French-Cazaux (Alpha Jet E, Falcon 20C, Mirage 2000B, Mirage III R)
France-Mont de Marsan (EC 725, Mirage 2000-5F, Mirage F1CT, Mirage IV-P, Rafale B)
• France-Other (SA 341F, Alpha Jet E, CAP-232, D140E, Jaguar E, Mirage 2000 5F/B/C/D/N, F1B, F1CR, SA 330Ba, TB-30, EMB 312F, EMB 121AN)

One of the highlights of the Cazaux air show was the display of the Mirage III R of the CEV. The Mirage III went out of service in France in the early nineties, but the CEV continued using this classic fighter till June 2005. Two other famous French aircraft, the Jaguar and Mirage IV, also made an impressive display for their last public appearance. Three weeks after the Cazaux air show the Mirage III, IV and Jaguar weren't flying any more in the French colours.

A base situated near Cazaux is Mont de Marsan, at the time of Cazaux air show home of the Mirage IV and the CEAM / EC.05.330. CEAM stands for Centre des Expérimentations Aériennes Militaires and is tasked with the evaluation and standardisation of new aircraft. This unit displayed a lot of their different types at Cazaux. Most interesting were the first Armée de l'air Rafale's and the Eurocopter EC 725 Combat Search and Rescue (CSAR) helicopter.

At the Cazaux meeting de lair all important French Air Force aircraft were present, including all sub-types of the Mirage 2000 and F1, training and transport aircraft and helicopters. Also some vintage French aircraft and a Canadair CL-415 water-bomber made impressive displays. From abroad the highlights were the Saab Draken and the Piaggo P.166. A lot of aerobatic displays were given, by the Patrouille de France, Patrouille de Suisse, the Moroccan Marce Verte and F-16 displays from Belgium, Denmark and The Netherlands. Also the classic Belgian Magister display was present.

A day before the actual show a spotter day was held. Although some people of the organisation were nervous for the safety of the spotters, it was a superb day! After registration every spotter got a refreshment bag, with a lot of food and drinks. Because of the hot weather this bag was very appreciated, although it was sometimes difficult to handle an extra bag besides your own luggage. The spotter day gave the photographers great opportunities to make pictures of the static display and taxiing aircraft. Even the aerial display was better to photograph then on the air show day.

I want to thank the organisation for all the efforts they made to make this spotter day possible and as superb as it was. Hopefully they enjoyed it as much as me so we can see each other at the next Cazaux meeting de l'air!