Bulgaria 3 Mig Mop Up 16th - 19th November 2018

It was time for a third bash at Bulgaria, the same team as previous trips with Nay, LB, Pogo and Dazcat.

After all meeting up at Luton we headed airside for brekkie at F and B's. From there it was Wizz's HA-LXG to forward us to Sofia on W6 4302.


Nothing at Luton to trouble the logbook for Nay and LB, though Pogo probably made 20 plus ;-)

After collecting the car we headed off for a quick circuit of SOF.

Sofia 16-11-18
020 Pilatus PC-12 Bulgarian Air Force
070 Antonov An-26 Bulgarian Air Force
072 Aeritalia C-27J Bulgarian Air Force
503 Mil Mi-2 Bulgarian Police - stored
504 Mil Mi-2 Bulgarian Police - stored
505 Mil Mi-2 Bulgarian Police - stored
5A-ONI Airbus A319 Afriqiyah Airways
A6-FDR Boeing 737 FlyDubai
D-AIUT Airbus A320 Lufthansa
EI-FRR Boeing 737 Ryanair
EI-FTA Boeing 737 Ryanair
G-DHKJ Boeing 757 DHL Worldwide Courier Express
LZ-AOB Airbus A319 Bulgarian Govt
LZ-BOO Boeing 737 Bul Air
LZ-CAV Mil Mi-8-PS Heli Air Services
LZ-CEA Agusta A-109 Heli Air Services
LZ-DEO Douglas MD82 ALK Airlines
LZ-DIN Cessna 525
LZ-FBA Airbus A319 Bulgaria Air
LZ-FBE Airbus A320 Bulgaria Air
LZ-FLA Antonov An-26B Bright Flight
LZ-FNA Cessna 525
LZ-FNB Cessna 525A
LZ-ITV Beech B200
LZ-LAA Airbus A320 Bulgarian Air Charter
LZ-LAC Airbus A320 Bulgarian Air Charter
LZ-LDS Douglas MD82 Bulgarian Air Charter
LZ-LDW Douglas MD82 Bulgarian Air Charter
LZ-OOI Falcon 2000 Bulgarian Govt
LZ-SOF Embraer EMB-190 Bulgaria Air
LZ-TRH Learjet 60
LZ-VBE Global Express
OE-IGP Airbus A320 IndiGo
OE-IGQ Airbus A320 IndiGo
(OE-IGT) Airbus A320 IndiGo
OE-IGU Airbus A320 IndiGo
OE-LBK Airbus A320 Austrian Airlines
TC-MCC Airbus A300 MNG Airlines
YR-ATG Aerospatiale ATR-42 TAROM
YU-ALN Aerospatiale ATR-72 Air Serbia

The next stop was just down the road, a Mi-2 to mop up.

Sofia-Town 16-11-18
(501) Mil Mi-2 Bulgarian Police


A third visit to Dobroslavci next, previous visits had been hampered by fog and darkness! Took some time to find the IL-14, but with patience it can just about be seen through the trees with less leaves.

Dobroslavci 16-11-18
(95) Ilyushin IL-14 Bulgarian Air Force
(932) Mikoyan Gurevich MiG-19PM Bulgarian Air Force


The traffic between Sofia and Dobroslavci had slowed us considerably, so it was dark by the time we got to our next stop.

Slivnitsa 16-11-18
101 Sukhoi SU-22UM-3K Bulgarian Air Force
103 Sukhoi SU-22UM-3K Bulgarian Air Force

The next stop was a small GA strip 5 minutes away, but as it was very dark by now we decided to move on. There were still two poles to find before stopping tonight.

Just a few miles down the road and and one too many potholes saw a blowout on the rear nearside wheel. A hasty wheel change for the space saver was made.

As we headed off towards our next stop we made the decision to head straight for the hotel and sack the next two stops. Not being able to exceed 80km/h would slow us right down tonight.

So Moravitsa and Vratsa will have to wait for part four. Tonight's hotel was the Vesta in Montana. A few beers and a decent meal in the restaurant and we were ready for kip.

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The next morning we decided it best to find a new tyre, there was no way a space saver was going to survive the next few days.

After finding a local garage we soon had a new one fitted for a reasonable 50lv. However the schedule had taken a hit. The first four stops had to be binned. Gara Oreshets, Sminenski, Gabrovnitsa and Erden were moved to trip four.

Still there was plenty more to do, onward to Dolna.

Dolna Mitropoliya 17-11-18
36 Mikoyan Gurevich MiG-21PFM Bulgarian Air Force
137 Aero Vodochody L-39ZA Bulgarian Air Force
139 Aero Vodochody L-39ZA Bulgarian Air Force
147 Aero Vodochody L-39ZA Bulgarian Air Force
147 Mikoyan Gurevich MiG-17 Bulgarian Air Force - on gate
202 Aero Vodochody L-39ZA Bulgarian Air Force
203 Aero Vodochody L-39ZA Bulgarian Air Force
205 Aero Vodochody L-39ZA Bulgarian Air Force
209 Aero Vodochody L-39ZA Bulgarian Air Force
211 Aero Vodochody L-39ZA Bulgarian Air Force
213 Aero Vodochody L-39ZA Bulgarian Air Force
632 Mikoyan Gurevich MiG-23MLA Bulgarian Air Force


Four different L-39's from last year here, so we were happy with those. Plus we finally caught up with the gate guard, road works put paid to that one last year. Hopefully next year we will catch the open doors day and finally bag the rest of the preserved stuff here.

A lone MiG was next up.

Beglezh 17-11-18
52 Mikoyan Gurevich MiG-17 Bulgarian Air Force


A spot of GA next, the drome appeared to be deserted so we didn't linger too long. A few taken from through the rear windows of one of the hangars.

Bohot 17-11-18
G-BTTE Cessna 150L
LZ-414 PZL-104 Wilga
LZ-916 WSK-PZL AN-2R

LZ-AAD Cessna R172
LZ-FRV Socata MS.885
LZ-JTR Cessna F150L
LZ-KTM Cessna 150M
LZ-PTS Partenavia P.66C

Next was Pelishat but after spending a good 30 minutes trying to find the two MiG's here we gave up. Even Dazza's attempt at talking to the locals drew a blank! The co-ords given on various sites held no MiG's. One for more research and trip four!

A bit of charity for Pogo next up. Daz, LB and Nay having bagged this one in the 70's.

Pordim 17-11-18
LZ-TUD Tupolev Tu-134


Another GA drome next, we were expecting maybe one or two here, so we were more than happy with the haul.

Grivitsa 17-11-18
LZ-1103 WSK-PZL AN-2R

LZ-1404 WSK-PZL AN-2R

LZ-1407 WSK-PZL AN-2R
LZ-1408 WSK-PZL AN-2R

LZ-1409 WSK-PZL AN-2R

LZ-1411 WSK-PZL AN-2R

LZ-DMC WSK-PZL AN-2R

LZ-VBB WSK-PZL AN-2R

LZ-VBC WSK-PZL AN-2R


Back to the Miggage. Four in a row.

Evlogievo 17-11-18
045 Mikoyan Gurevich MiG-21bis(SAU) Bulgarian Air Force


Belene 17-11-18
(143) Mikoyan Gurevich MiG-17 Bulgarian Air Force

On the way to our next stop we passed an old friend from last year, rude not to stop for a piccy.

Letnitsa 17-11-18
35 Mikoyan Gurevich MiG-17 Bulgarian Air Force - triangle 25-7207


Chavdartsi 17-11-18
75 Mikoyan Gurevich MiG-17 Bulgarian Air Force - triangle 65-7207


The last stop for today was a restaurant with some far from normal exhibits.

Kilifarevo 17-11-18
410 Sukhoi SU-22M-4 Bulgarian Air Force

(LZ-MNG) LET L-410UVP - c/n checked 841326


Our stop tonight, the Arena in Tarnovo. The beer and food was pretty good, just a shame the service was slow. Still, there was a wedding reception of some sort in progress and the dancing kept us entertained :-)

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An early start found us at the first stop at first light. Just the one aircraft here.

Gorna Oryahovitsa 18-11-18
RA-76846 Ilyushin IL-76TD

Back to MiG's on sticks.

Sennik 18-11-18
69 Mikoyan Gurevich MiG-17 Bulgarian Air Force


A long drive up the mountain was next, here we found plenty of snow, and a MiG!

Aprilitsi 18-11-18
122 Mikoyan Gurevich MiG-17 Bulgarian Air Force - triangle 112-7207


Back down the mountain and better weather again.

Gabarevo 18-11-18
933 Mikoyan Gurevich MiG-19PM Bulgarian Air Force


Skobeleve 18-11-18
129 Mikoyan Gurevich MiG-17 Bulgarian Air Force


No access to the next gated drome, but a MiG was here for us.

Kalvacha 18-11-18
727 Mikoyan Gurevich MiG-21bis(SAU) Bulgarian Air Force


Two stops in Stara Zagora.

Stara Zagora 18-11-18
LZ-1113 WSK-PZL AN-2R
(LZ-8008) PZL-Mielec M-18B

Stara Zagora-Town 18-11-18
109 Mil Mi-24D Bulgarian Air Force


With a few hours of light left we were determined to give Bezmer a good look. Last time we were here the light beat us. Just to the north of the field is a hill with a track running up to the top. We headed straight for this.

There were at least 8 or 9 SU-25's out on the ramps and if not for covers we would have easily read most of them. As it was only one hit the net.

Bezmer 18-11-18
104 Sukhoi SU-25K Bulgarian Air Force
502 Sukhoi SU-22M-4 Bulgarian Air Force
612 Sukhoi SU-22M-4 Bulgarian Air Force
613 Sukhoi SU-22M-4 Bulgarian Air Force


The Riverside Hotel in Yambol was tonights stop, however the restaurant was closed so a walk into town found a nice little Grill.

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Up early for our last day, and it was a busy one too. First stop, the Yambol museum, which is closed on Mondays, there was a guy here but he wasn't letting anyone in. So a quick look and log was all we got here.

Yambol 19-11-18
(68) Mikoyan Gurevich Lim-5 Bulgarian Air Force - marked as 159
73 Aero Vodochody L-29 Bulgarian Air Force
(113) Mil Mi-24D Bulgarian Air Force
121 Mikoyan Gurevich MiG-15UTI Bulgarian Air Force

Somehow we missed a MiG in Uzundzhovo last year, so it was time to catch up with this one.

Uzundzhovo 19-11-18
520 Mikoyan Gurevich MiG-21bis(SAU) Bulgarian Air Force


Another MiG further down the road.

Kardzali 19-11-18
101 Mikoyan Gurevich MiG-21bis(SAU) Bulgarian Air Force


On the way over to Krumovo we had a quick look for the L-29 at Popovitsa but failed to see it. High walls seem to protect this one from views.

Lots of road works going on at Krumovo, but we managed to find a way over to the back roads for a view of the ramps.

Krumovo 19-11-18
133 Mil Mi-24D Bulgarian Air Force

134 Mil Mi-24D Bulgarian Air Force
135 Mil Mi-24D Bulgarian Air Force

136 Mil Mi-24D Bulgarian Air Force
140 Mil Mi-24V Bulgarian Air Force

141 Mil Mi-24V Bulgarian Air Force

142 Mil Mi-24V Bulgarian Air Force

143 Mil Mi-24V Bulgarian Air Force
(144) Mil Mi-24V Bulgarian Air Force

146 Mil Mi-24V Bulgarian Air Force

419 Mil Mi-17 Bulgarian Air Force
421 Mil Mi-17 Bulgarian Air Force
431 Mil Mi-17PPA Bulgarian Air Force
432 Mil Mi-17PPA Bulgarian Air Force


Three different frames from two years ago here, thanks to Ivan for helping to identify 144 from our photos. Still no sign of any Pumas or JR's.

We didn't look at the civil side as time was getting tight. But from a distance we could see the four Lets are still there.

Next it was time to visit the Plovdiv steel factory. After speaking to the manager of the facility we were allowed to look around the stored MiG's and L-39's. Many many thanks to Laszar.

Plovdiv-Factory 19-11-18
013 Mikoyan Gurevich MiG-21bis(SAU) Bulgarian Air Force
25 Mikoyan Gurevich MiG-21UM Bulgarian Air Force
127 Mikoyan Gurevich MiG-21bis(SAU) Bulgarian Air Force
249 Mikoyan Gurevich MiG-21bis(SAU) Bulgarian Air Force

324 Mikoyan Gurevich MiG-21bis(SAU) Bulgarian Air Force
370 Mikoyan Gurevich MiG-21bis(SAU) Bulgarian Air Force

383 Mikoyan Gurevich MiG-21bis(SAU) Bulgarian Air Force

850 Mikoyan Gurevich MiG-21bis(SAU) Bulgarian Air Force
1102 Aero Vodochody L-39ZA - ex 145 Bulgarian Air Force

1103 Aero Vodochody L-39ZA - ex 907 Bulgarian Air Force
1104 Aero Vodochody L-39ZA - ex 833 Bulgarian Air Force
1105 Aero Vodochody L-39ZA - ex 215 Bulgarian Air Force


The manager of the factory was under the impression that none of these aircraft have been sold. The Let's are engine tested once a month by Bulgarian Air Force technicians, so I guess they are still owned by Bulgaria, pending a payment no doubt.

Two more MiG's next, more ex-Graf machines to local resting places.

Stroevo 19-11-18
427 Mikoyan Gurevich MiG-21bis(SAU) Bulgarian Air Force - triangle 75-94407


As we headed to Graf South for the other MiG we saw some 29's in the circuit. Naturally we by-passed the preserved aircraft and headed straight to the end of the runway at Graf.

Graf-Ignatievo 19-11-18
23 Mikoyan Gurevich MiG-29A Bulgarian Air Force

26 Mikoyan Gurevich MiG-29A Bulgarian Air Force
37 Mikoyan Gurevich MiG-29A Bulgarian Air Force
39 Mikoyan Gurevich MiG-29A Bulgarian Air Force

One more 29 evaded us on the ground, but Pogo was over the moon at catching some flying.

Back down to the GA drome, it was good to put this MiG to bed. Last year we were here the day before the MiG arrived. Only to find out once we were back home!

Graf-South 19-11-18
388 Mikoyan Gurevich MiG-21bis(SAU) Bulgarian Air Force - triangle 75-94388

I-C382 Pipistrel Sinus
I-C748 TL Ultralight TL-96
I-C988 Zenair CH-601XL


Back on the road it was time to start heading back to Sofia, but a few more cheeky MiG's were snapped up first.

Yoakim Gruevo 19-11-18
261 Mikoyan Gurevich MiG-21bis(SAU) Bulgarian Air Force


Semchinovo 19-11-18
36 Mikoyan Gurevich MiG-21UM Bulgarian Air Force


That was the last MiG of the trip, a quick look in at the GA drome at Lesnovo in the dark, then it was a McDonalds before heading to SOF and home.

Lesnovo 19-11-18
LZ-AIA Cessna 172N
LZ-CCB Cessna 402B
LZ-GAS Cessna 172N
LZ-SBB Piper PA-38
SP-NEO Piper PA-46

Sofia 19-11-18
OE-LWF Embraer 190 Austrian Airlines

Not much more to trouble the log here, our flight home was on HA-LWG on W6 4303.

Luton 19-11-18
G-TACN Diamond DA-62

Just the Flight Calibrations Diamond hit the log on return to Blighty.

Another trip done in Bulgaria, as always a superb trip with plenty of banter. We will definitely be back next year to mop up a few bits and hopefully finish the rest of the preserved goodies.

Stay safe....be seeing you.