In the run-up to the celebrations of the 60th anniversary of 3 Авиобаза at Graf Ignatievo, the author again had the opportunity to visit the base. As in the previous year, there were busy flight operations with MiG-21s and MiG-29s.
Four MiG-21s and half a dozen MiG-29s were lined up on the flightline.
Climbing in ...
... and take-off for the weather reconnaissance flight.
Landing with brake chute, produced by the German manufacturer SPEKON Seifhennersdorf.
The QRA, provided by two MiG-29s at the time of the visit, also took off for a flight – fully armed.
After a first simulated landing approach, the QRA MiG-29s went around again.
The last active Bulgarian MiG-21 two-seater taxies out for take-off again.
A C-27J from Sofia brought personnel and cargo.
No night flying: the last take-offs of the day took place in the moderate light of an approaching rain front.
Rare insight: the nose wheel of a MiG-21 was changed on the flightline.
The onset of rain led to the flying shift being cancelled.
The visit to Graf Ignatievo ...
... also offered the opportunity for a detour to the Bulgarian Air Force museum at Krumovo, where, however, only the familiar aircraft could be seen. Pleasingly, circuit training of the helicopters based on the adjacent airfield was taking place, which offered the opportunity for some interesting pictures.
A total of four Cougars circled the airfield ...
... while at the same time a Mi-17 trained underslung load flights.
The author's thanks go to all members of the Bulgarian Air Force who made the visit possible, above all Brigadier General Radev, Major Rusev and Lieutenant Vetov.
