Baldonnel visitor

[Tony Kearns]

Last monday (11th) This German Maritime Atlantic s/n24 arrived at Baldonnel. I cannot seem to remember if an Atlantic ever visitor before, anyone know anything to the contrary? They are about to be replaced in service by ex Dutch Orions.

[Claudel Hopson]

Did the French not send one over as support a/c for either their Alpha Jets or their Patroille de France Display Team for one of the first Air Spectaculars held here in Baldonnel?

The Alphas came in regular Air Force markings for a couple of years before the display team made an appearance.

[Tony Kearns]

Hi Claudel,
I was present at all the Baldonnel Air Spectaculars and only remember the Alpha jets and  Patrouille de France being accompanied by the Transalls.
Tony K

[Fouga]

Courtesy Visit or Training? Nice Pic!

[Irish251]

Tony

As far as I know, this is the first Atlantic to visit Baldonnel.  I recall seeing a French one at Shannon and a couple of Italian ones at Dublin over the years.  You are right that the French AF generally uses a Transall (and before that a Noratlas!) as support for PdeF.

[Guinness]

Tony,

the Atlantiques áre replaced by the Orions only the German Navy will keep 2 ELINT type Atlantiques.

The 61+12 in one of these !!

Hope this helps.

Guinness

[Tony Kearns]

Thank you Fouga, SF, and Guinness
Tony K

[Guinness]

You're welcome !!

Are you commin' out to the RNLAF Open Dagen in 2007 ??

Guinness

[Tony Kearns]

Guinness,
I really do not think so, however I could possibly be persuaded if there were REAL aeroplanes there (and not those yokes with paraffin burners on the tails), you know types like Spitfires, Mustangs and Harvards. Things have never been the same since they took away the props. As you will no doubt realise I am really a grumpy old fart or as a certain poster remarked recently as having "a sense of humour failure" Duxford I am afraid has the edge at the moment. For the modern types I depend on Frank, Short Finals, GttC, Pilatus and Fouga for keeping me somewhat up to date with the world out there , although I really can't understand why they are interested in those flying flamethrowers and I do feel sorry for them!!!
Regards
Tony K

[Guinness]

Tony,

I make you a deal.............
when you come out on an other weekend I'll show you around on the RNLAF Historical Flight ( Spit, Beech, several Harvards, Super Piper, Tiger Moth etc. etc. etc)

Ther will be NO problem to see those planes ( semi ) opperational.

Give me a date in the spring moths and I'll arrange a visit for you.

Regards,

Guinness

PS, I like "flamethrowers" as well  

[Tony Kearns]

Guinness,
Now that seems like an offer I couldn't refuse.
I will start to oil my Zimmer Frame (motorised)!
Regards
Tony K

[Turkey]

Way off topic I know but I have to admit that while I quite like the sound and sight of jets,there is nothing better for making the hairs on the back of ones neck stand up then the sound of a Spitfire or similiar......
'Been in the Grace Spitfire twice  '> , pity it was not flying at the time' '>

[Guinness]

Guy's,

let's get serious now.......... shall I make an appointment for medio march / april 2007 ??

The RNLAF Historical Flight is based on Gilze-Rijen AFB in the south of the country.

Flights might be handy to Eindhoven ( Ryanair) and is only 20 minutes from EHGR.

Also based is 301 Sqn with AH-64D and medio 2007 No. 298 ( CH-46D Chinook) and 300 Sqn. ( AS-532-U2 Cougar and Allouette III ) will be based here.

I think a good oppertunity to see some Dutch choppers

What do you think ?


Guinness

[Fouga]

Quote (Turkey @ 19 Dec. 2006,23:51)

'Been in the Grace Spitfire twice

Another Legendary Spitfire that saw service with the Irish Air Corps.

[clog]

Sounds like a plan Guinness!!!!!!!!!!!!

we'll all go back to Eric's pub after for a few good old pints.
(see if we can get some paddy's on the wall of shame!)    


Anyway, Talk to ye.