On August 24, 2000, a large-scale farewell event at the 47th Harcászati Repülőezred (Tactical Air Regiment) at Pápa sealed the end of almost 40 years of MiG-21 service in Hungary.
At the entrance to the base stands a MiG-21F-13 as a witness to almost 40 years of MiG-21 service with the Hungarian Air Force.
End-of-an-era atmosphere everywhere: the entire flightline is filled with MiG-21bis that have already been withdrawn, ...
... including 1904 in the eye-catching "Camel" colour scheme, ...
... MiG-21UM, ...
... a single MiG-21MF with external stores ...
... as well as numerous Su-22s and ...
... MiG-23s.
The latter types had already been retired before the MiG-21 and, together with it, were awaiting their fate in long rows.
Preparation for the last flights. The visit to Pápa was the author's only opportunity to experience Hungarian local colour on an airfield.
For the farewell flying day, 6115 received a special colour scheme and is seen here taxiing for take-off for the last solo display.
After the solo display had demonstrated the flying skills of the Hungarian MiG-21 pilots for the last time ...
... three five-ship formations of MiG-21bis and UM fly over the airfield.
After they have landed, the participants of the farewell flight also line up on the flightline, ...
... then (peace) doves are released and Hungary's MiG-21s are history.
