Archangel airshow 12-14 September 2008

papagio · Post by **papagio** » 07 Sep 2008, 17:49

The closest city is Halkida which is about 25km away but there are only a few hotels there. Athens is only an hour away and you definitely have more accomodation options there.
Given the show schedue (doors open at 0800 and flight display starts at 1200) you will have plenty of time to reach the base from Athens.

jaah · Post by **jaah** » 08 Sep 2008, 17:12

Hi

I well be going to Tanagra for the first time, but on the website it's a bit unclear if the airshow is free or if there is an entrance fee. Does any one know?
On the the website it says that it's free for the friends of the HAF. I do consider myself a friend of the HAF, but I don't know if it's the name of an orginization.

Does any one have any tips or hints that might help me make my stay better?

phantom_phixer · Post by **phantom_phixer** » 08 Sep 2008, 17:23

Don't worry, you won't have to prove how much you love the HAF in order to enter

It is free.

Tips: Do the static on Friday. Get there early on Saturday and walk as far down the crowd-line as possible before the flying starts. Change places on Sunday. Expect hot and sunny conditions. Avoid driving in and/or out.

HTH

IrishAirPics · Post by **IrishAirPics** » 08 Sep 2008, 17:38

phantom phixer,

I've a few question for you if you can help out, I've not had the time to post until now...

You say not to drive, I plan on driving from Athens on both Saturday & Sunday, myself and a friend plan to arrive first thing on both days, is the traffic going to be that bad that you recommend not to drive?

Looking at the map and reading the directions on the official website we will have to drive the last (approximately) 10km's on narrow roads, why can't we use the motorway the whole way to Tanagra?

As for a spot on the crowd line, using the map on the official website can you tell me which taxiway the aircraft will be using when departing for / returning from their displays? I'd like to get some head on shots of the aircraft on at least one of the days.

The official timetable states that the flying is from 10:00-14:00, does that mean we will have 3 hours to do the static after the military flying stops until we are thrown off base?

Thanks in advance,

Frank.

phantom_phixer · Post by **phantom_phixer** » 08 Sep 2008, 17:52

Check out some samples from the show's 'dress rehearsal' here.

I will be back with a proper reply shortly.

phantom_phixer · Post by **phantom_phixer** » 08 Sep 2008, 22:46

IrishAirPics wrote:phantom phixer,

I've a few question for you if you can help out, I've not had the time to post until now...

You say not to drive, I plan on driving from Athens on both Saturday & Sunday, myself and a friend plan to arrive first thing on both days, is the traffic going to be that bad that you recommend not to drive?

Right. Last time it was horrible. Especially on Sunday. It took people hours to get back to Athens. I'm not saying it will necessarily be the same this time but don't be surprised if you find yourself stuck in the traffic.

IrishAirPics wrote: Looking at the map and reading the directions on the official website we will have to drive the last (approximately) 10km's on narrow roads, why can't we use the motorway the whole way to Tanagra?

They are trying to channel traffic down one direction to avoid chaos. Having the experience from last time they think this will help (the motorway was also jammed in '05)

IrishAirPics wrote: As for a spot on the crowd line, using the map on the official website can you tell me which taxiway the aircraft will be using when departing for / returning from their displays? I'd like to get some head on shots of the aircraft on at least one of the days.

The wider of the two (the one with F-16 silhouettes on it) is the runway wile the narrow on is one of the two parallel taxiways. Both will be in use but the one in the map (southern parallel taxiway) will be the main one for the show. General public will not have access to the northern parallel taxiway. Please note that in the map you only see HALF the base, runway, etc. The VIP area on the left end is actually halfway down the runway. Try google earth and look for the control tower. The VIP area is directly in front of it.

IrishAirPics wrote: The official timetable states that the flying is from 10:00-14:00, does that mean we will have 3 hours to do the static after the military flying stops until we are thrown off base?

Yes, that is correct. Mind you, aircraft will start taxi down towards the active runway around 0930. The C-47 will fly towards the end but it will not be the last thing to land

And I didn't see any Vipers with conformal tanks so far...

A few words regarding the HAF Museum. All mail sent to the museum's e-mail address are either forwarded to the base security department for issuing a permit and/or a reply has been sent to sender. They don't make a habit of ignoring people. Now, rumour has it, the HAF Museum will be open for the public during the show days, no previous arrangement required due to the overwhelming volume of visit permit applications received. But like I said it is still unofficial. I will let you know if/when it becomes official.

Finally in case anyone wonders, the sample pictures were taken from the VIP enclosure during rehearsals.

HTH.

Any more questions anyone?

Airfan · Post by **Airfan** » 08 Sep 2008, 23:37

Just a quick question - if we don't drive in, how are we suppose to make it before the crowd?

papagio · Post by **papagio** » 09 Sep 2008, 15:42

Just try to drive in early. Try to leave Athens no later than 0600-0630 at least on Sunday, so you get parking and early entrance guaranteed. It will be much easier on Friday and Saturday where far less people are expected.

jaah · Post by **jaah** » 09 Sep 2008, 17:00

Thank you phantom_phixer for your reply.

jaah · Post by **jaah** » 09 Sep 2008, 17:37

papagio wrote:There will not be any special trains like last time. You can get a shuttle bus ride from downtown Athens (260 Liosion Str) directly to the airport from 0700 to 1100 and back from 1400 to 1800. Shuttle buses will leave evry 15 minutes.

Do you have any more info on this? How much does it cost? Does the bus go straight to the show? Will the bus take a different route than the cars to avoid traffic jams?

phantom_phixer · Post by **phantom_phixer** » 09 Sep 2008, 17:52

More info? LOL I was on the phone with the local train station manager 5 minutes ago and he told me he has no info on this. I will call them again tomorrow and will post the results.

As for the bus, yes they will take you to the show entrance. No they don't know exactly how much that will cost but I expect the ticket to be around 5 euros each way or less. They will know more tomorrow. So I will call them again and post the results here.

HTH

marcosommacal · Post by **marcosommacal** » 09 Sep 2008, 19:53

Hi all,
Maybe a bit off-topic, but couse there are a lot of Northern guest that may be use Aviano as Tech stop, does somebody know which is the best day for arrival? Thursday or Friday?

Many Thanks in Advance

Bye

Marco

phantom_phixer · Post by **phantom_phixer** » 09 Sep 2008, 20:55

Arrivals for the show are expected on Thursday. There is an alternative 'window' open for arrivals on Friday noon and afternoon.

HTH

marcosommacal · Post by **marcosommacal** » 09 Sep 2008, 21:03

Thank You very much!

If they come through Aviano I try to get them, at least!
Bye

Marco

KeeBee_Lover · Post by **KeeBee_Lover** » 10 Sep 2008, 10:30

Hi All,

I've just got a mail from the HAF Museum in Dekelia.
The Museum will be open for the public on:
Friday 8 till 14h. and Saturday & Sunday from 10 till 17h.

Grtzzzz

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Archangel airshow 12-14 September 2008

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