Israel (2014)

Israel 2014

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4 May 2014

On Sunday morning 4 May 23 participants of the group gathered at Brussels. Two participants would fly to Tel Aviv on their own and would join the group there. Het check-in was smooth and the same applied to the flight on board an A31-112 of Brussels Airlines to Tel Aviv. We took off at 10.00 AM. Around 15 minutes before 3 o’clock local time we arrived at Tel Aviv. Here everything went according to plan as well and we boarded our own ‘4Aviation’ bus to our hotel in Netanya after cashing almost all money from the airport cash machine. On our way to the hotel we first drove around the airport for some Israeli C-130s and a 707. In Netanya we first went to McDonald’s for some food (the number of options for this Sunday was limited) and to the hotel afterwards. The room keys were already laid out for us and all went to their respective rooms. At was a long day and temperatures were over 30 degrees Celsius in the evening so many stayed outside for quite some time.

5 May 2014

On Monday (May 5) we could sleep sleep late and the bus was waiting for us at 08.30AM. First to Sde Dov, trying to have a look at the 100 and 135 Sqn aircraft from the beach. Besides a local ATR nothing flew so by half past ten we left for a little hobby shop, annex restaurant, in Tel Aviv. On our way there we passed a Tzukit somewhere on a pole in a state park. Then on to Holz Technical College for a pre-arranged visit for a couple of preserved/instructional aircraft. A group from Britain joined us here so there were now two coaches. After the visit we carried on to Tel Nof. We had been allowed to visit the day before Independence Day. Near Tel Nof AB, we first went to Rishon LeZyon Air Sports Center. This airfield holds a small museum, and we could take many pictures (an Arava was recently added and a hangar also held two Piper Cubs). At first it was nice and sunny but by now the sun had problems getting through the clouds. After this museum on our way to Tel Nof. After the usual paperwork on arrival we were airside soon after. The coach was parked on the flight line. A little delay to confirm ‘large’ lenses were allowed, but as we had been cleared this was ok. Unfortunately the sun had disappeared upon entering the static. All aircraft were parked perfectly and a S 65-2025 flew a mission. The G550 at the beginning of the static was very interesting. Tomorrow the second aircraft of this type of the Israeli Air Force should take part in the flypast, so a 100% score. On our way to the flight line we also noted a line with 144Sqn F-16As. On our way to the hotel we visited a Noratlas somewhere in the woods. We thought the seaside restaurant, next to the hotel, opened at eight, but it closed its doors at that time. The owner noted twenty hungry guys and decided to stay open for a couple more hours.

6 May 2014

On Independence Day (Tuesday, 6 May) the coach left at half past six for Ramat David. At eight o’clock we wanted to be at the gate. Unfortunately the weather was bad and the sun did not show itself. We could enter the airfield quickly and soon the aircraft, which once again were parked perfectly, were captured with our cameras. Four T-6As flew a demo, just like an SA565MA of 193Sqn and four 110Sqn F-16Cs that opened the show. Five additional F-16Cs took off to take part in the flypast. So we bagged nine operational F-16Cs, not bad at all. Upon leaving the base we also photographed the gate guards. We then moved the coach towrds the exit of the base. The flypast began with three Beech B200s, followed by three S-65C Yasúrs, two KC-130H with the latest C-130J-30, a G550 with a G500, followed by a KC707 with three F-15Ds. Finally, two F-16 formations; one with five 253Sqn F-16Is and the five F-16C we had seen taking off earlier. Due to the large crowds it took a while before we were on the main road to Haifa. The moment we arrived here, the road was blocked but after much talk the fences parted and we could walk to the main gate of Haifa Technical School. Luckily the sun had returned a little and we could capture the operational and museum aircraft nicely. After Haifa we drove to the airstrip of Habonim. Here were five Do28s parked near a very busy railroad and also a small museum in the open. In the hangar we noted a former Australian Tiger Moth. We were very well received and were allowed to photograph everything. Via Ben Gurion we returned to our hotel. There were two Indian Air Force BD700s being equipped with electronics. Unfortunately, the waterfront restaurant was closed and we had to figure out something else for dinner. Some went into the city, others stayed closer to the hotel. A very long but interesting day was about to end. Tomorrow we got up even earlier.

7/8 May 2014

A six o’clock departure to Hatzerim on Wednesday May 7. The museum opens at eight o’clock and probably there were still some operational aircraft present from yesterday festivities. We were there in time but were told that the museum was closed today because the base commander suddenly decided to do some cleaning today and allowed no one inside. We had not made reservations so were denied access. In the past the museum was always open the day following Independence Day. At nine o’clock, after much talk, we finally got permission to visit the museum for an hour. After quickly paying the entrance fee we entered the museum grounds. The operational helicopters were gone, but fortunately there was still an F-16A, F-16I and F-15I. Ultimately, we had been in the museum for about 1.5 hours. After an hour the first group went to the approach of Hatzerim AB by coach. The A-4s flew very well and the sun was now well present. Some stayed with the bus and others went further into the approach. First, a spot between the two runways was tried but this was, unfortunately, too far for the T-6As (of which a large number flew) and A-4s. It remains a magnificent sight to see these oldies flying; both single and two-seaters flew in large numbers. By noon, we walked to the corner of the field and noted several A-4s and F-15I, including the F-15I of the Ramat David static. When the final F-15I landed we saw that security had arrived and asked us to stop taking photos. We appeared to be on military terrain and they didn’t want us to take photos of the underside of the aircraft coming in to land. After that we went on our way to Hatzerim City to photograph the Kfir and F-4E. Next up was the nearby airstrip which also held some old military hardware. Then it was time to go home. After a good meal we slowly headed for Ben Gurion where we said our goodbyes to the driver of the coach. We had plenty of time to freshen up and change clothes for the return flight. Check in and other check went smoothly. One of the group stayed an extra day in Israel while another took a direct flight to Austria. With an A320-214 of Brussels Airlines 23 people flew back to Brussels. At half past two we went took to the sky for a flight of 3,253 kilometres. Around five o´clock we arrived and picked up the luggage said our goodbyes and everyone went his own way. It was a nice trip; lots of aircraft were seen and photographed.

Israel 2014

Israel 2014

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Israel (2014)

Israel 2014

Israel 2014

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