Turtmann - the last exercise

On Friday 14 March 2003 Turtmann was officially closed for operational use as a reserve base of the Swiss Air Force. That particular Friday was also the last day of the last two weeks during Rehearsel Course (Wiederholungskurs). Turtmann was an unique airfield located just outside the village. Unique, because of its shelters (caverns) that are carved out inside the valley wall, while the runway was located on the other side of the road. So, each arriving or departing aircraft had to cross this road to go to the caverns or the runway. Instead of waiting for other vehicles crossing the road while you wait for a red traffic light, you could see F-5E Tigers of Fliegerstaffel 1 and Fliegerstaffel 6 crossing the road. Unfortunately, this is already history... All the pictures on this page are made between 10 and 12 March.

These F-5E's are taxiing out from the cavern to the runway for their mission. The J-3067 is the leading aircraft of this couple. In the background, close to the yellow truck, is the entrance of the cavern. Also note the Alouette III in the background.

Another couple of F-5E's is seen here departing to the runway. The Tigers are here close to the main road, which they had to cross, before they reach the runway. Behind the cockpit of the J-3093,  you can see the special markings: Bye Bye Air Base Turtmann, FlKp8, Freitag 14.03.2003.

F-5E Tiger, J-3016, is seen here leaving Turtmann for a mission late in the afternoon.

F-5E, J-3058, wearing a badge of Fliegerstaffel 8, is seen here in take off. At this time, the nosewheel is still down, while the main undercarriage is already "up". 

This photograph showes that the swiss mountains with snow are often a lovely background when you take pictures. Two F-5E's are seen here leaving Turtmann.

Returning from a mission, this F-5E Tiger, J-3043, just before touch down.

F-5E Tiger, J-3077, just left the runway on its way back to the caverns. During the periods that there were no aircraft using the runway for take of or landing you could see people walking with their dog crossing the runway!

One of the reasons to go to Turtmann! It was lovely to see how people were waiting for a red traffic light, expecting to see cars crossing the road. Instead of cars, aircraft crossed the road on their way to the cavern or the runway. Tiger J-3037 is seen here while it returns from a morning mission.

Pilatus PC-6/A-H2M Turbo Porter, V-612, was (also) used for joyflights for personell of the Schweizer Luftwaffe.