Belgian Air Force trainers on a Saturday evening?

[jan_olieslagers]

I was quite surprised to see two SEP* planes passing quite low over Haacht and Kampenhout, not above 1000' on a westerly course, today (Sep 17th) at 19:17 local time. They looked and sounded like Marchetti trainers of the Belgian Forces Air Arm but I can't really be sure.

What were they and - mainly - what the heck brought them out?

*SEP: Single Engine Piston powered.

[DeltaWiskey]

There were some Marchetti's in Brasschaat (Flying Festival) today, maybe they were returning home?

[jan_olieslagers]

Hm, and made a practice (instrument) approach or even touch and go at EBBR 25R? Not impossible.

[sn26567]

During my military service, exercises (alerts) could be called any day, any time.

But not many of you have still been called to the army, do you?

[jan_olieslagers]

I haven't - as a conscientious objector I served with the Civiele Bescherming/Protection Civile

And yes of course planes can be on exercise, but I wondered about the exact nature of the flight, given its unusual time. The Brasschaat thesis seems quite possible, still flying from EBBT to EBBT should not have brought the planes to the position and course observed.

BTW our national Marchetti's have been known to operate as interceptors against ultralights infringing airspace closed to them but I do not think they are on a QRA scheme like the F16's at Florennes and Kleine Brogel.

[Atco EBBR]

You missed a few of them, there were 5 Marchetti's in formation (Red Devils). Because there was little to no traffic at that moment, they were allowed to cross the zone and even make a very nice low pass on 25R.

[jan_olieslagers]

Ah, ok, thanks for info. I did say to myself the noise was very loud for two planes, even if they were quite low

[westwings]

The Red Devils performed saterday afternoon at the Belgian Open Aerobatic Championship in Koksijde and were at Merville/Calonne-sur-la-Lys on sunday.