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The annual Spottersday at Kleine Brogel Airbase, located near Peel, Belgium, took place once again on Friday, the 20th of September, 2024. This event serves as a critical hub for the International Sanicole Airshow, which is held at the nearby Aeroclub Sanicole. While the Sanicole airfield offers a very nice location for the airshow, its shorter runways limit the operations to smaller aircraft and helicopters. To accommodate the larger jets and more advanced aircraft that participate in the show, the Belgian Air Force graciously provides its Kleine Brogel Airbase as a staging area for national and international demonstration teams.
The collaboration between the two sites allows the International Sanicole Airshow to feature a diverse range of aircraft, from nimble aerobatic planes to powerful military jets. Throughout the day, aviation enthusiasts and spotters gathered at Kleine Brogel to get an up-close view of the aircraft before they performed over Sanicole. The Spottersday event is a highlight for many, offering exclusive opportunities to photograph some of the world’s most advanced aircraft, watch pre-flight preparations, and see practice runs up close.
Photo for illustration of ISA 2022
The International Sanicole Airshow, held every two years in Belgium, is renowned for its breathtaking aerial displays and unique format, which includes both a Sunset Show and a full-day event. The 2022 edition was no exception, despite being marked by heavy rain throughout much of the day. However, as the skies began to clear for the Sunset Show, the audience was treated to an unforgettable spectacle.
The highlight of the event was the awe-inspiring performance by the United States Air Force’s F-35 Demonstration Team. As the advanced fighter jet sliced through the evening sky, the golden hues of the setting sun created a mesmerizing backdrop. The dampness from the earlier rain combined with the humid air to produce dramatic vapor trails, amplifying the visual effect of the F-35’s high-speed maneuvers. Each turn, roll, and sharp ascent was accompanied by plumes of vapor, as if the aircraft was painting the sky with its sheer power. The contrast between the stormy earlier conditions and the now-perfect golden hour lighting made the performance feel even more surreal, leaving the audience in awe.
Due to the challengine lighting conditions during the Main Day of the International Sanicole Airshow, many photographers tend to favor the annual Spottersday at Kleine Brogel Airbase. The Belgian Air Force’s accommodating stance towards aviation enthusiasts and spotters makes this event especially popular. During the 2024 edition, spotters were treated to an exceptional experience with the introduction of a special Spotters Area, located just 40 meters from the runway. This prime location allowed photographers to capture the takeoffs of fighter jets, offering unparalleled opportunities for close-up shots of some of the world’s most advanced military aircraft.
The roar of engines, the shimmer of heat waves from jet exhaust, and the proximity to the action made this edition a paradise for aviation photographers. Not only did they have the chance to capture the precision and power of these aircraft in their rawest form, but they also enjoyed a closer look at pre-flight preparations and taxiing maneuvers, which are difficult to experience elsewhere. The proximity gave photographers the chance to document each aircraft in stunning detail, from the heat distortion caused by the afterburners to the intricate markings and liveries of the jets.
Irish Airshow Demonstration Team Silver swallows posing for a group picture
In addition to the fantastic photo opportunities, air forces from various nations set up numerous stands around the airbase. These stands were packed with aviation memorabilia, offering spotters a chance to purchase exclusive patches, T-shirts, challenge coins, stickers, and other aviation-related goodies. Many of these items were specific to the squadrons or demonstration teams attending the event, making them highly sought-after souvenirs for collectors and aviation enthusiasts alike.
For those passionate about military aviation, the 2024 Spottersday was more than just a photo opportunity—it was a community event that celebrated the shared love for aircraft and aviation culture. The Belgian Air Force’s commitment to creating a spotter-friendly environment and the unique offerings of the various air forces made it a must-attend event for anyone looking to capture the best of the Sanicole Airshow from up close.
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