I think it has been four or five years since I went to CCK AFB last time. Although it was open twice last year, unfortunately I missed both of them. Today’s visit is the first time since its Tactical Fighter Squadrons were upgraded to Tactical Fighter Groups (作戰隊) and the unit markings were changed.
Six IDF were on static display under a partly cloudy sky, 1411, 1429, and 1609 from the 7th TFG and 1432, 1452, and 1608 from the 28th TFG. The full range of weapons for IDF was also displayed. In addition, the base shows off its support vehicles and air defense systems. But to tell the truth, I am not really interested in them.
It had been said that there would not be any special flying activities for this event. But I was not disappointed. Before I could set up my camera, two Mirage 2000-5 took off. There were also some airliners landing and taking off. A Beech 1900C was working on the touch-and-go.
The 427th TFW arranged two IDF sorties in the morning, probably for the openhouse. The first sortie consisted of four aircraft from the 7th TFG: 1603, 1604, 1605, and 1607. They were all two-seaters. Half an hour after they took off, the second batch began to taxi. This time they were from the 28th TFG: 1416, 1426, 1434, and 1606. But when they were ready to take off, it started to rain! So they were called back and taxied before us again, which was not bad for us photographers.
Then a surprise visitor came: Fokker-50 5001 from the Presidential Flight. I wondered who was onboard…
Phil, it was nice meeting you.
To the other foreign friend: I am sorry that I forgot to ask for your name. Please drop me a line. Yes, I will try to make every post in English or bilingual.
The second batch consisted of 1416 (not 1406), 1426, 1434 and 1606. See also the photo on your opening page.
The other foreign friend (aka Reinier Schreurs)
Were you standing next to me as my photos are exactly the same???!!!
Great blog and website, your English is very good and full marks for not wasting any time to upload the photos.
I hope to meet you again soon and will aim to visit as many of the open houses as I can this year. As an Englishman, I can’t wait for a closer look at those Mirage 2000’s!
Kind regards – Martin (Phil’s friend!)
Reinier:
It’s a typo. I have corrected it. Thanks for pointing it out.
Martin:
I planted a bug in your digital camera and had all the pictures transferred to my mobile phone when I sat next to you… Thanks for your kind words about my site. Hope to meet you soon at Hsinchu!