Thanks to GRAS (Gilze Rijen Aviation Society) I was able to attend a base visit to Nörvenich AFB. 35 members of this spottersgroup were invited on base. After meeting up at the parking lot near the main gate, we drove on base in convoy with our cars. We quickly transferred to a tourbus, where we were greeted by our tour guide for the afternoon.
The tour started with a technical explanation about the latest type of Typhoon in the registry. A tranche 3 Typhoon with a few hours of flying time on the clock. A really nice way to learn more about this aircraft, from the technicians who take care of it.
While waiting for the tourbus to bring us near the taxiway to photograph the afternoon mission taking off, the SAR Huey took of right in front of our lenses.
Meanwhile the first Typhoons were already taking off. Standing beside the taxiway, we had the best places in the house to whitness this. Sadly we missed 2 take-offs and one aircraft aborted with technical issues. So from the six aircraft planned only three passed in front of our cameras. And a total of five became airborne.
After this we stopped to photograph a TF-104G and a Tornado. Both aircraft on a pole. But nice to see.
The last stop of the day was in a instruction hangar, were students learn the ins and outs of becoming aircraft technicians. A lot of old Luftwaffe inventory is available to practice on.
As surplus we were allowed to take pictures of the Huey SAR helicopter which landed back on base late afternoon. A second one was in its shelter. Rare beasts, almost history.
Thanks GRAS for arranging this very nice visit.
Want to see more pictures click on the image above, or on the following link.
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