Poland - Warsaw and more 24th - 27th November 2017

The latest wanderings from Mr & Mrs D.

As our rostered days off coincided, and the air fares were reasonable, it was time to head off to Poland once again. Trip #14 wasn't as thoroughly researched as usual, as this was more of a chill affair with earlier finishes and later starts in the morning. After a 30 minute delay, Wizz Air's HA-LXS took us to Chopin Airport in 1h 45m.

Luton 24-11-17

N346L Bombardier Global Express

CS-IHP Dassault Falcon 2000

VP-CKV Gulfstream G650ER

Upon arrival it was the mandatory ride up the escalator to crib the Military bits. Disaster! The normally great view has been scuppered with the addition of matt plastic sheeting over the windows.

Nice to see the newly delivered Government B738, plus our one and only LOT B788

Warsaw-Chopin 24-11-17

0110 Boeing 737-8 Polish Air Force

636 Mil Mi-8T Polish Air Force

0916 PZL-Swidnik W-3A Polish Air Force

A7-AEF Airbus A330-302 Qatar Airways

B-6092 Airbus A330-243 Air China

EI-FVM Boeing  737-8 Norwegian Air International

ES-ACD Canadair Regional Jet 900 Nordica

ES-ACH Canadair Regional Jet 900 Nordica

OE-IEL Bombardier Global Express

OO-SSM Airbus A319-112 Brussels Airlines

SP-DBA Cirrus Design SR-22T

SP-ENL Boeing 737-8 Enter Air

SP-ENO Boeing 737-8 Enter Air

SP-ENW Boeing 737-8 Enter Air

SP-GMM Cessna 525

SP-HAG Airbus A320-232 Small Planet Airlines 

SP-HAZ Airbus A321-211 Small Planet Airlines 

SP-LRH Boeing  787-8 LOT Polish Airlines

SP-ORT Pilatus PC-12--47E

Next stop was Babice, doing the garages, tower ramp and finally the hangars. Not a complete log having been here many times before.

Warsaw-Babice 24-11-17

6810 Mikoyan-Gurevich MiG-21MF Polish Air Force

8817 Sukhoi Su-22-M4 

D-5017 PZL-Bielsko SZD-9

D-EGET Socata MS.893

D-FYGJ Yakovlev Yak-3UA

D-HAIH Robinson R66

HA-DIC Cessna 182P

OK-IUA 57 TL Ultralight TL-96 

OK-NUA 26 EV-97

SN-31XP PZL-Swidnik W-3 Polish Police

SN-40XP Mil Mi-8S Polish Police

SP-2121 PZL-Bielsko SZD-22C

SP-2243 PZL-Bielsko SZD-24

SP-2536 PZL-Bielsko SZD-22C

SP-2540 PZL-Bielsko SZD-39

SP-2543 PZL-Bielsko SZD-9bis

SP-2565 PZL-Bielsko SZD-30

SP-2693 PZL-Bielsko SZD-36A

SP-2781 PZL-Bielsko SZD-9bis

SP-2793/WA PZL-Bielsko SZD-38A

SP-2882 PZL-Bielsko SZD-30

SP-2924 PZL-Bielsko SZD-36A

SP-3042/C PZL-Bielsko SZD-9bis

SP-3191/T PZL-Bielsko SZD-48

SP-3214/YY PZL-Bielsko SZD-52

SP-3251/IM PZL-Bielsko SZD-48

SP-3367 PZL-Bielsko SZD-50

SP-3369/JJ PZL-Bielsko SZD-42

SP-3459/SJ PZL-Bielsko SZD-51

SP-3542/X1 PZL-Bielsko SZD-48

SP-3662/W1 PZL-Bielsko PW-5

SP-3670 PZL-Bielsko PW-5

SP-3707 PZL-Bielsko SZD-42 B-936

SP-3780/KT Grob G.102

SP-3845/CVT PZL-Bielsko SZD-36A

SP-3973/CMG Schleicher K-7 462

SP-ADE Cessna T.207A

SP-AKN Socata MS.893E

SP-AUR Xtreme Air XA-42

SP-AWW AgustaWestland AW-109SP

SP-CAM Cessna R.172K

SP-CUT Cessna 182T

SP-EBB Ryan Navion A

SP-ECM Cessna 152

SP-EDC Cessna 172M

SP-EUH Eurocopter EC.130B4

SP-FBI Cessna 310Q

SP-FCD Reims-Cessna F.172P

SP-FEN Reims-Cessna F.172M

SP-FGS Maule M-7-235C

SP-FKL Cessna 150M

SP-FRA Socata MS.892E

SP-FRL PZL-Okecie 110

SP-FTB Cessna 172N

SP-FYZ Cessna 175C

SP-GBE Czech Sport Aircraft PS-28

SP-GBH Cessna 172N 172-71445

SP-GDM Cessna 182T

SP-GET Aero AT-3-R100

SP-GPA Cessna 150J

SP-GPB Cessna 150L

SP-GTR Xtreme Air XA-42

SP-GZB PZL-Okecie 110

SP-HXD Eurocopter EC135P2+

SP-HXM Eurocopter EC135P2+

SP-IBX Mil Mi-2

SP-ICB Cessna 172RG

SP-IKI Cessna T.182T

SP-IKY Socata MS.893E

SP-INN Cirrus Design SR-22T 1576

SP-IPL Cessna 182T

SP-KAF Cessna 172S

SP-KBC Maule MXT-7-180

SP-KBF Cirrus Design SR-22

SP-KEF Cessna 152

SP-KEM Cessna 182H

SP-KGA Cessna 172S

SP-KHA Bell Helicopters 427

SP-KIE Reims-Cessna F.172N

SP-KLP Cessna 172S

SP-KMK Reims-Cessna F.337G

SP-KOF Cessna 152

SP-KOG Cessna 152

SP-KOL Cessna 152

SP-KRM Cessna T.182T

SP-MAI Cessna 152

SP-MAW Cessna T.206H

SP-MED Beech 58

SP-MMC Cessna 172S

SP-MOG Reims-Cessna FR.172E

SP-NAB Neico Lancair LC-42-550FG

SP-ONE Piper PA-34-220T

SP-OSP Cessna 152

SP-OTC Cessna 172P

SP-SKL Cessna 182T

SP-SPW Cessna 182T

SP-TAM Cessna 172S

SP-THC Pilatus PC-12

SP-THG Cessna 182T

SP-THI Cessna 182T

SP-TIR Aviat Husky-A-1B

SP-TKO Cessna 182T

SP-TPC Aero AT-3

SP-TPY Cessna 172S

SP-TRL Diamond DA 42

SP-TVN Robinson R44 - wreck

SP-TZT Tecnam P.2002JF Sierra

SP-WBN Eurocopter EC.130B4

SP-YCS Cub Crafters CCK-1865-EX

SP-YHB Cub Crafters CCK-1865-EX

SP-YII Zenair CH.601

SP-YWI Aviacom AF-129 

SP-YWW Boeing  Stearman Kaydet-N2S-3

SP-SKAS Urban Air UFM-10 XXL

Time now for some Mils on sticks

Legionowo 24-11-17

(0627) Mil Mi-2

Marki 24-11-17

(0622) Mil Mi-2

Due to some shocking traffic and it getting dark at 4pm, an early finish saw us at the Hotel Bella Vista, Wesola. A good meal and a few Carlsbergs were in order after discovering they had no local brew!

Day 2

First port of call was Goraszka. We suspected it was closed to make way for a Supermarket. Nothing seen, all locked up.

A speculative circuit at Minsk only produced the 154.

Minsk-Mazowiecki 25-11-17

102 Tupolev TU-154M Polish Air Force

A drive by the barracks produced the single gate guard.

Minsk-Mazowiecki Barracks 25-11-17

9114 Mikoyan-Gurevich MiG-21MF Polish Air Force

Another return to Sobienie yielded just the one. Clear out!

Sobienie 25-11-17

N2227N Cessna 140 - fuselage

OK-SUA 52 Zenair CH.601 

SP-ART Cessna 182T

SP-AZS Piper PA-28

SP-FPD Piper PA-28

SP-FVY Cessna 150L - fuselage

SP-ILS Tecnam P.2002JF Sierra

SP-KIA Reims-Cessna F.152

SP-KIB Reims-Cessna F.150J

SP-KIH Reims-Cessna F.152

SP-TKC PZL-Okecie 110

SP-TKT Piper PA-34-220T

SP-YPB Polikarpov CSS-13

SP-YSS PZL-Mielec TS-8

Konstancin-Obory 25-11-17

G-BBHK Noorduyn AT-16 - marked FH153

G-RAIX Canadian Car & Foundry T-6H - marked KF584

SE-IUH Piper PA-34-220T

SP-ATX Zlin Z.142

SP-CAG Yakovlev Yak-12A

SP-EMA Pilatus PC-12

SP-FPN Reims-Cessna F.182Q

SP-GAR Robinson R44

SP-ICY Aero AT-3

SP-KOS Cirrus Design SR-22T

SP-MIB Cessna 182T

SP-MKM Pilatus PC-12

SP-NFI Diamond DA 42

SP-NPA Piper PA-46-350P

SP-SZF Diamond DA 40D-TDI

SP-XENU Celier Aviation Zen 1-RST

SP-YBD PZL-Mielec TS-8 - marked 1009

SP-YBO Bolkow Bo-105P 6019 - marked 86+19

T7-TBM Diamond DA 42

Another return visit, another clear out. A magnificent 7 required here.

Warsaw-Chopin 25-11-17

VP-BCE Airbus A320 214(SL) Aeroflot Russian Airlines

Muzeum Motorzacji, Nieborow 25-11-17

1608 Mikoyan-Gurevich MiG-21PF Polish Air Force

(1009) PZL-Mielec TS-11 Iskra

Having left the Museum at the usual warp speed, eagle eyed Cat spots a windsock and poster with a Xenon Gyro on it. Rude not to…..!

The gent there was happy for pictures of SP-XENN, but not the one under construction. I blimped the c/n while he wasn't looking.

Nieborow 25-11-17

SP-XENN Celier Aviation Xenon

Unmarked Celier Aviation Xenon CAEA 056725

Plock was dark and deserted! A visit to Wlocwalek yielded similar to Plock. Night-stop called for at Hotel Victoria Wlocwalek.

After a lot of Tyskies, and a catch up of the EPL at a great sports bar it was time for a feed. Retro Restaurant was an excellent venue serving up excellent local grub including Cat's favourite, Pierogis!

Day 3

Inowroclaw 26-11-17

SP-2743 PZL-Bielsko SZD-9bis

As expected, the place was deserted.

Another return visit to the Army base with the usual tactic. Park on the side road at the Hotel and walk along the footpath next to the busy road. Like shooting fish in a barrel here. Only the 3 needed.

Inowroclaw-Latkowo 26-11-17

211 Mil Mi-24 Polish Army

270 Mil Mi-24 Polish Army

456 Mil Mi-24 Polish Army

739 Mil Mi-24 Polish Army

3829 Mil Mi-2 Polish Army

4708 Mil Mi-2 Polish Army

5346 Mil Mi-2 Polish Army

6923 Mil Mi-2 Polish Army

6945 Mil Mi-2 Polish Army

6946 Mil Mi-2 Polish Army

7332 Mil Mi-2 Polish Army

7334 Mil Mi-2 Polish Army

7335 Mil Mi-2 Polish Army

7336 Mil Mi-2 Polish Army

7337 Mil Mi-2 Polish Army

7338 Mil Mi-2 Polish Army

7339 Mil Mi-2 Polish Army

7340 Mil Mi-2 Polish Army

7341 Mil Mi-2 Polish Army

7840 Mil Mi-2 Polish Army

8220 Mil Mi-2 Polish Army

Another barracks, another drive by.

Inowroclaw Barracks 26-11-17

(167 )Mil Mi-24 Polish Army - marked 056

6947 Mil Mi-2 Polish Army

Wloclawek-Krusyn 26-11-17

SP-0055 Aerotechnik L-13SE

SP-2709 PZL-Bielsko SZD-30

SP-2964 PZL-Bielsko SZD-36A

SP-3137 PZL-Bielsko SZD-30C

SP-3150 PZL-Bielsko SZD-48

SP-EBK PZL-Okecie 104 Wilga 35A

SP-KLT Reims-Cessna F.172N

SP-KML Reims-Cessna FR.172J

SP-MRWW Kompol Jazz 2000

SP-SBPV TL Ultralight TL-3000

SP-SGEO PPHU Ekolot KR-030

SP-SMOK Aerospool WT-9

A lunchtime return yielded one of the four hangars open. A cheeky six needed here.

Lodz-Lublinek 26-11-17

633 Mil Mi-8P Polish Air Force

1012 Mil Mi-14PL Polish Navy

D-EEBD Reims-Cessna F.172H

OK-IUL 01 Interplane Falcon 2000S

SP-AKI Tecnam P.2002JF Sierra

SP-HXH Eurocopter EC135P2+

SP-KBY Piper PA-28

SP-KWW Cessna 152

SP-PBN Tecnam P.2002JF Sierra

SP-RNP Tecnam P.2006T

+ 3 camo Mil Mi-8s

Parked up by the northern threshold and walked the fence. Any help on the 3 x Camo Mil-8's appreciated.

A circuit of the technical school at Pabianice failed to find 1206 Iskra again.

Piotrkow Trybunalski 26-11-17

SP-HOP Short SC-7

SP-KKR Eurocopter EC120B

SP-MPS Socata TB-10

A quick visit with the notion of night-stopping in case there was life the following morning. Needed two of the three!

Overnight at the Hotel Staromiejski, with lashings of Zywiec and good food at the local Skyy Pub.

Day 4

A return hunch paid off with the following noted. A dirty dozen required.

Piotrkow Trybunalski 27-11-17

I-C710 Robinson R22

OK-JUA 80 Zenair CH.601

OK-PUA 74 Zenair CH.601

OK-PUA 75 Zenair CH.601

OK-PUA 89 Zenair CH.601

OK-QUR 09 Homebuilt 

PH-RCG Alpi Aviation Pioneer 400

SP-2549 PZL-Bielsko SZD-30

SP-2976/EL5 PZL-Bielsko SZD-30

SP-2978 PZL-Bielsko SZD-30

SP-3352 PZL-Bielsko SZD-50

SP-3423 PZL-Bielsko SZD-51

SP-3484 PZL-Bielsko SZD-50

SP-APT Cessna 152

SP-ATM Zlin Z.142

SP-ELI Reims-Cessna FR.172J

SP-GLA Cessna 152

SP-KBB Socata TB-10

SP-KCI Cessna 152

SP-KEO Cessna 152

SP-KGZ Cessna 152

SP-KLW Socata MS.893E

SP-RAF Cessna 152

SP-YBN Yalo GM-01

SP-YED Olszewski KO-9

Tomaszow Mazowiecki 27-11-17

0612 PZL-Swidnik W-3W Polish Army

0617 PZL-Swidnik W-3W Polish Army

0720 PZL-Swidnik W-3EW Polish Army

0816 PZL-Swidnik W-3EW Polish Army

1006 PZL-Mielec TS-11 Iskra Polish Air Force

It was never our plan to visit here, but we were ahead of schedule. Wrong time of day as you're blimping towards the sun in the morning. Another 15 or so camo examples went begging.

Radom-Sadkow 27-11-17

0207 PZL-Mielec M-28 Bryza Polish Air Force

0210 PZL-Mielec M-28 Bryza Polish Air Force

0212 PZL-Mielec M-28 Bryza Polish Air Force

+ 10 bagged PZL-130 Orliks

Any offers on the Orliks all bagged up appreciated.

Radom-Piastow was all locked up, no-one around. On to Zyrow which had squinnyproof hangar, zilch!

A quick return to Babice, just garages and tower side. The Extra was the only hit!

Warsaw-Babice 27-11-17

SP-ALL Cirrus Design SR-22T

SP-CAM Cessna R.172K

SP-ECM Cessna 152

SP-OTB Cessna 172P

SP-OTC Cessna 172P

SP-YOO Extra 300SCE

Back to where it all started. One of the CN295's was a bonus.

Warsaw-Chopin 27-11-17

013 CASA 295M Polish Air Force

014 CASA 295M Polish Air Force

660 Mil Mi-8T Polish Air Force

D-ALES Boeing 757-200 DHL Worldwide Courier Express

D-AVIB Embraer ERJ-135BJ

EI-SLY Aerospatiale ATR 72 ASL Airlines Ireland

ES-ACB Canadair Regional Jet 900 Nordica

ES-ACJ Canadair Regional Jet 900 Nordica

EW-437PA Boeing 737-8K5 Belavia Belarusian Airlines

HB-IYD SAAB 2000 Adria

N428UP Boeing 757-24APF United Parcel Service Company

OK-GFS Aerospatiale ATR 72 CSA Czech Airlines

SP-ENL Boeing 737-8CX Enter Air

SP-ENO Boeing 737-8AS Enter Air

SP-ENP Boeing 737-8AS Enter Air

SP-ENR Boeing 737-8Q8 Enter Air

SP-ENW Boeing 737-86J Enter Air

SP-ESA Boeing 737-8Q8 Enter Air

SP-HAY Airbus A321-211 Small Planet Airlines 

SP-TVZ Boeing 737-8BK Travel Service 

VP-BAD Airbus A320-214(SL) Aeroflot Russian Airlines

An on time departure on W61309 HA-LXJ returned us in 2h 20m.

Luton 27-11-17

9H-FLN Bombardier Global Express

N500QA Bombardier Global Express

RA-67238 Bombardier 605

The End!!

Bulgaria part deux 20th - 23rd October 2017

The long awaited re-visit to Bulgaria for Nay, Buster, Dazcat and Pogo. Lots of miles and lots of MiG's on sticks for this trip. Plus a beer or two.....OK, maybe a few more than that :-)

After all meeting up at Luton in the early hours we headed to Franky and Bennies for the now standard brekkie, before heading to our gate for Wizz Air's W6 4302 to Sofia.

A few hit the log for Luton before we went air side.

Luton 20-10-17
HB-JUC Dassault Falcon 7X
N1AZ Gulfstream G4
N2PG Gulfstream G650
N798MS Embraer Legacy 650

HA-LXH had the honours of taking us.


Arriving at Sofia we did a quick circuit after picking up the hire car.

Sofia 20-10-17

Bulgarian Air Force
072 Aeritalia C-27J Spartan
073 Aeritalia C-27J Spartan
504 Mil Mi-2
505 Mil Mi-2

Civilian
D-ABZB Airbus A320 Austrian Airlines
G-DHKF Boeing 757-200 DHL Worldwide Courier Express
LZ-AOB Airbus A319 Bulgarian Government
LZ-CAN Mil Mi-8S Heli Air Services
LZ-CAT Mil Mi-8S Heli Air Services
LZ-FBA Airbus A319 Bulgaria Air
LZ-FBD Airbus A320 Bulgaria Air
LZ-FBE Airbus A320 Bulgaria Air
LZ-LAB Airbus A320 Bulgarian Air Charter
OE-IAF Boeing 737-400  TNT Airways
SP-SPA Aerospatiale ATR 72 Sprint Air

Next up was the AN-2 in the police compound just a few miles away. We gave this a miss last time as the weather wasn't good. But with the sun shining this time it was fair game.

Sofia Town 20-10-17
Unknown Antonov AN-2

The first bit of unfinished business for us was next. The MiG at German eluded us twice last time. Once due to darkness and the second in dense fog. This time though we caught it right and the owner allowed us to take a few snaps.

German 20-10-17
43 Mikoyan-Gurevich MiG-21PFM-SPS Bulgarian Air Force


We had a quick look in at the heliport at Lozen, but it was deserted as expected. Without further ado we sped off in the direction of Plovdiv. More unfinished business at Graf awaited.

The last time we were here the MiG-29's defeated us with fog and fading light. We were determined to read some this time around. Also we had failed to see the MiG-21 outside the HQ last time. We hunted this down too.

Graf Ignatievo Airbase 20-10-17

Bulgarian Air Force

1/3 Eskadrila
16 Mikoyan-Gurevich MiG-29A - 25th markings on tail
26 Mikoyan-Gurevich MiG-29A

Preserved
(04) Mikoyan-Gurevich MiG-19S - marked 681

(63) Mikoyan-Gurevich MiG-23BN
(502) Mikoyan-Gurevich MiG-21bis

Italian Air Force
MM7282/(36-15) Eurofighter F-2000A Typhoon

Due to the angle and ramp positions another two 29's went begging. As did another couple of Typhoon's. We decided to come back in the morning for another go.

With the darkness approaching we headed for our hotel for the night in Plovdiv town. The hotel restaurant was still open so some food was ordered and we sat in the beer garden to relax and knock a few back.

Whilst enjoying the local beer a Ryanair departed Plovdiv and went straight over us.

Plovdiv 20-10-17
EI-GDA Boeing 737-800 Ryanair

That was day 1 finished. Time for sleep and an early start the next morning.

Day 2 started with the last of the unfinished business from trip one. The MiG-21 preserved in the barracks in Plovdiv, which eluded us last time by the, you guessed it fog and darkness.

After searching the wall for gaps we found a limited view of the nose and tail sections.

Plovdiv Barracks 21-10-17
(41) Mikoyan-Gurevich MiG-21PFM Bulgarian Air Force

After this we headed back to Graf, the original plan was to go to Krumovo and try to view some of the active heli's. But the lure of those 29's won the day.

Upon arriving we had no further luck with the MiG's. But we did see four Italian Tiffers!

Graf Ignatievo Airbase 21-10-17

Italian Air Force
MM7282/(36-15) Eurofighter F-2000A Typhoon
(MM7235)/(4)-13 Eurofighter F-2000A Typhoon
(MM7272/4-18) Eurofighter F-2000A Typhoon
MM.... Eurofighter F-2000A Typhoon

Heading back south we stopped in at Graf's tin drome.

Graf Ignatievo South 21-10-17
I-C382 Pipistrel Sinus
I-C447 Ikarus C22

I-C748 TL96

LZ-COT BRM Aero NG-5 Bristell

LZ-SLM Marinosyan M320

LZ-TSA TL Ultralight TL-2000 Sting Carbon

On the way to our next stop we passed the MiG-23 at Sadovo, the last time we saw this it was getting a paint job. Rude not to stop for a fresh picture now she's all finished.

Sadovo 21-10-17

66 Mikoyan-Gurevich MiG-23BN Bulgarian Air Force

Onwards we go, a fairly recent arrival next.

Ahmatovo 21-10-17

294 Mikoyan-Gurevich MiG-21bis Bulgarian Air Force

Another MiG-21 next preserved at the old base.

Uzundzhovo 21-10-17

411 Mikoyan-Gurevich MiG-21M Bulgarian Air Force

Into Haskovo for another MiG-21, this one on the roof of a restaurant.

Haskovo 21-10-17

(513) Mikoyan-Gurevich MiG-21F-13 Bulgarian Air Force

Next up was Koren, the two MiG's here are unknown, but we took a look anyway. None of them are under any netting anymore though. Neither had any obvious markings but a close inspection wasn't possible.

Koren 21-10-17

(75) Mikoyan-Gurevich MiG-15UTI
(146) Mikoyan-Gurevich MiG-17

The first of many MiG-17's for the trip was next. This one tucked away in a Police compound.

Lyubimets 21-10-17

(38) Mikoyan-Gurevich MiG-17 Bulgarian Air Force

Time for a food and drink stop just 3km's from the Greek border, and of course an L-29!

Svilengrad 21-10-17

74 Aero Vodochody L-29 Delfin Bulgarian Air Force

As much as Greece was appealing we turned and headed back north. The next MiG had seen better days.

Kovachevo 21-10-17

(212) Mikoyan-Gurevich MiG-15UTI Bulgarian Air Force

Back on the road for another MiG-21, this one looking pretty good.

Korten 21-10-17

947 Mikoyan-Gurevich MiG-21bis Bulgarian Air Force

Time was getting on and the light was fading as we headed for Bezmer airbase. We had a quick look at Boljarsko where the stored Sukhoi's used to be. As expected they had all gone long ago.

On to the base, we headed to the main gate first to see the preserved MiG there. Then a good hour was spent exploring to find a good view of anything out. 

We saw at least six SU-25's dotted around, but were unable to find a good spot to read any. The three SU-22's were still present though.

Bezmer Airbase 21-10-17

Bulgarian Air Force

Preserved

144 Mikoyan-Gurevich Lim-5 

Stored

(502) Sukhoi Su-22M-4 

(612) Sukhoi Su-22M-4 

(613) Sukhoi Su-22M-4

The small museum at Yambol was to be next but as the night had caught up with us it was dark when we arrived. Unsurprisingly the gate was shut and locked. We could see the nose of one aircraft sticking out but would only be guessing as to what it was. As we will be back it can wait until we give Bezmer another go.

The final stop for the day was a MiG preserved at another old base.

Ravnets 21-10-17

(119) Mikoyan-Gurevich MiG-21bis Bulgarian Air Force

Finding our hotel in Burgas was easy enough, and a short walk down to the high street found a nice restaurant with an interesting menu and a selection of beer. From here we looked back at the day, and discussed Pogo's likeness to a "Fat Paul Scholes". It seems yet another nickname is born :-)

Day 3 started at Burgas for first light. After finding a coffee in the terminal we checked what was in before visiting the museum. Some say the Burgas Airport Aviation Expo is closed. Well, as it is open access I beg to differ. A good start on the main ramp, an active IL-62. Awesome!

Burgas 22-10-17

D-ASXO Boeing 737-8HX Sun Express
EW-450TR Ilyushin IL62MGr Rada Airlines

G-DMNG Diamond DA-42MPP-NG Twin Star

LZ-LDK Douglas MD-82 Bulgarian Air Charter

LZ-LDU Douglas MD-82 Bulgarian Air Charter

LZ-LDY Douglas MD-82 Bulgarian Air Charter

Preserved

39 Mikoyan-Gurevich MiG-21PFM Bulgarian Air Force

62 Mikoyan-Gurevich MiG-17F Bulgarian Air Force

64 Aero Vodochody L-29 Delfin Bulgarian Air Force

(202) Mil Mi-2 Bulgarian Air Force - marked 01

(LZ-1089) WSK-PZL An-2R

(LZ-7001) Antonov An-14

(LZ-ANF) Antonov An-24B - cockpit section

(LZ-ANL) Antonov An-24B

(LZ-BAB) Antonov An-12B

LZ-BTU Tupolev TU-154B

LZ-ILE VEB VEB-14P

A nice little collection indeed. Time for a little run up the coast where the views are a bit conflicting. You can see the nice touristy bit with the Black Sea whilst passing Albert and Harold going about their business.

Anyway, in the touristy bit a hotel has a Mi-2 outside. Pity it was part covered.

Ravda 22-10-17
(215) Mil Mi-2 Bulgarian Air Force


No problem with covers on this lovely piece of Miggage.

Nessebar 22-10-17
277 Mikoyan-Gurevich MiG-21bis (SAU) Bulgarian Air Force


Outside a go-kart track is an AN-2

Sunny Beach 22-10-17
(LZ-914) WSK-PZL An-2R


Time to cut back and head inland again. The Varna area is pencilled in for a future mop up trip.

At a trekking hut is a Lim-5. No problem taking a photo here. Just a family having a kickabout. Scholesy offered an autograph but they weren't United fans...besides his pass wasn't up to scratch.

Hizha Luliak 22-10-17
124 Lim-5 Bulgarian Air Force

Time for a triumvirate of fighters.

Omurtag 22-10-17
102 Mikoyan-Gurevich MiG-21bis (SAU) Bulgarian Air Force

503 Sukhoi Su-22M-4 Bulgarian Air Force

941 Mikoyan-Gurevich MiG-19PM Bulgarian Air Force

At what appears to be a closed school was a MiG-19 looking a bit sorry for itself.

Yastrebino 22-10-17
(935) Mikoyan-Gurevich MiG-19PM Bulgarian Air Force


Yet another MiG next that seems to have been left to ruins.

Zlataritsa 22-10-17
132 Mikoyan-Gurevich MiG-17F Bulgarian Air Force


A rare GA drome next which was gated. Just a Gulfstream on the ramp and an AN-2 that has a very faded reg. Too faded to read more than LZ-

Gorna Oryahovitsa 22-10-17
OK-JMD Gulfstream G550

+ a stored AN-2

Another school for a MiG. Plenty of kids playing on this. Didn't have nothing like that at my school!

Byala 22-10-17
(204) Mikoyan-Gurevich MiG-15 UTI Bulgarian Air Force


The next MiG on a plinth in a garden.

Karaisen 22-10-17
112 Mikoyan-Gurevich MiG-17F Bulgarian Air Force


Another Delfin on a plinth.

Mihaltsi 22-10-17
90 Aero Vodochody L-29 Delfin Bulgarian Air Force


In quick succession we had four MiG-17's in a row. All on plinths in various states.

Suhindol 22-10-17
(148) Mikoyan-Gurevich MiG-17F Bulgarian Air Force


Gorsko Silvovo 22-10-17
90 Mikoyan-Gurevich MiG-17F Bulgarian Air Force


Letnitsa 22-10-17
35 Mikoyan-Gurevich MiG-17F Bulgarian Air Force


Kamenets 22-10-17
82 Mikoyan-Gurevich MiG-17F Bulgarian Air Force


Kamenets was our last logging of the day, we had a GA drome pencilled in at Bohot but it was getting late. We opted to find a main road for our evening drive to Pleven, the pot holes in the dark are not fun at all.

Eventually we found our lodgings for the night, a guest house. Our hosts were very friendly and even offered to arrange some take out food for us. This was swiftly followed by a good amount of beer and some form of spirit, Rakia maybe, but it certainly did the job!

At first we thought our host whose English was pretty good, even if it did revolve around film quotes, was having a laugh with us. He said he had arranged some ladies of the night to attend for us!

He wasn't joking! Although none of us partook the offer some of the other guests kept them busy. I'm pretty sure we were all too drunk anyway, especially Dazcat, who decided it was a good idea to tell them he was a Typhoon pilot!

Another nickname enters the fray.....Biggles!

Waking an hour later than we had planned in the morning, the day started with four of us nursing tender heads! The first stop just a few minutes up the road.

Dolna Mitropoliva Airbase 23-10-17

Bulgarian Air Force

Instructional Airframes
36 Mikoyan-Gurevich MiG-21PFM
632 Mikoyan-Gurevich MiG-23MLA

Utchebna Avio Eskadrila
147 Aero Vodochody L-39ZA Albatros
202 Aero Vodochody L-39ZA Albatros
203 Aero Vodochody L-39ZA Albatros
205 Aero Vodochody L-39ZA Albatros
209 Aero Vodochody L-39ZA Albatros


Some sources quote the L-39's as stored or inactive here. Although some seemed to be more covered than the others they were certainly active. Two at least were being readied for flying.

A fair amount of roadworks kept us away from the main gate, the MiG here will have to wait for another day. As will the other preserved bits and pieces on base.

The next few hours were spent traversing the local villages where a host of Let's and MiG's can be found.

Trastenik 23-10-17
(96) Mikoyan-Gurevich MiG-17F Bulgarian Air Force


Gorna Mitropoliya 23-10-17
48 Aero Vodochody L-29 Delfin Bulgarian Air Force


Dolni Dabnik 23-10-17
84 Aero Vodochody L-29 Delfin Bulgarian Air Force


Komarevo 23-10-17
23 Mikoyan-Gurevich MiG-17 Bulgarian Air Force


Krushovene 23-10-17
47 Aero Vodochody L-29 Delfin Bulgarian Air Force


The MiG at Bardarski was previously marked as 120, and was in question as to its real identity. When we arrived however it had undergone a new paint job and was marked as 130, which was suspected as its true identity.

Bardarski Geran 23-10-17
(22) Aero Vodochody L-29 Delfin Bulgarian Air Force

130 Mikoyan-Gurevich MiG-17F Bulgarian Air Force


Next up a MiG-21, these seem to be rare for this part of the country.

Telish 23-10-17
(125) Mikoyan-Gurevich MiG-21PF Bulgarian Air Force - marked as 123


Finally our last MiG on a stick for the trip. We thought this could only be viewed from outside and struggled to see it. But on closer inspection we drove into the Palfinger facility and managed to drive straight up to it!

Cherven Bryag 23-10-17
125 Mikoyan-Gurevich MiG-17 Bulgarian Air Force


We did have one last stop penciled in, a re-visit to Ribaritsa as they now have a MiG-21 to keep the Delfin company. But as we had started later than planned we headed straight to Sofia. One for another day.

A stop in Maccies for something to eat, Nay wanted to avoid eating in the terminal after a bad experience last year.

A quick look at the military side found as you'd expect from here. Views in the future may be more difficult here, as there seems to be a new hangar being built in the square where you can see from.

Sofia 23-10-17

Bulgarian Air Force
(020) Pilatus PC-12
055 Antonov AN-30
068 Let L-410UVP
070 Antonov AN-26
072 Aeritalia C-27J Spartan
073 Aeritalia C-27J Spartan

Civilian
EC-KAD Aerospatiale ATR 72 Swiftair
LZ-ABR Antonov An-26B Rose Air
LZ-FBD Airbus A320 Bulgaria Air
LZ-FLA Antonov An-26B Bright Flight Ltd
LZ-LAD Airbus A320 Bulgarian Air Charter
N500GX Embraer Legacy 500 Corporate
YR-ATG Aerospatiale ATR 42 Tarom

Once airside we relaxed and awaited our flight home, Wizz Air's W6 4305 served by a 320 this time, HA-LYP.

A quick run around the local found a few of interest.

Luton 23-10-17

N88HD Bombardier Challenger 300

N203AH Gulfstream G450

N679MS Embraer Legacy 600

TC-KLN Bombardier 605 Challenger

All in a great trip, we rarely stopped laughing at the banter and enjoyed some quality aircraft. I'm sure we will be back again next year to try and mop up some more of these gems.