Not a farewell, but if felt like one

[bvdbogaert]

At 8 december 2023 the RNLAF together with SG Volkel organized a spottersday at Volkel. During registration it was not yet clear what to expect, but it was going to be something with F-16's. It turned out we where invited to witness a readiness excercise with a full flight line of F-16's.
As one might expect in this time of year it was cold, grey and damp, but what an opportunity.

In the morning there was opportunity to photograph them all. Stairs were available, well done.
Vlb Volkel 202312080051500 by Bart van den Bogaert, on Flickr

The F-35's went out and about in dreadfull circumstances
Vlb Volkel 202312080271500 by Bart van den Bogaert, on Flickr

Vlb Volkel 202312080401500 by Bart van den Bogaert, on Flickr

Vlb Volkel 202312080521500 by Bart van den Bogaert, on Flickr

3 F-16's would be making their final operational flight this day, J-013 being one of them.
Vlb Volkel 202312080451500 by Bart van den Bogaert, on Flickr

Vlb Volkel 202312080901500 by Bart van den Bogaert, on Flickr

Vlb Volkel 202312080841500 by Bart van den Bogaert, on Flickr

Vlb Volkel 202312081141500 by Bart van den Bogaert, on Flickr

Vlb Volkel 202312081411500 by Bart van den Bogaert, on Flickr

the afternoon the flighline roared to life, really nice to witness up close and personal. I have to limit my contribution to pictures that show no (recognizable) personnel
Vlb Volkel 202312081861500 by Bart van den Bogaert, on Flickr

Vlb Volkel 202312082171500 by Bart van den Bogaert, on Flickr

Vlb Volkel 202312082011500 by Bart van den Bogaert, on Flickr

Vlb Volkel 202312082241500 by Bart van den Bogaert, on Flickr

Vlb Volkel 202312082231500 by Bart van den Bogaert, on Flickr

Vlb Volkel 202312082201500 by Bart van den Bogaert, on Flickr

Vlb Volkel 202312081981500 by Bart van den Bogaert, on Flickr

Vlb Volkel 202312082401500 by Bart van den Bogaert, on Flickr

We weren't in an good position to photgraph the elephant walk, but who cares. There wasn't a spot for all of us on top of the ladder anyway Vlb Volkel 202312082441500 by Bart van den Bogaert, on Flickr

Vlb Volkel 202312082461500 by Bart van den Bogaert, on Flickr

First out was an F-35, after that a mass take of of F-16's. We will not be having such a number of F-16's ever again at Volkel.
Vlb Volkel 202312082681500 by Bart van den Bogaert, on Flickr

Loads of personell half way down the runway as well to enjoy the spectacle
Vlb Volkel 202312082751500 by Bart van den Bogaert, on Flickr

The F-16 and frequent visits to Volkel have somewhat been the common thread in my spotting life, having been infected as an 11 year old boy in '89. It felt as a farewell.

Offcourse a big thank you to the air force and SGV, wouldn't have want to mis it for the world

[Mustang531]

Thanks for sharing these with us, after the end of earlier types, I really loved the F-16, always something special about it. I remember attending the show at Volkel in 1989, when one of the themes was Ten Years of the F-16 in Europe, spectacular line up of the type. I hope one ends up displayed in the UK somewhere.

[Gaz J]

Brilliant selection of images from what looks to have been a cold and damp day. Thank you for sharing them

[paddyboy]

What a great set, Bart

I can just imagine the RAF organising something along those lines here - NOT

Thanks for posting

Paddyboy

[jdupons]

Brilliant ! Thanks !

[Snoop 95]

Wonderful set from a memorable day for you. Thanks.

[Duke53]

Heel mooi, dankjewel !

[Petepilot]

Great set, many thanks for sharing!

[KeBul]

Brilliant set of a unique day and opportunity, I'm very jealous, I love F-16s

Although the weather wasn't necessarily the best, it did provide you with some nice subdued back drops... well captured.

Thanks for sharing, really enjoyed viewing these.

Kev

[mikee115]

Lovely set of photos. The shots of them all in a line are fantastic. It is always great being on the flightline, watching and hearing the jets start up.
The Dutch F-16s will be missed at airshows across europe.

[lmgaylard]

A stunning post depicting a stunning aircraft, that has served its nations well.

Thanks a lot for this brilliant post.

[Blue Diamond]

Lovely set. Thanks for sharing.

[Blackcat1]

Great set of photos. Always loved the F16.

[DanBeeden]

Great shots - I especially like the line-up images

[josh sykes]

Cracking set ! Mint .

[Blue fox]

Nice set, thanks for posting.

[Riffraff65]

What a great opportunity ,thanks for sharing!