Eskisehir - Phantom Spotters Day 17-11-2024

[slogen51]

Just been brought to my notice there is spotters day at Eskisehir on 17-11-2024

Something to do with the 50th Anniversary of the F-4E Phantom

Looks like you get to photo a phantom on base

Wondering if the stored phantoms will be accessible?

I can't find a link on the web with application instructions

[slogen51]

Ah! Just noticed I have received an email (presumably as a result of the Konya spotter day list) with joining instructions

The Turkish Air Force prepared a program for the 50th anniversary of the introduction of the F-4 Phantom aircraft into the Turkish Air Force inventory. It will be pleasure to see you, the press and spotters, among us. You can find the program in the attached file.


Mint!

[DanSeaman]

Looks like a great program too! Just working out now the best way there from I guess Istanbul? I’m interested in this one and so is my lad (12years old and Phantom mad!)

Seems strange aswell to be held over a weekend!

[Pauld339]

Are either of you able to share more info on the program?

[slogen51]

The program is a jpeg so difficult to extract text

Seems to be a low level event to be confirmed on 16/11

Sunday 17/11

Photo some taxying shots followed by an elephant walk ( or Rhino walk) then lunchtime

Pm

Concert

Static shots

Flypast

[slogen51]

I have been to Eskisehir before - nice modern town with some additional W-R

I was a passenger in a car - long drive from konya but can't be too far from Istanbul

[Alf]

The stored Phantoms look to be packed into a fenced off (walled off?) compound on Google Maps/Earth at...

39.78078131, 30.563724730

[Pauld339]

Thanks very much for the reply Slogen

[Doughnut]

I was at Anatolia Eagle and have received the same invite. Driving to Eskisehir is appox 270km (3hours) from Ankara and the same from Istanbul Sabiha Airport, further from IST as that is other side of the city.
Anybody able to say how many F-4 are still in service at Eskisehir ?

[DanSeaman]

Hi Doughnut!

I believe it is around 30ish they are planning on having in service until 2030 and all are based at Eskişehir with the 111 Filo.

May see you back in Turkey!

Dan

[Doughnut]

Hi Dan. Could be bit short notice but will be speaking the Alan about it. Will let you know what we decide. Paul

[slogen51]

Flights and hotel booked

( Should add that I haven't heard back from the Turkish Air Force)

[DanSeaman]

My flights are now booked!

[slogen51]

Just had a reply to say I have been approved

Phantoms rock!


Your application for the 50th anniversary of the F-4 Phantom aircraft into the Turkish Air Force inventory program has been approved. We hope to see you at Eskişehir 1st main jet base on November 17th.

On November 16th , the coordinates and time of the valley crossing will be announced later.

[Pauld339]

Me too! Very exciting. Has the potential to be epic.

[DanSeaman]

Me too! Could be an awesome weekend. Two weeks to go

[Pauld339]

A couple of Turkish websites say that (perhaps unsurprisingly) "another aircraft with a different paint design will be introduced to the public [on 17 November]"

Is it too much to hope for, that they have painted a jet in the old camo!?

[Reaper02]

A couple of Turkish websites say that (perhaps unsurprisingly) "another aircraft with a different paint design will be introduced to the public [on 17 November]"

Is it too much to hope for, that they have painted a jet in the old camo!?

You can hope, but I am pretty sure that will be the Solo Turk F-16...

[slogen51]

Just received an email with details for the low level valley flight on 16/11

[DanSeaman]

Received mine too, not had chance to look at it in detail yet but I’ll do that tomorrow.