We started the day visiting the maintenance hangars of the Alpha Jets and SF.260 Marchetti's. While we were visiting the latter one, action started with the departure of some Marchetti's and some touch and go's by F-16's. We continued the visit at the Magister ramp, with the two still operational Fouga's on it, consisting of the MT-35 (blank) and the MT-48 (red), who would both fly this day. Here we were allowed to go on top of a hangar, for a superb top view on the aircraft.

After the lunch we went to the 1 Wing Historical Centre, with some nice preserved planes but also some really photogenic wrecks and relics. We went back to the base for the Marchetti flightline, with a lot of them on it. There was continuously action and again we were allowed on top of the hangar. At this point it was already a rememberable visit and to make it even better we returned to the Magister ramp, were the MT-35 was prepared for a display rehearsal. Unfortunately our Belgian Air Force Bus driver had reached his working hours, so we had to end the visit and leave.

However, our guide was sorry for us and suggested, for those who were interested, to go back on base with our own cars. So less than half the group went back to the Magister ramp, where the MT-35 was almost ready for departure. We heard from the pilot, Lt. Col. Paul Rorive, that he had to use the main runway as his display line, but he would try to use the parallel runway (mainly used tor taxiing) for take off and landing. He also instructed us where to go. While we started our cars we heard the engines of the Magister whistling, so we went quickly to the described point near the parallel runway. Just after we arrived the Magister appeared at the end of the parallel runway, so he got clearance. Moments later the show started with the typical low flying after take off of the Magister. We actually looked down on it from a small bunker!

After the landing of the Magister we went quickly back to the ramp, and by doing that we even drove parallel to the taxiing MT-35! Lt. Col. Paul Rorive clearly slowed down so we would reach the ramp earlier and could get our camera equipment ready. This plan succeeded and after the Magister stopped we were again allowed to go on top of the roof. When we were back down we thanked Lt. Col. Paul Rorive for his great show (over the years) and for this splendid farewell to the one of a kind Fouga Magister! We ended with a small photoshoot of the mighty Magister and it's pilot.

Normally I don't end an internet report with a thank you, but this time I have to thank Lt. Col. Paul Rorive and our accompanying Press Officer from Beauvechain for making a standard base visit for a couple of spotters so perfect! It was unique and I will always remember this visit, keep up this good work!