Axalp 2018 - 9/10/18 & 10/10/18 (Big Post)

Post by **Rotörhead** » Sun Oct 21, 2018 8:13 pm

Been working through some Axalp images this week since getting back and decided to post a few on here for everyone to see.

A little bit of back story first though: I first heard of Axalp a very long time ago, this magical place in the Swiss alps where one could see aircraft screaming through the valley and firing on the ground targets on a live shooting range. Ever since then I have had it on my bucket list and been desperate to go. 2 years ago, when I had just turned 19 and felt ready to travel abroad alone for the first time, it was the first place I booked myself to go to. Unfortunately I the event had to be cancelled, this was after I bought my flights and accommodation, so I traveled anyway and fell in love with the country.

This years demo was creeping up on me as was the fact that this would likely be the last Axalp for the Swiss F-5E fleet, F-5s being one of my favorites. I decided to finally say F

it and book myself a week in Switzerland for Axalp, learning from my mistakes last time.

I arrived in Brienz, below Axalp to the most beautiful sunset on the Monday, I remembered why I love Switzerland so much immediately. A little bit more research that night and I found that there were 2 practices before the main demos on later in the week, one on the Monday and one on the Tuesday. I'd missed Monday's practice, but I could rearrange my plans for the week and give Tuesday a go.

A week long ticket for the shuttle bus, which picked me up from the base of the Axalp road cost me 80 CHF, which is about £60 - quite steep for a shuttle bus but it's the only option unless you go in the mornings before 5AM when the road is closed to all public traffic.

Tuesday morning I got my stuff together and left as early as I could. I made it to the shuttle bus stop for about 8AM. The journey up the Axalp road was something else, winding our way above the mist in the valley whilst the morning sun was illuminating the summits of the mountains either side... something no photograph could ever capture. By 10AM I was up at the shooting range, high above Axalp village. I chose to walk up, however there is a cable car that takes you to the foot of the final climb up towards the tower.

I was too late to catch the first wave of shooting, however I was just in time for the F/A-18 solo, which began with a high alpha pass right over my head as I neared the top.

Axalp 2018 - KP - 9/10/18 by O.C.Photo, on Flickr

Various patched of morning sun poked through the gaps in the mountains - I should say as well, on the public side, you are shooting into the sun all day except for anything that happens to go behind you, like this pass, exiting the valley.

Axalp 2018 - KP - 9/10/18 by O.C.Photo, on Flickr

Axalp 2018 - KP - 9/10/18 by O.C.Photo, on Flickr

Still making my way up to the Control Tower at this point

Axalp 2018 - KP - 9/10/18 by O.C.Photo, on Flickr

Axalp 2018 - KP - 9/10/18 by O.C.Photo, on Flickr

Another round of Hornets, nothing fired this time though

Axalp 2018 - KP - 9/10/18 by O.C.Photo, on Flickr

Anyone on Wildgarst see themselves?

Axalp 2018 - KP - 9/10/18 by O.C.Photo, on Flickr

This was a happy moment for sure. 4 F-5s popping over the hill and screaming into the valley, flares and all. This was the first time I think I've ever seen an 'active' F-5 in the air (that wasn't from a display team or specially marked)

Axalp 2018 - KP - 9/10/18 by O.C.Photo, on Flickr

Axalp 2018 - KP - 9/10/18 by
O.C.Photo, on Flickr

Axalp 2018 - KP - 9/10/18 by O.C.Photo, on Flickr

Axalp 2018 - KP - 9/10/18 by O.C.Photo, on Flickr

A few hours passed on the mountain, which was absolutely gloriously warm considering the altitude. Soon enough the afternoon demo was underway, beginning with this pass from two Hornets of Fliegerstaffel 11, based at Meiringen.

Axalp 2018 - KP - 9/10/18 by O.C.Photo, on Flickr

Axalp 2018 - KP - 9/10/18 by
O.C.Photo, on Flickr

Correct me if I'm wrong but isn't the AIM-120 attached here a live one?

Axalp 2018 - KP - 9/10/18 by O.C.Photo, on Flickr

Axalp 2018 - KP - 9/10/18 by O.C.Photo, on Flickr

12 F-5s all together... nice.

Axalp 2018 - KP - 9/10/18 by O.C.Photo, on Flickr

The show closed with the Patrouille Suisse, which seemed to be in their element in the valley at Axalp.

Axalp 2018 - KP - 9/10/18 by O.C.Photo, on Flickr

Axalp 2018 - KP - 9/10/18 by O.C.Photo, on Flickr

With day one ever I made the trip back down, you've never seen such a big grin on my face - I promise. Despite my legs and feet aching, I could have died happy when I reached the bottom of the mountain! But I wasn't done. I met a guy staying in the same place as me who was climbing to the other side the next day, to a peak called Äbeflue. I had originally wanted to go Wildgarst but abandoned the idea a it would have been stupid to go alone. Äbeflue was a less intense climb, but still hard and a very early start required.

At 1:00 AM my alarm went off and it was time to go, at 2:30AM we were in Axalp village, ready to go. This was (as well as everyone who climbs Wildgarst) a perfect example of us aviation geeks being slightly mad... climbing a mountain in the pitch black in the early hours of the morning for some aircraft photos... yeah, I had a hard time explaining that one.

After a difficult climb we reached the top to a view into the valley of the range, and down below. It wasn't long before hundreds of head torches could be seen down below as people made their way up the public side before sunrise.

Axalp 2018 - Äbeflue - 10/10/18 by O.C.Photo, on Flickr

At the top, any further to the right and you'll be moved on for safety reasons. To enforce this, an EC-635 flies along the ridge before the demo begins clearing away any trespassers and lost spectators.

Axalp 2018 - Äbeflue - 10/10/18 by O.C.Photo, on Flickr

Axalp 2018 - Äbeflue - 10/10/18 by O.C.Photo, on Flickr

I've wanted a shot like this for a very long time - nothing is cooler than these shockwaves!

Axalp 2018 - Äbeflue - 10/10/18 by O.C.Photo, on Flickr

Axalp 2018 - Äbeflue - 10/10/18 by
O.C.Photo, on Flickr

Axalp 2018 - Äbeflue - 10/10/18 by O.C.Photo, on Flickr

Axalp 2018 - Äbeflue - 10/10/18 by O.C.Photo, on Flickr

And that's the lot (as far as this post goes). It felt unreal to be there at last and the memories I will keep with me forever - it'll be a shame when the F-5 is retired in Switzerland, but I'll be pleased to say I caught it in action before that day came.

The full set from both days is here on my Flickr:
https://www.flickr.com/photos/87835957@ ... 9390983152

Post by **mikee115** » Sun Oct 21, 2018 8:32 pm

AXALP is a must for all! Great set of shots. Especially like the shot of the F/A-18 firing from Abeflue! I can't wait to head back again next year.
Its an experience that will stick with you and takes low level flying to the next level!

Post by **Ross Forsyth** » Mon Oct 22, 2018 12:16 am

Fantastic set of images and well done on the 2 climbs!

Post by **Blackcat1** » Mon Oct 22, 2018 7:33 am

Beautiful photos, beautiful location.

Post by **Rotörhead** » Mon Oct 22, 2018 11:49 am

Thanks for the kind words all

Post by **PeteF** » Mon Oct 22, 2018 3:02 pm

Ye Gods but the light was great with wonderful aircraft with fantastic backdrops. Well chosen with the 2 different locations.

Will be difficult to top those 2 days!

Post by **fisherman** » Mon Oct 22, 2018 6:57 pm

Outstanding, that is what it is all about, the experiences of the whole adventure, I absolutely love your enthusiasm in this post and so enjoyed reading it as a true traveller.

Post by **467Squadron** » Tue Oct 23, 2018 7:41 pm

Simply WOW!

Post by F3 » Wed Oct 24, 2018 5:14 pm

Stunning set of images which would grace any book.

Post by **EGNV** » Wed Oct 24, 2018 6:40 pm

Awesome

Thanks for posting.

Post by **Rotörhead** » Wed Oct 24, 2018 7:22 pm

Thanks very much everyone!

fisherman wrote: ↑
Mon Oct 22, 2018 6:57 pm
Outstanding, that is what it is all about, the experiences of the whole adventure, I absolutely love your enthusiasm in this post and so enjoyed reading it as a true traveller.

Thanks, I was trying to convey the emotions and feelings I had at the time - it was a truly great experience and having just the photos with no story wouldn't have been doing it justice!

Post by **david14** » Thu Oct 25, 2018 12:58 am

Excellent stuff, good to have the story as well as the photos - thanks for posting

Post by **as84** » Sat Oct 27, 2018 9:31 pm

That F-5 against the dark mountainside is ludicrously good! Great shots, great trip report.

Post by **anthony martin** » Sun Oct 28, 2018 8:06 am

Awesome is a word not quiet big enough

Post by **LTFT5** » Wed Oct 31, 2018 7:22 am

A really great narrative that wholly captures the essence of this hobby.
Your enthusiasm absolutely shines through and it reflects in the stunning images you have captured.
Great post.
All the best
Andy

Axalp 2018 - 9/10/18 & 10/10/18 (Big Post)

Axalp 2018 - 9/10/18 & 10/10/18 (Big Post)

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