Athens Air Show

[Andyph]

Was hoping to look here...

https://maps.app.goo.gl/WocX89ALuDPuS2iJ9

[Thunder]

That is very open and with its close proximity not only to the runway but the HAI complex, I suspect it wouldn’t be long before you received a visit from police/security. It would also be into the sun for photos

[Typeflyer]

Was hoping to look here...

https://maps.app.goo.gl/WocX89ALuDPuS2iJ9

Suggest you look at Google street view for that location!

[Andyph]

Was hoping to look here...

https://maps.app.goo.gl/WocX89ALuDPuS2iJ9

Suggest you look at Google street view for that location!

It only says no drones and photography (I wont have a camera!) - - Most bases are usually OK with spotting from the outside during arrivals/rehearsals - in fact they will have spotters on the base!

[Andyph]

I note the Airshow bus from Athens is 20 Euro each direction - owch... and does not set off until 9.30...Might look at the train...

[Spiros]

I propose the area below, which is not near the fence of the base in order to avoid any unnecessary complications

https://www.google.com/maps/@38.3534409 ... FQAw%3D%3D

[Andyph]

Italian AF AW-139 (from show facebook)
Polish F-16 Tiger Demo SA

Nice

[sebcoe]

Looking at attending this year and will be my first visit, I have a couple of questions re the Spotter package I’m hoping someone can help with…

I may be unable to do all 6 days .. based on past experience what are the slower days, or days to miss?

It it necessary to be on the back Row of the spotter stand? What’s photography like from lower down?

Is there a standing area in front of the spotter stand on the crowd line.. like there used to be on the FRIAT stand?

Anything else useful for a first timer to know?

Thanks in advance for any insight. Cheers

[SW Sky Blue]

Looking at attending this year and will be my first visit, I have a couple of questions re the Spotter package I’m hoping someone can help with…

I may be unable to do all 6 days .. based on past experience what are the slower days, or days to miss?

Have been a couple of years now and based on last years events I will answer your questions...
Friday, Saturday Sunday are the best days, almost nothing on Wednesday last year except based stuff taking off late Wednesday to go to the sky van and people who had paid for the spotters day weren't even allowed on base...No refunds however....Thursday and Monday you get no option other than to stand at the EOR in 30+ degrees with no shade and a bird scarer that is going constantly, loud and like like SAS water torture.....You need to take water and food with you for the whole day.

It it necessary to be on the back Row of the spotter stand? What’s photography like from lower down?

The back row is best but not essential......

Is there a standing area in front of the spotter stand on the crowd line.. like there used to be on the FRIAT stand?

Yes there is...

Anything else useful for a first timer to know?

Be prepared for very hot and long days and that as a "spotter you basically not factored into any plans ...That said, when it works it's great..... I expect I will go again as I like the area and its really your only chance to shoot active Greek military....

Thanks in advance for any insight. Cheers

[sebcoe]

Thank you for taking the time to reply. That is very helpful.

[Spiros]

Looking at attending this year and will be my first visit, I have a couple of questions re the Spotter package I’m hoping someone can help with…

I may be unable to do all 6 days .. based on past experience what are the slower days, or days to miss?

It it necessary to be on the back Row of the spotter stand? What’s photography like from lower down?

Is there a standing area in front of the spotter stand on the crowd line.. like there used to be on the FRIAT stand?

Anything else useful for a first timer to know?

Thanks in advance for any insight. Cheers

Hi sebcoe,

I am going to Tanagra for many years as I live in Athens,
I usually book at the Seat and Shadow area because in September the temperatures are still 35+ and the sun is very strong.
The busy days are Friday for the rehearsals and of course Saturday and Sunday for the main event. The Grandstand is elevated and you get a good view of everything, if you choose the public area that is ground level you have to be there early to get a good spot in the front. Do not forget to have with you water and of course a hat.

Have a look at the link below to see the layout of the event area.

https://www.athensflyingweek.gr/event-i ... 4a038-882b

[Thunder]

almost nothing on Wednesday last year except based stuff taking off late Wednesday to go to the sky van and people who had paid for the spotters day weren't even allowed on base...No refunds however....

Not disbelieving you as you were there, but seriously that actually happened. What was the reason for this if a reason was given? Looking into finally attending this year but if that's how they operate I will have to give it serious consideration, I'm not spending £1500 not to get what I paid for.

[TomG]

almost nothing on Wednesday last year except based stuff taking off late Wednesday to go to the sky van and people who had paid for the spotters day weren't even allowed on base...No refunds however....

Not disbelieving you as you were there, but seriously that actually happened. What was the reason for this if a reason was given? Looking into finally attending this year but if that's how they operate I will have to give it serious consideration, I'm not spending £1500 not to get what I paid for.

If you really want to go then just do Friday, Saturday & Sunday. You'll get the bulk of the arrivals, a full show (practice) on Friday and two full show days. Get up a wee bit early for Saturday or Sunday for a jaunt around the static and job done.

[Thunder]

I might look into Thursday and Friday for arrivals and possibly head to the
Kalavryta canyon on the Wednesday or Thursday Friday and Saturday at show.

[SW Sky Blue]

Not disbelieving you as you were there, but seriously that actually happened. What was the reason for this if a reason was given? Looking into finally attending this year but if that's how they operate I will have to give it serious consideration, I'm not spending £1500 not to get what I paid for.

If you really want to go then just do Friday, Saturday & Sunday. You'll get the bulk of the arrivals, a full show (practice) on Friday and two full show days. Get up a wee bit early for Saturday or Sunday for a jaunt around the static and job done.

No reason was given, no apology was given either...no refund was offered....We were told by email in the morning there would be no Wednesday arrivals only a rehearsal of the Saudi Typhoon and Saudi Hawks, so there was no need to go before 1530. I replied to the email saying I still wanted to go on base to shoot the based Mirages and Rafales doing their normal missions as after all we had paid for access to the airfield. 5 mins later an email arrived to all spotters highlighting the base commander of Tanager reminds you it is forbidden to photograph active 116CW aircraft on operational sorties....WTF, unfortunately I've deleted the email, although im sure some one has it.....So we arrived at 1530 at the gate to be accredited to find the Saudi Hawks just finishing their rehearsal and then to be told the Typhoon was cancelled so get your passes and thats it until Thursday. Then as I laid on my sun bed in the hotel at 1830, in glorious evening sun I was greeted by the sight of 2 Mirage 2000s and 2 Rafales joining in the overhead with the skyvan...and going round and round for about 40 mins until the sunset....So it's ok for them paying several thousand euros to photograph them but not us "spotters" and so it continued for the rest of the weekend, types cancelling the show, but joining up with the skyvan....Double standards...
I could go on about the rest of it but ultimately its pointless...eg, the USMC MV22 and AH1 arrived before we were on base, and then departed mid point on the Monday and didn't come anywhere near the spotters location.