Evening flying at Leeuwarden airbase, the Netherlands.
Crews of fighter jets, transport aircraft, and helicopters of the Royal Netherlands Air Force train daily to remain operational for worldwide missions. Since actual deployments often take place under nighttime conditions, it is essential for crews to train in the dark as well. The early onset of darkness makes the winter months particularly suitable for this training.
The crews use advanced night vision goggles (NVGs) to see well in the dark. However, these NVGs limit peripheral vision—looking through them is similar to viewing through two narrow tubes. As a result, extensive practice is required to operate safely and effectively with NVGs. While much of the training is conducted in flight simulators, real-world training remains necessary.
The schedules and locations of the training sessions vary depending on the type of aircraft. In general, nighttime flights take place from Monday to Thursday. Aircraft must return to their bases by midnight at the latest, though exercises typically aim to conclude around 11:00 PM.
Fighter Jets F-16 fighter jets from Volkel and Leeuwarden air bases will be conducting training in weeks 44, 45, 46, 47, 48, and 50. Training often takes place over the sea but also over the Netherlands. The training program includes air combat, navigation, and aerial refueling.
Transport Aircraft From Eindhoven Air Base, the KDC-10 tanker aircraft is used to refuel F-16s in flight. Throughout the entire nighttime flight season, training flights for Royal Netherlands Air Force transport aircraft, including the C-130 Hercules and KDC-10, may take place during the evening hours. These flights include practice approaches at various air force bases.
Helicopters Helicopter crews operate from Gilze-Rijen Air Base, Maritime Air Base De Kooy in Den Helder, and Deelen Air Base to various military training grounds in the Netherlands. Training includes transporting loads inside and underneath the helicopter, personnel boarding and disembarking, and landing under different conditions. These exercises are often carried out in cooperation with units from the Royal Netherlands Army or Royal Netherlands Navy.
Regular nighttime flight training is scheduled from September 11, 2017, to April 1, 2018, with the possibility of additional sessions during the summer.