Base visit Celle, Germany

The German army (HEER) has two flying units based at Heeresflugplatz Celle: the Heeresfliegerwaffenschule (HFlgWaS AusbZ C) and Heeresfliegerverbindungs-/aufklärungsstaffel 100 (HFlgVbdg/AufklStff 100). The airfield is located north of Hannover. Both units operate the Bo-105P1 helicopters, while the 'Heeresfliegerwaffenschule Ausbildungszentrum C' also operate the 'good old' UH-1D. The Heeresfliegerwaffenschule is also based at Bückeburg where they fly with the EC-135 and CH-53 helicopters. Heeresfliegerinstandsetzungsstaffel 100 (HFlgInstStff 100) is an independent unit that is responsible for the maintenance of the Bo-105 helicopters. Testflights are also executed by this unit. I would like to thank the German Army and our guide Hauptmann Felgendreher for the pleasant visit that was made on 10 may 2006.

Two Bo-105P1's are seen here waiting for the next mission. The Bo-105P1 in the front is the 88+12. In the background, the crew is already on board of their helicopter and are going through the checklists in preperation of their flight.

Bo-105P1, serial 86+70, is hovering towards the runway. During this visit in the morning, seven Bo-105's were flying trainingmissions. After refuelling, the next group of students boarded the helicopters for their trainingmission.

Another Bo-105P1 that was parked outside was this example, serial 86+36. Several other Bo-105's were parked in the hangar in the background.

A Bo-105P1 (serial 86+56) is seen here hovering around the tarmac waiting for the other helicopters that are departing for their trainingmission. The badge of the Heeresfliegerwaffenschule is clearly visible.

Only one UH-1D of the 'HFlgWaS AusbZ C' could be seen on the flightline. The 72+13 is seen here while the crew prepares the upcoming flight. The UH-1D helicopters from the Heeresfliegerwaffenschule were based at Bückeburg and moved to Celle last year. The EC-135 and CH-53 helicopters from the school are still based at Bückeburg.

Heeresfliegerinstandsetzungsstaffel 100 (HFlgInstStff 100) is an independent unit that is responsible for the maintenance of the Bo-105 helicopters. Testflights are also executed by this unit. Three Bo-105P1's (86+53, 86+59 and the 88+07) are seen here in different stages of maintenance. Note the UH-1D flightline in the upper left corner.

SE.3130 Alouette II with serial 76+68 and code 26 is preserved at Celle. The rotorblades/tailrotor are unfortunately removed.