Log thursday 25th of february (13:30 - 16:00)
Jag A A122 Preserved
Alpha Jet E E152/705-RT
Alpha Jet E E93/705-TX
Mirage 2000D 1 x overshoot at 13:15
Mirage 2000D 64./133-XT overshoot
Rafale B EC 01.091
336/113-IK, 337/113-IL, 318/113-HM
Rafale C EC 01.007
110/113-IN, 111/113-IP, 112/113-IQ
Rafale B EC 01.007
310/113-HC, 311/113-HD, 315/113-HD, 321/113-HQ
Last edited by Arjan on 26 Feb 2010, 20:23, edited 1 time in total.
After a not too exiting morning at Reims we decided to try our luck at St Dizier. When we arrived a number of Rafales were parked on the field together with a Falcon "something" and a Mirage 2000D. That looked promising enough for some action but the first two hours we only got a Rafale B and a Rafale C taking off. The C probably on a demonstration intercept as we noticed one intercepting an airliner and a Mirage 2000. The latter flying overhead. A Caracal / Super Puma could be observed taking off.
After a while it got certainly more interesting with the Rafale and Mirage making mock attacks at the airfield (diving from high altitude) and performing some tailchasing, flying circles above the field.
Both aircraft landed (the Mirage might have performed an overshoot, not really sure). A CN-235 landed and a brand new Rafale C without code (118... deliveryflight?).
But then again, quiet! The CN-235 left, the Falcon left and at about 16.00h the local spotters quit for home so we also thought it better to leave. Offcourse we dropped by the aeroclub to see the local inmates and there we heard some Rafales starting up! So we made a quick dash to the spot at the fence half way the field next to the canal. Apparently the local flyboys felt happy that the General left ( we assume that they had an inspection today, seeing the rather awkward flight activities) and a number of Rafales took off and with the afternoon drawing to a near the planes left on the flightline were clear of heatwaves so they could be finally read off! Big fun here was a surprise attack by a Mirage 2000 (not read off) at tree top level over our heads coming from the south banking hard to the west. When we left one (I guess the same) returned from the north certainly not much higher than at the first run, also making a turn to the west. Simultaneous two Smokey Sams were launched at the field. Very interesting to observe such an exercise! All together making it a very interesting day with not only arrivals to observe but also some real action!
Visitors:
EC-725?
Falcon?
Mirage 2000? on flightline all day
Mirage 2000D 626/133-IC (flew together with Rafale C 112/113-IQ and made an approach)
CN-235 111/62-II
Rafale C 118 Delivery, no code?
Locals:
Rafale C 112/113-IQ (flew mission early afternoon and late afternoon)
Rafale B 310/113-HC (flew mission early afternoon)
Rafale B 314/113-HP (on flightline)
Rafale B 330/113-IE (on flightline)
Rafale B 320/113-HV (flew late afternoon)
Rafale C 111/113-IP (flew late afternoon)
Rafale C 117/113-IV (flew late afternoon)
Rafale C 114/113-IS (flew late afternoon)
Rafale C 112/113-IQ (flew late afternoon)
By the way, we have been checked twice by the Gendarmes today. One time standing in the eastern approach and one time near the fence half way the runway. Both times by a correct but very friendly and relaxed team of two Gendarmes. Making no fuzz at all of us being there. They copied the data from our passports and asked our addresses but could continue as wished. Only a the spot near the runway they told us not to take pictures. They were also surprised by the low pass of the Mirage and reacted very enthousiastic at it. I guess they certainly understood why we enjoyed watching airplanes!
When you drive by St. Dizier Airfield, on the provincial road, you'll find yourself between Shell gasstations on each side of the road (very dangerous road by the way), immediately after the Shell Station turn right and you are at the fence.....
Yep that's correct. The latter place we were not allowed to take pictures. That's is when you come from the west (towards St Dizier) on the main road from Vitry to St Dizier, you take the very first dirt road exit after the Shell gas station. There is a small bridge (above some locks) over the canal. From here you can read the flightline and also some of the preserved / instructional Jaguars.
But you will be in full view of anyone on the base and if the security happens to drive by they'll ask for you passes and tell you not to take pictures. We were not sent away though!
Coordinates given by Polleke are correct! But there are Shell station on each side of the road and if you are driving on the westbound lane you will not be able to get on that dirt road. It can only be accessed from the eastbound lane! Coming from the east you can turn your car around at the exit to Hallignicourt village. That's also were you have to exit the road for the west approach of the base!
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