Our 2025 photoflight season did start very early, already in March!

As our team has its roots in Belgium, an invitation from the Belgian Air Force to fly the very first aerial photo and videomission with ‘our’ new F-35s was one certainly not to miss. Like many partner nations in the worldwide F-35 program, the Belgian pilots are trained on the new jet at Luke Air Force Base, Arizona. The Belgian pilots are assigned to the 312th Fighter Squadron ‘Scorpions’.

Under beautiful weather conditions, we had the opportunity to see two F-35s flying behind and beside the Skyvan photoship for a full 40 minutes. Belgium is he first nation that opted to have the cocardes in full color, and does it stand out!!! It really looks fantastic on the jet setting it a bit apart from most of the other countries flying with toned downed roundels.

Having a back-up day in the planning – as there can always be a mechanical issue or bad weather – we could have done some of the traditional things when in the Phoenix area, as there is literally ‘something aviation’ around every corner. However, we got an amazing surprise, as it happened the oldest C-130A still in active service was doing a testrun at Coolidge airfield, also home of the Skyvan! And yes of course, we got to fly a photomission with this unique aircraft. It was built in 1954!! For perspective, imagine a few cars from that year next to the Hercules… yes, that is even before the 1959 Cadillac Coupe de Ville!

This C-130A is operated by ‘International Air Response’ in the role of aerial dispersants, fitted with a RIDSS spraying system, the most effective oil spill dispersant aircraft & spray systems with proven results.

The view was very unique, but the flight itself was also quite an experience for our team, as an upcoming sandstorm came over the area just a bit faster than expected… you can see it rolling in already in the background of the photos. What an amazing way to kick of the 2025 schedule!