Israel (2012)

Israel 2012

In 2012 we organised our first tour to Israel. The tour took place during the country’s Independence Day celebrations. During these celebrations some of the bases are “open” to the public to visit. Obviously we also visited the large Air Force museum at Hatzerim.

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24 April 2012

Israel is an exciting country for the aviation enthusiast. It features a strong and modern air force. The aircraft are often painted in a nice colour scheme and large unit markings on the tail. The only small problem is that the country normally doesn’t allow aviation enthusiasts close to their aircraft. 4Aviation arranged access to some bases for the celebration of Independence Day in collaboration with our good friend David.

On Tuesday 24 April, a large group of 21 people was ready for departure at the Brussels airport. The flight with Brussels Airlines went smoothly and we arrived in Tel Aviv very late in the evening. The customs formalities proved successful so we could board our coach on the way to the hotel near the beach in Netanya.

25 April 2012

On Wednesday morning, 25 April, after a short night the bus was already waiting for us, including the two German guests who had arranged their own flights to Israel. The first goal of the day was Herzliya. On this small civilian airport, a TBM is being restored and we saw several former Air Force Piper Cubs. Photography was not a problem. Initially, a visit to Sde Dov was scheduled, but unfortunately our guide could not make it at that time. We therefore had a look from just outside the field. We were lucky that a Beech 200 was in the approach while we were there. At 11 o’clock, all sirens sounded to commemorate Yom Hazikaron (Memorial Day). Life stood still for two minutes, very impressive. We continued to the Air Force college training centre at Holz where different instructional airframes are in use (including Piper Cubs, F-16, AH-1 and Hughes 500). Then there was still time to visit a small collection at Rishon LeZyon before we went to the Tel Nof air base. Here we had permission to enter the airfield a day before the actual open day and to view and photograph the static. In consultation with the very cooperative young ladies of the Public Affairs office of the Air Force we were able to temporarily remove many cords and information signs to make clean shots of the aircraft. That all worked perfectly. After this we went to the hotel to freshen up and then off to the beach to enjoy a delicious meal and a few drinks.

26 April 2012

On Thursday, the actual Independence Day (this year on 26 April), the alarm went off early again. In the morning the schedule called for a visit to Ramat David air base. We had to wait at the gate for our guides. If you are a non-Israeli, you will not get access to the airfield. You must be under the supervision of an Israeli citizen and have arranged permission to photograph in advance. The ladies were very cooperative again and made sure that the aircraft could be photographed clean. Bonuses were flying F-16s and T-6s and the flypast of twenty aircraft. Then we quickly went to Haifa. Because of the heavy traffic we were late, but our great friend David got us in anyway. We had the base to ourselves and could, with permission of our charming guides, remove the cords and plates around the aircraft. Again, a successful visit. In the evening we were invited to a barbecue at David of which we all made good use. After an abundance of good food and matching drinks, we returned to the hotel.

27/28 April 2012

It was now Friday, 27 April, and that is, in this region, similar to our Sunday. The museum, just outside the large air force base Hatzerim was scheduled. There was a little static in the museum of active aircraft. Furthermore, the museum, including the aircraft in storage, held well over 200 aircraft. Many are in very good condition and quite ok for photography. Early in the afternoon we went north to Jerusalem. We spent a couple of hours admiring the old town before we headed for the airport and the return flight to Brussels. On Saturday morning (28 April) we all went home tired but satisfied.

Israel 2012

Israel 2012

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Israel (2012)

Israel 2012

Israel 2012

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