The Aviation Magazine No 57 Special Edition 2018 Volume 9 Issue 4 | Page 38

Tango mentioned that we are in luck as the new Belgian Air Force F-16 Solo Dis-
play F-16AM "Dark Falcon" piloted by Commander Stefan Darte "Vador" will be
taking off soon, and we will be the first ones to see (from a media/public perspec-
tive) the typical air show routine he will be performing in 2018.
Indeed, about 15 minutes later Vador took off. More images of Commander
Stefan Darte "Vador" later on page 46. The display was very impressive, with the
smokewiders attached to the wing tips making interesting visual trails in the
sky, especially when he performed loops. Vador displayed his flying abilities as
well as the agility of the F-16 Fighting Falcon. Upon landing Vador rolled by us,
giving us a closer look, as he flashed the universal peace sign. While he was taxi-
ing back, Tango mentioned that he could set a brief meeting with him if we like,
apparently Vador saw my drawing of the Blackbird and he was impressed by it.
We witnessed four aircraft taking off with tail numbers FA-86, FB-21, FA-89 and
FA-109. Although, I had a long lens 200-500mm lens on my camera, there was
heat haze reflecting off the runway which effected most of my take off images,
due to distance we were from the aircraft taking off.
We then returned to one of the administrative buildings in the base as Tango
had something to deal with, while waiting for him I took some images of a rock
slab statute with squadron emblems near an F-16 on display. Shortly, Tango re-
turned and mentioned now we will go to see Vador for a couple of minutes. I've
spoken with him about perhaps doing a profile drawing similar to the Blackbird
of the 1st Squadron, of his Dark Falcon. I received two patches from him for my
collection.
We returned to the 1st Sqn Stingers building, to relax a bit, and we said our
good-byes to Tango as he had to leave. Christian took over and mentioned that
now we can go to the museum, as he will provide a driver to take us there.
Our last activity was to visit the Musée Spitfire, a museum located inside the air
base and prior arrangements have been made by Tango. Unfortunately, there
was a miscommunication somewhere and we were not able to visit. Christian
was just as disappointed as we were. Perhaps at another time we will review the
museum.