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General |
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Since the closure of Valkenburg NAS, this is the remaining naval aviation base in Holland. Because the harbour of Den Helder is the main base for Dutch navy ships, the Westland Lynx and NH90 helicopters are based here. The airfield attracts visiting helicopters from other countries, both civil and military, and the occasional transport aircraft. Part of the field is civil and houses several helicopter companies and some general aviation. Bristow Helicopters and CHC perform the majority of movements and are off-shore flights. |
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Getting There |
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By car, use any of the three major roads coming together just southeast of the field to reach the area. Signs indicate where to turn off. Public transport gives two options. Den Helder Zuid train station is about a 25 minute walk from the field, and the Interliner bus from Den Helder's main railway station stops at the base. |
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Layout |
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The terrain is flat and open with a lot of canals and ditches. With some moving around on several sides of the airport anything parked outside or flying should come into view. |
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Around The Airport |
 Hangar row |
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Go to the civil terminal and at the roundabout go to the south. After passing the hangars, take the first right to drive along the hangars. Park your car at the end. There is a practice helicopter landing and hover area east of the beginning of runway 04. From here you have a nice view on that area. Furthermore, when using runway 22, the departing traffic can be seen here. |
 Civil terminal area |
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Most of the civil aircraft and helicopters can be seen between the buildings. Photography is difficult here but the numbers can be scored. You can also have a view onto the most westerly part of the military apron from the parking spots near the buildings. |
 Final 22 |
At this spot, one can stand at either side of the centreline for landing or take-off shots (depending on the wind) and to read off the helicopters on the military apron. Due to the fences you will need a small step to photograph over the fence onto the heli spots, especially with easterly winds. Most of the time, with easterly winds, the Lynxes will use the heli spot near this spot. Bigger helicopters will use the mid runway heli spot but will depart on runway heading and will not be too high. With westerly winds, all traffic will cross this spot while the smaller helicopters, like the Lynx, will use the taxiway close by to fly towards the apron with a nice turn. If you walk a bit to the south, towards the military gate, you will have a view of some parts of the military apron.
Due to the runway closure, all helicopters now use taxiway D, along the runway, so you will have to move closer to the military gate for proper shots. |
 Northern platform view |
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From the Doggersvaart, a bit west of the runway centreline, one has a good view of the military apron and the helos can be spotted from here, despite looking into the sun. Those on the civil part are further away but may be read off too. It is best to use the parking spot related to the cycling training grounds. |
 West side |
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This side of the runway gives a clear view over the base. This is also an alternative to watch the practice areas along the runway and the beginning of 04 during the afternoon. While driving around the airport onto the Kortevliet, take the road towards the radar station. |
 Runway 04 |
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If you drive a little bit further to the south along the Kortevliet, you will pass a stable/riding school. If you drive onto this private property and follow the road with a right and left turn to the end, you will be fairly close to the beginning of runway 04. You could walk along the lands towards the training platform. This spot is best in the afternoon. |
 Final 04 |
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A bit less known is spot number 7. South of the airfield one can turn a car onto a hardened dirt road and follow it to the end. From there a short walk leads to the spot with a very good view on the practice area and runway 04. |
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Sea Kings are rarely seen in the Netherlands and Canadian ones even less so. This one was coming in on runway 04 and shot from spot 7 by Jaco Haasnoot. |
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Also seen at spot 7 is this Lynx at its home base. (Jaco Haasnoot) |
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Frequencies |
| 121.725 |
Ground |
| 234.800 |
Ground / Tower |
| 120.125 |
Tower |
| 341.55 |
Approach |
| 119.100 |
Approach / Director |
| 234.150 / 123.300 |
Final |
| 264.325 / 132.350 |
Dutch Mil |
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Based |
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Military operators: |
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7sq
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SH-14D, NH90-NFH |
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860sq
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SH-14D |
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Civil operators: |
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Bristow Helicopters
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AS332 |
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CHC Helicopters Netherlands
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AS365, AW139, EC155, S-61, S-76 |
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Skyline Aviation
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Beech 200, PA-31 |
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Preserved |
| '118/D' |
Actually WV828, this former Royal Navy Sea Hawk is painted in Dutch colours. |
| '235/K' |
Also a former RN example, the serial of this Wasp is really XT795. Both are preserved inside a building at the base. |
| 220 |
AB204, in front of new building, visible from the main gate |
| 216/V |
SP-2H, former gate guard from Valkenburg has moved to an area close to the military gate. |
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More Info |
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Den Helder Airport
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The official site of Den Helder Airport |
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Royal Dutch Navy
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The site of the Dutch Navy Air Operations |
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Spotters group De Kooy
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The site of the spotters group De Kooy |
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Traditiekamer MLD
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site of the Naval Museum on the military part of this airfield. |
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