Wilhelmshaven. Flying from Nordholz was the original plan, but due to all kinds of demands Wilhelmshaven was the easier option.
At Wilhelmshaven, a Bundespolizei Super Puma was conducting an exercise with the firebrigade. I'll start the show off with this one.
D-HEGQ AS332 BundespolizeiIt wasn't the best of weather on the ground, but the clouds were at low level, so not that much to worry about. The Skyvan arrived from Denmark, were it was doing a different project surrounding the Danish Air Force. After meeting up with everyone, getting briefed and gearing up, the first flight was on the planning.
We would meet up with a Sea King from MFG5 on the first flight, with an area of operations over the coast. It promptly arrived, and the fun could begin.
89+58 Sea King Mk41 MFG5 German Navy
89+58 Sea King Mk41 MFG5 German NavyAfter a good 20 minutes, the Sea King left us in style:
89+58 Sea King Mk41 MFG5 German NavyIndeed.. 'Goodbye King'. It was a pleasure.
We returned to Wilhelmshaven, for a refuel of the Skyvan and a lunch. After that, the first of two afternoon flights was commenced. The first one was the actual theme of the day. A Top Aces Skyhawk and Alpha Jet would join us. The planning was for the Skyhawk to join first, and fly with us for 10 minutes. Then the Alpha Jet would join up for a 10 minute formation flight, followed by the Alpha Jet solo for 10 minutes.
C-FGYL A-4N Top Aces
C-FGYL A-4N Top Aces
C-FGYL A-4N Top Aces
Top Aces formation A-4N C-FGYL and Alpha Jet C-GVTA
C-GVTA Alpha Jet Top Aces
C-GVTA Alpha Jet Top AcesAfter half an hour we returned to Wilhelmshaven to cool the cameras down, and refuel for the last flight of the day.
This time, MFG3 took the stage. They wanted to bring a Do228 and a P-3C, but the 228 was unfortunately cancelled. Shortly before the flight, MFG3 reported doing an engine test on another P-3C, and if that was successful, they would send that one up as well. It wasn't meant to be, but the 60+03 made up for everything. What a sight to behold, against the backdrops of the sea in the area of Helgoland.
60+03 P-3C MFG3
60+03 P-3C MFG3
60+03 P-3C MFG3
60+03 P-3C MFG3A great day went to an end when we touched down at Wilhelmshaven. The Skyvan was refueled for the trip back to Denmark, and for me it was time to jump back in the car with a great experience in the bag.
The rest of the set can be found here
Hope you like the result!
Regards,
Bram
