Turkey II (2015)

Turkey II 2015

Anatolian Eagle

Turkey II 2015

Report of our second group visit to Konya in 2015 within six weeks. After the Tiger meet in May, it was now time to pay another visit to the the amazing Anatolian Eagle exercize in June 2015.

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16 June 2015

For the second time this year we had programmed a tour to Konya (Turkey). After the successful NATO Tiger Meet in May, the expectations were high for the Anatolian Eagle 2015-1 exercise. On Tuesday 16 June, 32 enthusiasts were, as usual trips to the 4Aviation, waiting in time at the rendezvous point at Schiphol. Seven other people we would meet in Istanbul and Konya, they had arranged their own flights. Everyone was already checked in, so we only had to get rid of our luggage. Then we were faced with the new control and customs facilities at Schiphol airport that were operational just a few weeks. It all went very smoothly. Then it went less smoothly. Our Turkish Airlines Boeing 737 was not yet present, it arrived late. After boarding some passengers had apparently not shown up, so some suitcases had to be removed from the plane and that led to missing our slot… Finally at 14:26 pm instead of 12:55, the wheels left the runway of Amsterdam-Schiphol. It was very bad weather over the airport of Istanbul and we had to circle for half an hour. Therefore we would certainly miss our connecting flight. Since there were a lot of spotters on board the aircraft in Amsterdam, all heading for the connecting flight to Konya, our plane to Konya fortunately waited for us. One of the many signs of Turkish hospitality. Just after half past nine we landed in Konya, where our trusty bus was waiting for the group. After a short drive we arrived at our regular hotel where the check went smoothly. Most participants picked up some food and drinks for the next day, in the shop nearby. Around midnight the last travellers arrived and the group of 39 people was complete.

17 June 2015

On Wednesday, 17 June, we all enjoyed a nice breakfast before the bus left in time for the base. We underwent a small security check before buses brought us to our place for the morning. The taxiway where almost all aircraft before or after their flight would be taxiing past. Also from here you had a good view on both runways. On the taxiway and when the aircraft took off from the nearest runway great pictures could be taken. The far runway was a bit too far away, the air was to warm, heat haze. Our group was well catered for. In a nearby shelter tables and chairs were available as well as catering of the Hilton. In the shelter opposite enthusiasts could indulge the dozens of different patches and other squadron relics. The first aircraft of the day was a Boeing E-7T Wedgetail of the Turkish Air Force. Great shooting on the taxiway and into the air. Then followed a mix of all participating units: Spanish F/A-18M of the 15th, British Typhoons of 11Sqn, American F-15s of 493rd FS, Turkish CN235 and Cougars. Turkish F-16s from ten different units, and highlight for many, Turkish Phantoms of 111Filo and 171Filo and Pakistani F-16s from 9Sqn. The first mission contained over 70 aircraft. After returning from this mission there was time for a break and we were driven to the other side of the track. For now, after all, the sun was much better on that side of the aircraft. In consultation with the guides we could choose where you wanted to stand. At the beginning of the runway, where all aircraft turned on the track, a little further, or the point where the aircraft became airborne. Always close-by was Colonel Yaşar Kadıoğlu who ensured that all aircraft used ‘our’ runway for take-off and landing. It had meanwhile been past 18.00 before the last aircraft landed and we, again, boarded the bus. Not to go to the exit, but to visit the flightline with eleven Turkish Phantoms. There, some covers were removed and we could start capturing as many F-4s as one wanted. Then it was time to go to the exit and to return home. In our case, our outstanding hotel in the centre near the restaurants. That evening it was crowded near the Great Mosque because the next day Ramadan would begin. Very impressive to see.

18 June 2015

Thursday 18 June would be a copy of the day before. That meant a good breakfast, bus ride to the base and see and shoot lanes all day. This, however, happened for other spots so it became a whole different day. The wind came from the South and thereby from a different direction than the day before. As a result we had to relocate by crossing the active taxiway by foot and finding a great spot on a safe distance from the active runway. Again, everyone was quite far from each other so you could make exactly the picture you had in mind. The return of the mission was awaited along the taxiway, where we could also take place on an elevated blast wall. Here we were surprised by the arrival of three Pakistani C-130Es that would take all the necessary equipment home for their F-16s the next day. After lunch we went to the famous curved flight line where now thirty Turkish F-16s were lined up. That was an awesome sight to see. Again, everything could be recorded, as were the two Cougars, S-70 and two T-129 on the flight line next to this. Yaşar took place in an elevated platform and made a few group photos with the F-16s as background. Then it was time for a short briefing in the Anatolian Eagle building where we got some bad news. The planned visit on Friday was cancelled. According to the guides there was not much more to see. Most aircraft would already leave on Thursday and the rest on Monday. Afterwards we went again to the runway where at an incredible pace dozen F-16s and all Phantoms left. Because it had rained just before and dark clouds were present in the distance beautiful, dramatic, pictures of fighters taking off in the sun could be made. The last aircraft we could take pictures of was the E-7T.

19 June 2015

Since we could not visit the base on Friday (19 June) we had put together an alternative program. This program started with sleeping in. In the afternoon we had a closer look at the city of Konya from the bus and a knowledgeable guide. In addition, the aviation element has not been forgotten and we visited an F-5 on a pole at the Selçuk University and two former Turkish Stars F-5s in the “Turkish Stars’ Park near the main gate of the base.

20 June 2015

On Saturday 20 June sleeping in was not an option. The buffet breakfast was ready at 02.30 and the bus took us to the airport an hour later. We all went together to Istanbul in a B737 and later, with a short transfer time, in an A330 to the airport of Amsterdam. There all were a bit tired but satisfied with the result. A few gigabytes of great photos richer and impressed by the great hospitality of the Turks and the Turkish Air Force in particular. A big thank you to Colonel Yaşar Kadıoğlu, Lieutenant-Colonel Hasan Birsen Çelikel, Major Mesut Yurtdan and all others that have made the visit to a great event.

Turkey II 2015

Turkey II 2015

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Turkey II (2015)

Turkey II 2015

Turkey II 2015

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