What better base to start a Japan tour with than Hyakuri. Home of two Phantom squadrons, an Eagle unit and a Rescue component. We started out at the famous spotting towers to catch the morning activities.
01. 305 Hikotai Eagle in morning take-off

02. 305 Hikotai Eagle in morning take-off

03. A visiting T-4 from Hamamatsu

04. Phantom take off. 302 Hikotai rules..

05. 302 Hikotai Phantom take off.

06. Rescue squadron U-125A

07. The Office

08. One of the most special spotting places in the world!

09. The result

10. Visitor from Iruma

11. RF-4E take off. Less than 10 remain operational at the moment.

12. RF-4EJ

13. Holding hands

14. RF-4E returning

15. RF-4EJ

16. Impressive take-off!

17. Eagle returning

18. In the afternoon, photography is better (light-wise) from the other side of the base. Sometimes, aircraft take the civil runway. In this case, a Phantom returning from an afternoon mission. Lucky us!

19. Close-up

20. Afternoon mission for the 501 Hikotai boys

21. Last of two UH-60Js in this colourscheme. Note the drop tanks already in the new blue c/s.

22. Apparently, aviation heaven is only 107ft up...

23. Beautiful afternoon light

24. Late recovery

25. Phantom returning in nice light.
