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
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 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
Burgas 22-10-17
D-ASXO Boeing 737-8HX Sun Express
EW-450TR Ilyushin IL62MGr Rada Airlines
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
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
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
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-
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.
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