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| Fighter Control’s resident Chief Photographic Editor [and for this trip, minibus driver too!] Rick Sleight, reports from the 7th Belgian Heliday, which took place at Liege Bierset on Saturday 4th and Sunday 5th June 2005. |
| Normally an annual event, the International Helicopter Airshow, Belgian Helidays have been taking place since 1998, although in 2004 there was an exception when Liege Bierset did not host a show, due to the restructuring of the flying units within the Belgian Armed Forces. Now flying under the one command, named the Air Component, the airfield was again in a position to host the seventh Belgian Heliday during the weekend of 4th and 5th June 2005. Previous events have indeed been excellent with very unusual and rarely seen helicopters participating, such as Italian Air Force NH-500s, Norwegian Air Force Bell 412s, Polish Navy Mi-14s, Slovak Republic Mi-24 Hinds, a Spanish Air Force Puma and at the 2003 event; over 100 aircraft from 12 nations were present. Having visited the 2003 event myself [and thoroughly enjoying it] Kirsty [our visits administrator at Fighter Control (FC)] and I decided that this would be a good event to try as our second overseas minibus trip for members of the FC visits group. Having been very badly let down by our hire company not providing us with the promised minibus [at the last minute] for our inaugural minibus trip to the Luxeuil St Saveur show in France in May [although we were rescued by two of our members using their own MPVs!], this event actually became the inaugural Fighter Control overseas minibus trip and was a complete success. Departing Lincoln at approximately 1900 hours on Friday 3rd June, we made several pick ups en route at Newark, Peterborough, Stansted and Folkestone, then taking the 0030 hours Eurotunnel to Calais. Arriving in France in the early hours gave ample time for our three drivers to drive the route to Liege via Florennes airbase, where the Tactical Leadership Program [TLP] 2005-4 was taking place. For the ‘number crunchers’ present in our 17 seater minibus, they were able to view such delights on the flight line, as two Greek and two Italian Air Force F-16s, along with more commonly seen NATO aircraft such as French Air Force Mirage 2000Ns and German Air Force Tornados. Although I was suffering from a bad case of viral conjunctivitis at the time, the trip ‘ran on rails’ and before arriving at Liege for the 1000 hours opening time, we even managed to have a comfort stop for a continental breakfast [‘we ate the quilt’!] en route, which was most welcomed by all involved! The show was very reasonably priced at seven Euros for entrance, although for anyone wishing to visit the show from Friday arrivals to Monday departures, as ‘Spotters’ ticket could be purchased for 30 Euros. Although expensive, for anyone with unlimited time, this was quite reasonable, as it allowed entry to the airfield from 1200 to 1700 hours on Friday for arrivals, 1000 to 1900 hours on Saturday and Sunday and 0800 to 1200 hours on Monday, for departures. Special areas for these ticket holders were also available, which obviously gave excellent photographic opportunities, although the layout of the show provided this anyway. Most of the static helicopters were laid out behind barriers, with the runway positioned behind; therefore there is a reasonably uncluttered background, which aids photography. We departed the show at approximately 1600 and found time for a one hour stop at Brussels airport for a break and a chance for some of the guys to see some more aircraft, including a Canadian Air Force A.310, although at this point, I was more interested in resting my eyes, which were getting ever worse! Having chosen to take three drivers with us [a standard practice for FC] certainly paid off, as I was not able to drive after we got back to Folkestone in the early hours of Sunday, my eyes were so bad. Having driven the reverse route, dropping members off at the original pick up points, we arrived back in Lincoln at around 0300 hours and our first [and certainly not our last!] foray into Europe of ‘Lincoln to Liege and back’, was complete! Although the show actually takes place at the military part of a civilian airport and many civilian helicopters also take part in the event, as FC are only concerned with military aircraft matters in general, I shall now take a look at the military participation only. As would be expected at the main Belgian rotary airfield, large numbers of the two rotary types in active service were present, with no fewer than 36 examples on view, although eight of these airframes [all Augusta A.109BA] were positioned inside the maintenance [number 255 CIE] hangar, which was out of bounds, after the early part of Saturday morning. No less than 26 A.109s were present at Liege, with the eight above being in addition to 18 seen in the static and flying displays. One of these was on display inside a small garage type hangar [A.109 serial number H-27] and just outside this was a specially painted aircraft, serial number H-16, which was used as a recruiting aid and its serial number was not carried externally. The remaining helicopters were nine ageing Alouette II, which were seen in both static and flying display and there was one final one seen, which was preserved on a plinth on the admin side of the airfield, serial number A-34. One other ex Belgian Army fixed wing aircraft was part of the static display, a recently retired BN-2 Islander, serial number B-11. |
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| In addition to the Belgian Air Component rotary participation, the ex Belgian Air Force element of the Air Component provided several fixed wing types for what is essentially a rotary aircraft event. The training element sent an Alphajet, CM-170 Magister and SF-260D from number 1 Wing at Beauvechain and the transport element provided a C-130 Hercules from number 20 Smaldeel at Brussels Melsbroek, which also took part in the flying display. Another visitor from Melsbroek was one of the two Embraer ERJ-145s from number 21 Smaldeel, landing during the display. In addition to a lone F-16AM on static display, no less than four others took part in a spirited flying display, which included several low and fast passes over the airfield, in addition to two passes in a very close formation. There were also examples of other Air Component rotary types on display, with an Alouette III from number 40 Smaldeel at Koxsijde, together with a sister aircraft, a Sea King Mk.48 from the same unit, which also was included in the flying display. Finally, a Politie [Police] MD.900 helicopter and a Grob 102 glider from the Lucht Kadetten [Air Cadets] were also parked in the static display. |  |
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| This year, perhaps the most disappointing part of the event was the lack of a long and varied flying display. Only ten different types were involved in a flying display which lasted from approximately 1300 until 1645 hours. In that time, several of the aircraft which were displayed flew at least two separate displays, including the Belgian C-130 Hercules and Sea King, RAF Chinook, plus the A.109 and Alouette II of the host unit at Liege, the Belgian Wing Heli. Although this may first appear to be a criticism of the flying display, it is actually not and in some respects is quite useful, as if you miss the opportunity to both enjoy and photograph a particular display there is perhaps a second chance to do it, which is most unusual for an air display. The other types which were included in the flying activities were a Belgian Air Component Embraer 145 [although this only arrived during the display], the Lynx and Gazelles of the Army Air Corps display team, the Blue Eagles, from Middle Wallop, an excellent pyrotechnical display from the Netherlands Air Force AH-64 and finally some superb low flying from four F-16AM Fighting Falcons, from number 2 Wing at nearby Florennes airbase. Undoubtedly, the highlight of the flying display came from the RAF Chinook, which performed its, now well known, excellent routine, although the Netherlands Apache, with its flare popping, was indeed a close second. |  |
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The Belgian Heliday events have always included many visiting rotary aircraft from other European countries and the 2005 event was no different, however participation was indeed down on previous years. However, the majority of the aircraft that were promised did actually arrive, with the main exception being the planned Mi-8 and Mi-24 participants from the Slovak Air Force, which sadly cancelled. The Austrian Air Force attended with an AB-212 and the beautifully painted OH-58B serial number 3C-OK, which was making its third appearance at Liege in a row! Another specially painted helicopter came from the Czech Republic Air Force, who sent their ‘Tiger’ Mi-24V Hind, which has a fantastic black and blue colour scheme that also included a large tiger on each side of the fuselage. France sent participants from all of its Armed Forces, an Armee de l’Air [Air Force] AS.555 Ecureuil [Squirrel], an Aviation Legere de l’Armee de Terre [Army] AS.532 Cougar and SA.342 Gazelle and a Aeronautique Naval [Navy] Lynx. The Douanes [French Customs Service] also attended with an AS.355 Ecureuil, serial number F-ZBAD, which was also present at the 6th Heliday at Liege in 2003. Two other French Air Force aircraft were present and were unusual in that they represented part of the fixed wing element of the Air Force. These were two Mirage 2000s [a single and twin seat version] from EC 02.012 at Cambrai Epinoy. Although the event is primarily for rotary types, there is usually a couple of fixed wing aircraft present, however it was very unusual to see some from a visiting country but never the less, still welcome! The German Armed Forces have always been strong participants at Liege and once again they attended in numbers with the Heerflieger [Army] supplying, three Bo.105s from two units at Buckeburg and Fritzlar, an EC-135 and a UH-1D, both also from Buckeburg. The Luftwaffe [Air Force] also provided a UH-1D from LTG-61 at Landsberg. A rare visit was also made by an Irish Air Corps SA.365F Dauphin, serial number 247, from number 301 Squadron at Baldonnel, which for many was the star item on static display. Both the Netherlands Air Force and Navy sent helicopters for static display, the latter providing an SH-14D Lynx from De Kooij and the Air Force attended with an AS.532 Cougar from Soesterberg and two AH-64D Apaches from Gilze Rijen. One of these took part in the flying display and had an excellent routine, which included deployment of several flares at two separate points during its display but sadly the weather conditions during the latter part of the day of our visit were poor at the time, which somewhat marred an otherwise excellent display. United Kingdom [UK] participation was again a major part of the display, with rotary assets in both the static and flying displays. The Royal Air Force attended with various types, including a Chinook HC.2 from number 7 Squadron at Odiham that flew twice and on static display was a 32 Squadron AS.355 Twin Squirrel from Northolt, which was making a second appearance at this annual show, which is quite unusual, as they are not normally seen at UK air events! Others in the static display included a Griffin helicopter from number 60 [Reserve] Squadron at Shawbury, a Puma from number 33 Squadron at Benson and a Merlin from number 28 Squadron, also at Benson, that ensured a large contingent of RAF rotary aircraft attended. There was only one helicopter present from the Royal Navy, a Sea King from number 849 Squadron at Culdrose. The Army Air Corps were part of the flying display, with their Lynx and four Gazelles from the Blue Eagles display team. The final two visiting aircraft came from Slovenia and the United States Army in Europe respectively, a Bell 412 and a UH-60A from the SHAPE detachment at Chievres, in Belgium. |  |
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| Having now successfully completed seven events, since that first show back in 1998, the Belgians are now more than adept at providing a unique event, which almost entirely consists of rotary wing airframes. In addition to the many military aircraft present, a vast array of different types of civilian operated aircraft are also present, although these are normally only displayed statically but still good to see, for those who also like commercial and private aircraft. For anyone who has yet to attend one of these events, it is a most enjoyable show and well worth the visit. Over 85 aircraft from ten different nations, is indeed an excellent achievement and the organizers must be congratulated for arranging such a unique event, which must be unrivalled in Europe. It is very likely, that with the anticipated withdrawal of the Alouette II from active service, the remaining A.109s could indeed relocate, seeing them move to Beauvechain, which would mean future shows like this may be in doubt after 2006? Therefore, as each of the many ‘young ladies’ seen adorning the Belgian military vehicles suggest, “Follow Me”, as I and members of Fighter Control will certainly be back there next time! |
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| I would like to extend my thanks to Patrick Wauters/Public Relations at Liege Bierset and also the fifteen FC members who took part in making our first overseas minibus trip such a success, particularly Garf Smith and Mark Forest, who shared the driving with me! |
| LOG OF MILITARY AIRCRAFT PRESENT |
| Serial | Code | Unit | Type | Notes |
| 5D-HO | OLK | AB-212 | ||
| 3C-OK | OLK/3 Stfl | OH-58B | ||
| M-2 | FAB/40 Sm | Alouette III | ||
| AT-25 | FAB/1 Wing/7 Sm | Alphajet E | ||
| CH-09 | FAB/20 Sm | C-130H | ||
| MT-35 | FAB/1 Wing/7 Sm | CM-170 | ||
| CE-04 | FAB/21 Sm | ERJ-145LR | ||
| FA-89 | FAB/2 W [u/m] | F-16AM | ||
| FA-108 | FAB/2 W [u/m] | F-16AM | ||
| FA-115 | FAB/2 W [u/m] | F-16AM | ||
| FA-126 | FAB/2 W [u/m] | F-16AM | ||
| FA-130 | FAB/2 W [u/m] | F-16AM | ||
| RS-04 | FAB/40 Sm | Sea King Mk.48 | ||
| ST-44 | FAB/1 Wing/5 Sm | SF-260D | ||
| PL-71 | FAB/Luchtkadetten | G.103A | ||
| A-22 | FTB/Wing Heli | Alouette II | ||
| A-34 | ex FTB | Alouette II | Preserved | |
| A-43 | FTB/Wing Heli | Alouette II | ||
| A-47 | FTB/Wing Heli | Alouette II | ||
| A-49 | FTB/Wing Heli | Alouette II | ||
| A-50 | FTB/Wing Heli | Alouette II | ||
| A-57 | FTB/Wing Heli | Alouette II | ||
| A-59 | FTB/Wing Heli | Alouette II | ||
| A-62 | FTB/Wing Heli | Alouette II | ||
| A-66 | FTB/Wing Heli | Alouette II | ||
| H-01 | FTB/Wing Heli | A.109BA | ||
| H-02 | FTB/Wing Heli | A.109BA | Medevac Markings | |
| H-05 | FTB/Wing Heli | A.109BA | ||
| H-06 | FTB/Wing Heli | A.109BA | Medevac Markings | |
| H-08 | FTB/Wing Heli | A.109BA | 255 CIE Maintenance Hangar | |
| H-11 | FTB/Wing Heli | A.109BA | ||
| H-16 | FTB/Wing Heli | A.109BA | Special Markings, Recruitment Aid | |
| H-21 | FTB/Wing Heli | A.109BA | ||
| H-22 | FTB/Wing Heli | A.109BA | 255 CIE Maintenance Hangar | |
| H-24 | FTB/Wing Heli | A.109BA | Pegasus Markings | |
| H-25 | FTB/Wing Heli | A.109BA | ||
| H-26 | FTB/Wing Heli | A.109BA | ||
| H-27 | FTB/Wing Heli | A.109BA | Display Hangar | |
| H-29 | FTB/Wing Heli | A.109BA | ||
| H-30 | FTB/Wing Heli | A.109BA | 255 CIE Maintenance Hangar | |
| H-32 | FTB/Wing Heli | A.109BA | 255 CIE Maintenance Hangar | |
| H-33 | FTB/Wing Heli | A.109BA | ||
| H-35 | FTB/Wing Heli | A.109BA | 255 CIE Maintenance Hangar | |
| H-36 | FTB/Wing Heli | A.109BA | 255 CIE Maintenance Hangar | |
| H-37 | FTB/Wing Heli | A.109BA | ||
| H-38 | FTB/Wing Heli | A.109BA | Pegasus Markings | |
| H-40 | FTB/Wing Heli | A.109BA | 255 CIE Maintenance Hangar | |
| H-41 | FTB/Wing Heli | A.109BA | ||
| H-42 | FTB/Wing Heli | A.109BA | ||
| H-43 | FTB/Wing Heli | A.109BA | 255 CIE Maintenance Hangar | |
| H-46 | FTB/Wing Heli | A.109BA | ||
| B-11 | LK | Ex FTB | BN-2 Islander | |
| G-11 | Politie | MD.900 | ||
| 7353 | CzAF/231 Let | Mi-24V | Tiger c/s | |
| 5397 | VE | AdlA | AS.555AN | |
| 529 | 12-KJ | AdlA/EC 02.012 | Mirage 2000B | |
| 106 | 12-KF | AdlA/EC 02.012 | Mirage 2000C | |
| 2443 | CYC | ALAT/1 RHC | AS.532UL | |
| 4119 | CWU | ALAT/1 RHC | SA.342M | |
| 623 | AN/34 F | Lynx HAS.2 | ||
| F-ZBAD | c/n 5156 | Douannes | AS.355F.2 | |
| 7051 | GAF/LTG-61 | UH-1D | LTKDO Markings | |
| 8666 | Heer/VFS [HFVS-910] | Bo.105P | ||
| 8713 | Heer/HFR-36 | Bo.105P | ||
| 8714 | Heer/HFR-36 | Bo.105P | ||
| 8260 | Heer/HFWS | EC-135T1 | ||
| 7200 | Heer/HFR-10 [u/m] | UH-1D | ||
| 247 | IAC/301 Sqn | SA.365F | 75th Anniversary Badge | |
| Q-19 | KLu/302 Sqn [u/m] | AH-64D | ||
| Q-24 | KLu/301 Sqn | AH-64D | ||
| S-457 | KLu/300 Sqn | AS.532U-2 | ||
| 281 | MLD/MARHELI | SH-14D | ||
| ZJ139 | RAF/32 [TR] Sqn | AS.355 F.1 | ||
| ZA707 | RAF/7 Sqn [u/m] | Chinook HC.2 | ||
| ZJ241 | L | RAF/DHFS/60 [R] Sqn | Griffin HT.1 | |
| XW229 | RAF/33 Sqn | Puma HC.1 | ||
| XX403 | AAC/671 Sqn | Gazelle AH.1 | Blue Eagles | |
| XZ338 | AAC/671 Sqn | Gazelle AH.1 | Blue Eagles | |
| XZ349 | AAC/671 Sqn | Gazelle AH.1 | Blue Eagles | |
| ZB673 | AAC/671 Sqn | Gazelle AH.1 | Blue Eagles | |
| XZ652 | AAC/671 Sqn | Lynx AH.7 | Blue Eagles | |
| ZD636 | CU 182 | RN/849 Sqn | Sea King ASaC.7 | |
| H2-32 | Slovenian AF/15 Bgde | Bell 412 | ||
| 87-24583 | USAEUR/SHAPE | UH-60A |