Exercise reports

European trainer meet 2004

By Gostar den Daas | June 2004
Celebrating 25 years of Alpha Jet operations.

To celebrate 25 years of Alpha Jet operations with the Belgian Air Force and the graduation of tree new pilots, the 1st Wing at Beauvechain, organised the European trainer meet. The 1st wing invited trainer squadrons from NAVO partners to attend the celebrations. Besides the official visitors, the Belgian air force also invited aviation enthusiasts to watch this special event on the 29th of June 2004.

The invitation list was impressive, so expatiations were high when we arrived at Beauvechain AB. Of course not all invited will show up, probably most new NAVO partners would be a no show, and the did. (so no Su-22, Mig-21 and TA-7 from Greece) But there were enough other special visitors to make this day a success. First there was the special Camo scheme applied to a 11 smaldeel Alpha Jet, to celebrate 25 years Alpha Jet with the BAF. This aircraft was showed for the first time to public on this day. Off course al other Belgian trainer aircraft were present, including the Fouga, SF-260 and F-16B.

The most spectacular visitors on this trainer meet came from the Spanish trainer base of Talavera. The F-5B+ of the Ala23 are rarely seen outside Spain. Both Tigers received a mid-life update, what makes them extra special.

Other interesting visitors were a brand new Irish PC-9, a L-159 from the Czech Air Force, a Union Jack painted Hawk, 2 TB30s from France, a T-17 from the Danish Air Force and two rarely seen Italian Marchetti's.


267, PC-9

6037, L-159

XX-159/159, Hawk

102/315-XS, TB30

T-407, T-17

MM55023/70-56, SF260

The second highlight was the arrival of the French F1B (520/33-FD). This aircraft was involved with the D-Day calibrations in May. The aircraft was fitted with a special colour scheme which is still applied. The black-white stripping was also used by allied aircraft involved in the D-day invasion now some 60 years ago.

In all a great event, with money well spend. Special photo spots were created next to the runway and taxiways. Later on the day (about 4pm) the platforms were opened to public with some new close-up photo opportunities. At the end of the day a funny moment took place when people were walking back to there cars over the taxiway, all barriers were already broken down. The two Marchetti's (they were in late) used the same taxiway! No problem, we went on the grass next to the taxiway and the Italians passed. Probably for many the first time operational Marchetti's passed with 2 meters distance.


MT49, CM170

ST20, SF260

A64, Alouette II

MM55084, MB339

MM54492/61-36, MB339

E105/8-NU, Alpha Jet

H45, A109

ST48, SF260

E23/314-UG, Alpha Jet

AE.9-029/23-18, SF-5

ZF139/139, Tucano

L-06, PC-7

2408, AN-26

38+69, F-4

520/33-FD, F1

FB09, F-16

Log

Seen during the spottersday (static only):

Type Origin/Sqn Serials
Alpha Jet EBAF 11smAT18 (special c/s)
Alpha Jet EFAFE-105/8-NU, E-23/314-UG
CM170RBAFMT49 (special c/s), MT35
SF-260BAFST20 (Special c/s), ST48
F-16BMBAFFB09
MB339 AMI 212/3 GrMM55084, MM54492/61-36
TB30FAF102/315-XS, 127/315-YR
A-109HABAFH-31, H-45
Tucano T1RAFZF-139/139, ZF-447/447
SF260AMAMIMM55012/70-43, MM55023/70-56
SF-5B+Ala 23AE.9-018/23-26, AE.9-029/23-18
BN-2ABAFB01
Alouette IIBAFA-64
L-15932zTL6037
AN-2661DLt2408
Hawk T1RAFXX-159 / 159 (Special c/s)
F-4FGAF38+69
F1BFAF520/33-FD (Special D-DAY 60 markings)
T-17FLSKT-407
PC-9FTS267
PC-7RNLAFL-06
PC-7N60LT
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