Its Chico time in Spain

Photos of operational aircraft from bases, airports and "spotter" outings
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RichPittman
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Its Chico time in Spain

Post by RichPittman »

Hi all

When this Years TLP spotters Day was announced on UKAR I decided to visit a country I had never been to for spotting before.
I have always wanted to go to San Javier so I started there first.
Sadly the nicely marked 793ESC C101EB are in decline with only 3 noted along with 20 or so Patrulla Aguilla marked jets!

The TLP spotters day ran very nicely with a welcoming followed by a walk around the TLP ramp which included a retired Spanish F1.
After this an nice lunch was had, then it was to the runway for the afternoon mission.
A close spot to the runway excellent for photography, with only the stream of cloud that wouldn't move away from over the base hampering things a little for the launch.

Highlight for myself were the Polish F16s and French Mirages as well as the Italian Pelican, Spanish Sea King and Huey.
Many thanks for the hospitality laid on by the TLP staff and Spanish authorities.

The next day was spent outside the airfield.
The highlight was the single seat Mirage F1 on a test/pilot currency flight
Chico 01 went out for a local flight and on return carried out 2 touch and goes before landing.
Before the afternoon TLP mission a few visitors visited the airfield during the morning.

The last day I went back to San Javier before visiting Alcantarilla airfiled to spend some time before the flight home.
Next to the base is a parachute landing zone, luckily as I was about the leave the strip was set for a paradrop by a Chinook.

cheers Rich
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Always remember "If you cannot turn tight...you cannot fight!"

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RichPittman
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Re: Its Chico time in Spain

Post by RichPittman »

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Always remember "If you cannot turn tight...you cannot fight!"

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stevieb
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Re: Its Chico time in Spain

Post by stevieb »

Superb set of images Rich! :clap:
Hunting for the bygone picture, reviving phantoms of the past. Claudia Brücken
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Kenny
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Re: Its Chico time in Spain

Post by Kenny »

Very, very nice Rich!

Were our Aggressors from 100 Sqn the only UK asset?

PeterR
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Re: Its Chico time in Spain

Post by PeterR »

If I'd realised the Mirage F1 would still be flying I'd have looked at attending, I thought they were retired earlier this year? :drool:

Some great shots there, plenty of nice catches in lovely weather! :clap:

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MerlinJon
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Re: Its Chico time in Spain

Post by MerlinJon »

Very nice indeed Rich.

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st24
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Re: Its Chico time in Spain

Post by st24 »

PeterR wrote:If I'd realised the Mirage F1 would still be flying I'd have looked at attending, I thought they were retired earlier this year? :


They were but some are still kept airworthy for pilot currency pending a sale to (probably) Argentina..

Lovely stuff Rich, wish I'd made the effort now following my failed Cognac trip.. :sad:
You caaan't trust the system... Maaan!

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GhostFlight91
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Re: Its Chico time in Spain

Post by GhostFlight91 »

Them polish F16 shots :drool: :drool: cracking :smile:
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Melchior
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Re: Its Chico time in Spain

Post by Melchior »

Very nice collection of pictures, mate :cool:
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IanH
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Re: Its Chico time in Spain

Post by IanH »

Pelican, Sea King and Mirages for me Rich. Glad the sun played ball.

Cheers, Ian

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IanOlder
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Re: Its Chico time in Spain

Post by IanOlder »

Tip top Mr P., looks like a good few days in the sun :smile: :clap:

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bigcrow
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Re: Its Chico time in Spain

Post by bigcrow »

Nice ones Rich, the HH-3 & Sea King are very nice mate...

SHARFA2
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Re: Its Chico time in Spain

Post by SHARFA2 »

Control Tower looks quite impressive....

stratocaster
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Re: Its Chico time in Spain

Post by stratocaster »

Superb shots! Envious much!! I love the Italian Phoons especially as they let the pilots know what aircraft it is on the tailfin! :lol:
Card carrying aviation addict!

BatmanIX
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Re: Its Chico time in Spain

Post by BatmanIX »

Very nice selection of images mate!

Lovely Choppers! :rock: :rock:

Cheers,
Paul

SeaFuryFB.11
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Re: Its Chico time in Spain

Post by SeaFuryFB.11 »

Cracking set. What body/lens are you using Rich?

Martin

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RichPittman
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Re: Its Chico time in Spain

Post by RichPittman »

Many thanks for the replies all.

Martin I use a 7D with primarily a 70-300 L series lens.

I also take large Jpegs and not RAW

This week marks 10 Years of taking Digital photos for me.
I started with a canon 300D, 350D then a 40D

My favourite photos can be found on my website at
http://www.vlnphotography.co.uk/vlnphot ... -2013.html

Regards Rich
Always remember "If you cannot turn tight...you cannot fight!"

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