The Athenian-Macedonian News Agency ( – ) “flew” with the wings of the Icarus of the Aegean in the Greek skies, in the context of the celebration of the patron saint of the Air Force, Archangel Michael.
The opportunity to see the world through their own eyes was given to us, on Friday, November 5, by the pilots of the 331st Squadron at the 114th Battle Wing in Tanagra, where the “nest” of the Mirage 2000-5 fighter jets is located.
Preparation
Our day in Tanagra started early with successive briefings on the course of the weather, analyzes of the flight plan but also vital tips and hints in case of emergency.
We were informed about the operation of the aircraft, the mooring and abandonment systems, the life-saving means and special accessories for survival in case of emergency (individual lifeboat, lenses, fumigants, tracking systems, etc.) but also for a series of strict controls before take off.
Then followed the process of dressing with the special isothermal inside the form to maintain the appropriate body temperature and a special anti-G form, for the best possible absorption of the large loads and pressures that the body receives during the aerial maneuvering.
After the latest hints, explanations and instructions for the multitude of gadgets that are carefully “hidden” in the cases of the form, it is time to approach the Mirage 2000-5 fighter aircraft.
Take off
The view of the Mirage 2000-5 is majestic. The entrance to the cockpit is made with an external staircase and after the mooring, the last instructions from the ground staff follow, regarding the abandonment procedures, the use of the aircraft screens and the opening and closing of the cover.
We wear a helmet, gloves and oxygen supply mask. The engines are on. The electronic systems are fully operational. The pilot, instructor, Grigoris Sinas constantly gives us the necessary information for the take-off process and guides the aircraft to the take-off point on the runway.
Within seconds, the Mirage 2000-5 leaves the ground at high speed and takes off.
Demonstration
We follow the flight plan leaving Tanagra behind, we pass over Chalkida and Aliveri to Antipsara and Chios. Crossing the Aegean, we fly over the dense clouds and test the first G with successive small maneuvers of the fighter aircraft.
At the same time, an F-16 fighter jet, our “couple” in flight, is flying to our side about a mile away. The aircraft are heading for the airspace west of Skyros, the Bravo area, where according to the flight plan the “virtual” air battle will take place.
The pilot informs us about the course of the maneuvers that will follow while constantly “checking” the level of our mental clarity as the pressures on the human body are strong, just like the fainting tendencies.
The maneuvers, the successive accelerations of the fighter and the rotations around its axis literally take your breath away. The oxygen mask works with absolute precision but the senses are dramatically reduced. These are the moments when one fully realizes the magnitude of the extremely difficult mission undertaken on a daily basis by the pilots of our fighter aircraft.
Landing
The “friendly chase” over the clouds is over. At a very close distance, behind the right wing of the Mirage 2000-5, our “couple” is approaching. We knightly greet the pilot of the F-16 and he, after reciprocating the greeting, leaves.
The Mirage 2000-5 takes the road back to Tanagra. The pulses fall. A small “window” to realize what exactly we experienced. A few minutes later, the runway begins to appear on the horizon in front of us. The pilot gives us one last “souvenir” spin and starts the landing process.
In a few seconds, the rear wheels rest on the ground, followed by the Mirage 2000-5 “beak”. A unique experience for us “Earthlings”, on the side of the Icarus of the Air Force, is completed.
The “family” of pilots
The atmosphere in 331 Squadron is extremely family. The “bonding” between pilots is the result of the absolute support they provide to each other while performing their duty. At the Command Post, the walls are decorated with souvenirs from the distinctions and international successes of the 331 Squadron, as well as photos of the pilots with their fighter jets.
They are all there. Those who serve but also those who were sacrificed on duty. Just above, the inscription leaves no room for doubt: “No one is absent. Others on Earth, others in heaven. “
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