Sanicole International Airshow 21st & 22nd September 2024

[JorgeGuardia]

Formation flight of B17 and Lancaster added for Saturday & Sunday

[Flightline UK]

The International Sanicole Airshow 2024 is dedicated to the 50th anniversary of the F-16. In this context, we have already been able to announce several F-16 demo teams and we regret the decision of the Belgian Air Force to no longer fly an F-16 demo team itself. This marks the end of a great history within the Air Force that had no fewer than 19 different demo pilots. The very last one was Steven "Vrieske" Devries, who was allowed to close this era in 2023 during the Belgian Air Force Days in Kleine Brogel.

Because this was an abrupt end, as the decision was only made in the run-up to the new 2024 display season, we were never really able to say goodbye to our demo pilot nor give him the farewell he deserved. That is why we are very happy to announce that "Vrieske" will make his last airshow flight on Sunday 22 September: on the one hand as leader of an F-16 heritage flight with all F-16 demo pilots present and on the other hand in a formation flight together with the Spitfire.

So don't miss the chance to wave goodbye to a pilot who has been flying for many years at the International Sanicole Airshow.

In the past, Vrieske had already led the Thundertigers of the 31 Tiger Squadron, stationed at Kleine-Brogel, countless times during their displays above the airfield of Sanicole. During our most recent edition, he took everyone's breath away as an F-16 solo display pilot of the Belgian Air Force beautiful Dream Viper. In 2024, he will participate in the International Sanicole Airshow for the last time on behalf of the Belgian Air Force, but he will say goodbye in style with an emotional and evocative series of flypasses for the Heritage Flight of the Belgian Air Force. This is not a full demonstration, but some formation passages in a regular Belgian F-16.

Kris Van den Bergh's stunning Spitfire MkXVI, stationed at Brustem near Sint-Truiden, will perform some passages together with the F-16. The historic Spitfire was the first fighter aircraft in service with the Belgian Air Force and also served with distinction in the hands of Belgian pilots flying with the British Royal Air Force during World War II. The beautiful Spitfire that Kris will fly is painted in the colours of 349 (F) squadron, which is currently stationed at Kleine-Brogel.

This poignant memorial flight brings together the first fighter aircraft and the current fighter aircraft of the Belgian Air Force, now that the Air Force is on the threshold of switching to the next generation of fighter aircraft, a new technological giant leap that will guarantee the high effectiveness of Belgian crews for many years to come.

Be sure to be there at the International Sanicole Airshow 2024 for this memorable moment!

https://www.sanicole.com/en/info-en/new ... -dance-eng

[Flightline UK]

Both B-17 and Lancaster still planned to be at Sanicole, but the formation is looking unlikely.

Don’t miss out on the 44th Sanicole Airshow!
Only 500 tickets left for the Sunday, September 22nd show!
Plus, grab your spot for the breathtaking sunset airshow on Saturday, September 21st!
Limited combo tickets for both days are also available.
Visit www.sanicole.com for details and secure your tickets now!

[Flightline UK]

Relive aviation history during the International Sanicole Airshow on 21 & 22 September in Hechtel-Eksel! The 1930s are often referred to as the golden age of aviation thanks to massive technological advances, the breakthrough of commercial aviation, and countless new world records that set new aircraft. During our airshow you can see such a legendary design in action above Sanicole airport.

The Lockheed Model 12 Electra Junior is a historic aircraft produced in the 1930s by the Lockheed Aircraft Corporation. The Model 12 was introduced in 1936 and was a smaller version of the Lockheed Model 10 Electra, which became famous for Amelia Earhart's attempt to fly around the world. It was designed as a luxurious and high-performance private aircraft, mainly for wealthy individuals and corporate clients. It featured a sleek, all-metal monoplane design with retractable landing gear and was powered by two radial engines. The cabin could accommodate six to eight passengers in a comfortable and well-appointed interior.

One of the standout features of the Model 12 was its versatility. It could be configured for a variety of purposes, including luxury transportation, air ambulance, and liaison flights. Some Model 12s were also used for military purposes during World War II, where they were designated the Lockheed UC-40 and were primarily tasked with moving high-ranking officers.

In our country there is still a rare surviving example of this aircraft, in the collection of Luc Theys, who flies this flying legend from Zwartberg.

https://www.sanicole.com/en/info-en/new ... lectra-eng

[Flightline UK]

The International Sanicole Airshow is pleased to present an excellent example of Franco-Belgian collaboration at the show on September 22: an H-120 Calliope.

The French army base in Dax is home to a private-public company specialising in the training of helicopter pilots, Helidax. French helicopter pilots from the Gendarmerie, the Navy, the Army and the Air Force receive their training there, together with future helicopter pilots from the Belgian Air Force. Since its inception in 2008, the H-120 fleet has logged more than 250,000 flight hours.
The manoeuvrable H-120 Calliope, also known as the Colibri, is used for flight training and is a popular 5-seater helicopter for both military and civilian use, for example for police duties or passenger transport. 40 of these beautiful red and white helicopters operate from the base in Dax. They have modern avionics that prepare the pilots well for their future operational types. The type is also used for helicopter training by the Spanish army.
Find out what you could fly in the future if you decide to become a military helicopter pilot!

https://www.sanicole.com/en/info-en/new ... lliope-eng