Every year in November, during a few days, all bases of the Hellenic Air Force are open to the public. There are only small static shows with locally based types, preserved airplanes and some visitors as a bonus. Photography is allowed, but rules are strict. With some careful planning you can visit 8 bases in 3 days, raking together an impressive loot.
This a photo report of a trip, (very well) organized by 4Aviation. I can't thank our two trip guides enough for their efforts.
Larissa, 5 November
Based here are RF-4E's and F-16C/D's. Only five recce-Phantoms remain in use today (we saw four of them) and they will be retired by May next year.
RF-4E Greek Air Force
RF-4E Greek Air Force
F-16D Greek Air Force
We managed to arrange a tour to the 'storage' area on the base. Some 15 Phantoms and other retired jets are here waiting for the end of days.
RF-4E Greek Air Force
Nea Anchialos, 5 November
At Larissa nothing remained unseen, but Nea Anchialos was different due to a nuclear task of the based F-16's.
Greek Air Force
Mirage 2000 Greek Air Force
AB205 Greek Air Force
Tanagra, 6 November
Home of the Mirage 2000's and many preserved airplanes. A nice static! We went back on 8 November for a short second visit.
Mirage 2000 Greek Air Force
F-16D Greek Air Force
F-102A Greek Air Force
Dekelia-Tatoi, 6 November
The flying school is based here, but the open day was held in the air force museum. A T-41 was the only operational plane on show.
HU-16B Greek Air Force
TF-102A Greek Air Force
Ten Grumman Schweizer Ag-Cats are in storage (= rotting away) next to the museum.
Ag-Cat Greek Air Force
T-41D Greek Air Force
Elefsis, 6 November
Transport- and VIP-base of the HAF.
EMB145H AEW&C Greek Air Force
C-27J Greek Air Force
The holy grail for me were the CL-215's. They were high on my wishlist and I was not disappointed. There was even some flying. One took off and two landed when we were on the base.
CL-215 Greek Air Force
Kalamata, 7 November
Training base with one more unique type: the T-2 Buckeye. The 40 year old dinosaurs are so secret that photography of the flightline behind the static was strictly forbidden. Guards in civilian clothes kept an eye on us.
T-2 Greek Air Force
I couldn't resist the temptation...
T-2 Greek Air Force
Oh and they have T-6's too.
T-6 Greek Air Force
Andravida, 7 November
Phantom Town Greece. 338 and 339 Mira will operate the F-4E for another 5 to 10 years, at least that's what a pilot told me.
F-4E Greek Air Force
F-4E Greek Air Force
The rumours we heard were true: there were Egyptian F-16's at Andravida. According to the intake cover (removed for the photo) it's from 75th squadron at Gianaclis AFB near Alexandria.
Viva l'Andravida!
F-16C Egypt
Araxos, 7 November
F-16's again. The A-7's were retired in 2014 and were towed to a dump area on the far side of the base. We arranged a short private trip to area and counted some 50 Corsairs.
F-16C Greek Air Force
A-7H Greek Air Force
And some Starfighters rotting away.
F-104G Greek Air Force
Thanks for watching!
Rob
Greek open days November (photo heavy)
Re: Greek open days November (photo heavy)
Great pictures, looks like you covered all types there. Particularly like the wrecks & relics.
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Re: Greek open days November (photo heavy)
A fascinating article,thanks for posting
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Re: Greek open days November (photo heavy)
Great selection - must see if I can do this trip sometime..
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Re: Greek open days November (photo heavy)
Quality stuff!
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Re: Greek open days November (photo heavy)
Stunning set, Greece is an absolute gold mine when it comes to interesting aircraft types! And that Buckeye
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Re: Greek open days November (photo heavy)
Thanks guys.
A great country for seeing unique stuff. And if they don't come to you, go to them.
There may be some kind of event on May 5th at Larissa, but the people there weren't sure. A mass formation won't be part of that, because only three Phantoms will be airworthy by then. The squadron will retire two in January.
Cheers, Rob
A great country for seeing unique stuff. And if they don't come to you, go to them.
There may be some kind of event on May 5th at Larissa, but the people there weren't sure. A mass formation won't be part of that, because only three Phantoms will be airworthy by then. The squadron will retire two in January.
Cheers, Rob
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Re: Greek open days November (photo heavy)
RobS wrote:Based here are RF-4E's and F-16C/D's. Only five recce-Phantoms remain in use today (we saw four of them) and they will be retired by May next year.
Any idea if they'll be an Open Day / Retirement Event for the Phantoms in May?