Deelen

1Finals 19

Along the Deelenseweg, north of Deelen, a good view can be found on the final approach of runway 19. But since late 1990, a large portion of the runway is withdrawn from use. Glider tugs are the only fixed wing aircraft that continue operations at Deelen. These aircraft operate quite far from this position. The restoration of military operations that require C-130s have been considered, but this requires a refurbishment of the runway. In the mean time runway 19 is unsuitable for military operations with fixed wing aircraft. Parking along the Deelenseweg is not approved, so park your car at another spot.

2Runway intersection

On the north side of Deelen a small spot can be found that provides a good view on the intersection of runway 19. The taxiway leading to this intersection is occasionally used by helicopters operating from Deelen. To get to this spot requires a 5 minutes walk from the public road on the north side of Deelen along the fence surrounding the aerodrome. Taking photographs here requires 300-400 mm. Best to park your car in Deelen and walk along the Deelenseweg to the north. Before you enter the forest, walk to and along the fence until you see the taxiway and runway.

3North west platform

After to the closure of Soesterberg in 2008 some new platforms were made on the west side of the AIS-buildings, on the north side of Deelen. These platforms are frequently used for the refuelling of helicopters. To get to this spot requires a 10 minutes walk from a parking space near the Museum Vliegbasis Deelen. Taking photographs here requires 100-300 mm. Park your car near the museum and walk along the fields towards the fence.

4Museum

The Museum Vliegbasis Deelen houses an interesting collection, including WW2 aircraft remains and an Auster reconnaissance aircraft. But the museum is open at Saturdays and Sundays only. The back garden of the museum provides a nice overview on the dispersal area at the east of Deelen. Taking photographs here requires 300-400 mm.

5Veteranenbos

Long time ago, when the Piper Cub was still in use with the Netherlands Air Force, a small airstrip could be found in the south east corner of Deelen airbase. When Deelen was closed as an active airbase, trees were planted here. Some ten years ago this place was called "Veteranenbos" and opened for public access. Park your car along the Hoenderloseweg and have a 10 minutes walk to the west end of the woods which provides a good view on taxiway and on dispersal area. This location is very suitable for taking photographs from helicopters, if operating from the dispersals here.

6South west platform

Until 1995 this platform was used by 300 Squadron, using Alouettes at that time. Since then the south west platform was abandoned. Subsequent to the closure of Soesterberg in 2008, the platform was refurbished to serve future helicopter operations. But during recent military exercises the platform was only used by vehicles, supporting the operations. Take a right at the Hoederloseweg onto the Koningsweg and then the second right onto the Deelenseweg all the way to the end.

7Oranjekazerne

In the late 1990s the buildings of the technical training school of the Netherlands Air Force (LETS) were reassigned to the army. Inside their barracks a small museum is situated, housing the historical collection of the Garderegiment Grenadiers en Jagers. Near this museum a Republic RF-84F Thunderflash can be found. The museum however is only opened on Wednesdays and Thursdays during the summer. And taking photographs of the aircraft requires prior permission. To arrive here, take the Koningsweg from the Hoederloseweg and then the first right onto the Clement van Maasdijklaan.