Projects
On this page we keep you updated on all of our upcoming plans. Check it regularly, as we update the info on each of the projects presented as soon as we get it. Along with the newsletters, this is the best way to always have the latest news on our PhotoFlying adventures.
Do note that the Aviation PhotoCrew does NOT offer passenger flights or pleasure rides. The only persons qualified to fly onboard our photoships are other aviation photographers. They are allowed to fly with us under the EASA regulation ‘part
SPO’ PAS OM-A 8.3.1.5.5 Task Specialist for Aerial Photography.
You will receive multiple mandatory briefings and a specific tasking for the photoflight. You have to strictly comply with the responsabilities as described for the task specialist in the preparation briefings. It is important that you act and behave like a responsible crewmember on any photoflight! In addition, you will have to follow strictly the guidelines of the ‘flight operations manual’ from the photoship. No matter how much experience you have, these guidelines will be explained before every single photomission again, and it is mandatory to attend this briefing. It is equally important that you confirm by email that you have received the detailed task specialist briefings ( part 1 and part 2 ) and that you understand the content. You will receive additional training/recurrent training if any of the guidelines and information is not fully understood. |
Due to the changed world stage, and the fact that we get more and more opportunities to fly with sensitive and fifth generation jetfighters, there will be specific requirements in place when we fly projects where we expect those military corporations:
The reward of our efforts and many approval processes we go through is that we will be able to fly with more 5th gen military than ever before…and beyond!! ( find the project ) |
How to secure a seat for a 2025 project?
You can book right now. If you are already on a list of interested aviation photographers, PLEASE MENTION it!! Some of you have a bit of priority due to a cancelled project or flying credit you have. If the seat is available, I will send you the deposit invoice for 50% of the project price. You will have two weeks for payment ( in order to give every photographer a fair chance ), once the deposit is paid your seat is 100% confirmed!! You can book as many projects as you like.
For projects that are still marked as ‘TBC’ or do not have a solid date yet, I will not send an invoice but you will be added to the list of interested aviation photographers and I will provide you the number. No obligations at all until we get a green light, at that moment I contact aviation photographers back in running order.
Long term 2026– 2030
You can have your name on the list of ‘interested aviation photographers’ for any project in the future. It does not cost anything, and there are no obligations to it at all! It is only after a project is confirmed we start contacting aviation photographers back in running order. The deposit invoice of 50% to be paid to confirm your seat is always send out the year before. So for example you can perfectly have your name on the list of RIAT 2028 ( as some of you do… ). We contact aviation photographers on the list around October 2027, and if they take the seat the invoice will go out. It is that simple and it goes for ALL projects we fly.
You have to send us a SEPARATE email for EVERY project that has your interest, as every email is a little piece of the giant puzzle. You can always give it a try, keep in mind that even if you are at #24 on the list you still can have the luck to secure a seat in that project, as the further into the future the more aviation photographers will not pick up a seat for real.
>>> FOR BOOKINGS PLEASE EMAIL DIRECTLY TO
Projects 2025
August 2024 saw the highlight of our season with the ‘once in a lifetime’ opportunity to fly the final photomission with the Hawaii Mars. It was a long aerial photo & filmflight, like producing a scene from an Indiana Jones movie, epic for every second.
With a bit of luck we might be able to do it once more, and fly along the Philippine Mars on its final journey to Arizona. The Skyvan photoship would fly on the last leg of the trip anywhere between San Diego and Lake Roosevelt in Arizona.
IMPORTANT: there is no date yet for this flight, as all stars have to align one more time to make this happen. All systems need to be ‘good to go’ , all paperwork complete. The photoflight plans are only made when everything else is ready for this majestic flying boat. We are in good contact with the Coulson team and ready to act when the magic happens again. So you will need to be flexible and ready with a fairly short notice time.
But for sure the memories will stick with you for a lifetime, it is the first and last ever opportunity to see the Philippine Mars gracing the sky. We are only able to accept a few photographers who are seriously interested.
SUN ‘n FUN
We happily return to the sunshine state for a fantastic week of... well, FUN! This time we will fly on Tuesday, Wednesday, Thursday & Friday before the airshow weekend, as that will increase our chances to get more aircraft to join the Skyvan. We are already in contact with dozens of aerobatic guys, warbirds, and yes yes, military!! We expect to make a big jump forward compared to 2024, as that was a new project for us where we learned a lot in a short time. If the weather is really like SUN in April, we will have 4 days of great photoflying with the best possible mix what aviation has to offer. Florida is also a great holiday destination if you have a few spare days!
We offer all options for this project: 1-day ticket, 2-day package, 3 days and the ‘full’ 4 day package.
When booking for SUN ‘n FUN you will have to choose your day(s).
Unfortunately it is impossible to know in advance which aircraft will
join us when, as this is a giant fly-in and not a regular airshow, everything
can change until the actual day. Looking at the pipeline of participants
now, we can guarantee that there is going to be a lot of ‘star value’
on each of the days!
Danish Airpower
With the demise of the famous and big Danish Air Force Airshow, you might think that the opportunities to see the Danish Air Force airborne are also over… but that is very wrong! Many pilots are even more motivated to come and say hello behind the Skyvan photoship. Unfortunately 2025 will be the very last chance to catch the Danish F-16s air to air, as they are going out of service fairly soon. These two 1-day projects are fairly similar in line-up, just like last year you will get to feast on the F-16s & F-35s… & guests! The Danish Air Force has been super supportive in the previous years, we expect a final round of Vipers ‘big style’. The ‘surprise’ aircraft joining us on those days will be just as enjoyable, promise!
We offer 1-day tickets, but you are most welcome to join us for the two days if you like.
Swedish classic jets
THE most iconic – and unique – classic jets in the entire world are still flying for a few years in Sweden. Seeing the shape of a Viggen, Draken, Tunnan flying and not in a museum is a good enough reason to plan a trip to Sweden.
But having a chance to capture these jets in the air, right in front of your lens… yes, that is certainly among the very best what we can offer you. Our corporation with the Swedish Air Force Historic Flight has been superb over the years, and we gladly take any opportunity we can get, as each flight of their jets might be the last one. Some of the airframes have a limited time left, they will not be around forever. Also the Swedish Air Force is super supportive, and it is expected they will join the Skyvan photoship as well on this day.
We have one big ambition for this year: The first ever – and most likely last chance rightaway – to see the two Viggens air to air at the same time!! If this idea gives you thrills, this is the 1-day project for you. Projects like this are not cheap, as it takes a lot of fuel, oil and money to get the Swedish classic jets airborne, but the excitement will stick with you for a lifetime!
We plan to fly on June 12, with an option on a second day if there is
more interest from the aviation photographers.
Warbirds UK
Over the years we have been truly spoiled to the bone with a parade of warbirds joining the Skyvan that is so big and unique we never ever thought it would be possible. Hearing the sound of a Merlin engine so close to you and seeing with your own eyes a precious WW II aircraft posing in an exclusive way just for the photographers… memorable every time.
For 2025 we have raised the bar, again! Like previous years, we will work out two days with Darren Harbar and Richard Paver, only this time it’s not only what you get to see in the air… the backdrops are going to be just as important. We are privileged to offer you the ‘Battle of Britain’ edition of our warbird weekend, where the aim is to recreate a photographic opportunity that will feature the all-time classics as the Spitfire & Hurricane along the South coastline of the UK.
Both days will have a different line-up of warbirds that had something to do with the Battle of Britain period. You can expect some original ideas and perhaps your only chance in life to photograph a 3-ship of Spitfires or Hurricanes.
Both days are also flown from a different location to maximize the results. This is the best air to air project for WW II aircraft you will find in Europe this year.
RIAT
The world’s biggest military airshow, with of course the world’s biggest military line-up of aerial join-ups! It is that 1 project that doesn’t really need an introduction!!
The seats in the Skyvan photoship are always super popular and high in demand, so you will need to be fast to secure a place with us. We never know what we might get to welcome, but the RIAT photoflights simply never disappoint. There is so much star value coming to the airshow, that even capturing a little bit of it is already enough to make you super happy. And we are privileged to welcome each year 30+ aircraft and helicopters, some that have been on the aviation photographers wish list for a long time. Half of the join-ups could be fast jets!
The Wednesday & Thursday are the two very busy days, while the Friday is a rather calm day with a handful of aircraft arriving… but it could change this year, as we are also inviting some of the ‘local stars’ to join us!
All seats are offered as 1-day tickets. To give as many photographers as possible a chance to fly with us, you can only book two days.
Abbotsford
For two years in a row the Abbotsford photoflights were the very best project of the season… and we like to go for a hattrick! It’s here that we got to see last year the F-22 Raptors in the sunset, but just as much the T-33, F-16, B-17, Skyraider, Corsair, Snowbirds, A-10 and dozens of other fantastic aircraft. The scenery with the snowcapped Mount Baker is just stunning. Every single aircraft that flew for us looked like a true star. The variety in beautiful backdrops is simply amazing. With the fantastic support of the RCAF, Nav Canada, USAF, Navy and the airshow team, we dare to promise you a dream air to air adventure.
For this project we offer a 2-day package ( either Tuesday & Wednesday OR Thursday & Friday ) and the ‘full’ 4-days package. Line-up for this year starts to look very promising already, but like with every big airshow it will always be impossible to know which aircraft might join the Skyvan on which day. If you welcome any aircraft, the Abbotsford project is 100% satisfaction.
Erickson warbird day
One of the best warbird collections in the entire world can be found at Madras airport, Oregon. It is the home airfield of the Erickson collection, and most of their precious birds are in a FLYING condition. The Skyvan photoship will make a stop here to fly our first American full warbird project. They have just so many warbirds that we could easily fly a full week!! But it’s just going to be 1-day… and 2 sunsets!
Not only the Erickson collection is amazing, so is the scenery surrounding the airport, with the phenomenal Mount Hood, canyons, rivers… breathtaking really.
If you like photographing warbirds, this is one not to miss. The Erickson team will bring us a lineup that is absolute worldclass, top ace pilots and a backdrop that will turn your photos into a work of art. Each one of them!
F-4 Phantom day
If you would have to name 1 single jet that every aviation photographer has on the wish list to capture air to air….who would be at number 1?
The legendary Phantom is still active with 338 Squadron in the Hellenic Air Force, for many years we have been given the chance to welcome their jets behind the Skyvan. Every single time that is 100% phure magic and adrenaline, there is simply not another jet around with that aura and charisma like the F-4.
We are witnessing pliving aviation history, and we all know that the days of seeing a Phantom pfly are getting smaller and smaller. Before we know it, they will be in a museum phorever… The Hellenic Air Force and 338 Sqn have been great supporters of our photomissions, and we are phorever grateful there will be another chance this year to see the Legends alive. During the F-4 Phantom day in 2024 we had a dazzling sunset photoflight, we have made the same request for this year.
You will need to be very phast to book this 1-day project.
Athens Flying Week ‘all arrivals’
If you browse through our website you will have seen that we have big friends in Greece! That has a lot to do with the fantastic team behind the Athens Flying Week airshow. For many years, the airshow has set itself apart from the other big European airshows by offering a program that was not only build to showcase the capabilities of the Hellenic military, but also for the real aviation enthusiasts from around the world. They always feature some participants that make a rare appearance in the European skies.
And our crew has the luck to welcome most of those participants behind the Skyvan photoship. The Hellenic Air Force, Navy and Army come out in force and give us the unique opportunity to capture those moments in the skies. Each year it seems that we are still getting better, while so many of our very ‘best’ and ‘iconic’ pictures are taken in Greece. The ‘all arrivals’ package is 1 project of 4 days flying, starting with the Kalamata trainers and our traditional visit to Andravida, Phantom heaven. We make good use of the wonderful sunsets, sea & desert like landscapes to offer you photo join-ups that are world exclusive. Once in your aviation photography life, you have to join us here!
Athens Flying Week ‘departure days’
For the smaller budgets we are happy to offer another project in Greece, that we traditionally fly on the Sunday airshow day and Monday. Smaller does mean not that many join-ups, but the star value is absolutely there. In recent years we had the luck and pleasure to welcome the Mirage 2000, Spitfire, C-130, EMB145 radarplane, M346, helicopters, some of the foreign participants,…
And yes that unicorn jet, the F-4 Phantom, did show itself in 5 of the 6 years!!! Always a few surprises here, but good ones!! As the chances to see each of their classic assets slowly but surely dwindle, this 2-day project is also very popular. If you like to come to Greece, don’t wait too long to check for available seats.
Aero Gatineau
The new kid on the block!!
For the first time we will take the Skyvan photoship to the East Coast of Canada, participating in one of the famous airshows this region offers. Gatineau airfield is very close to the capital Ottawa, attracting each year and interesting mix of aircraft. Just like our project in Abbotsford, we will also fly with a number of local stars that week. We expect an ideal mix of vintage, aerobatic, warbirds and military. The beautiful green scenery will for sure add to the photogenic experience.
We have already big friends there, and you should be seriously thickeled to know that both Nolinor and Pratt & Whitney are sponsors of the airshow! You never know which unicorns might show up behind the Skyvan!
To maximize the chances for all photographers, we will offer 2-day packages ( either Wednesday & Thursday OR Friday & Saturday ) and of course the full 4-day project.
Since it is a new ‘big’ project, it also has a smaller pricing!
NATO Days
For many years we were invited to take the Skyvan to the biggest airshow in the Czech Republic, but we couldn’t make it due to the same date as Athens Flying Week. This year we finally make our debut and we are fully pumped for it!
We have an ambitious 3 day program for you, if you look back at what the NATO Days had on the program you know you will be in for a treat! We are already working with the Czech and Slovak Air Force to have some additional flights on Wednesday, but the airshow line-up itself is always stunning, and for sure some highlights in there.
Most of the join-ups will be military, with a good portion of them being jets. It’s a bit like a little RIAT!
The full package offered is for 3 days of flying, but we also have 1-day tickets for the busy Thursday & Friday.
Pacific Airshow
B-1B… we had it for real. For 35 minutes!
Our second corporation with the Pacific Airshow was one of only highlights, just one after the other! While the airshow beachside was plagued with a stubborn layer of fog, up there we had the greatest time of our life. Bizzjets at sunset, vintage aircraft, warbirds and cool beans as the F-22, F-18 and F-35C made the first three days spectacular.
Traditionally we fly out to our warbird friends in Camarillo for the final day of this project, and once again we had the opportunity to capture several of their prime birds in beautiful scenery.
And you know what… we will do it again! With the aircraft we already know are coming, and all the great contacts and meetings we had at the ICAS convention, I would be tempted to spoil some of the big stars and surprises…. but I’m not gonna do so. However, if you like the hardcore aviation action Hollywood style, this is it baby. You gotta be fast again to secure a seat here, as in just 2 years the Pacific Airshow project has become super popular.
We will offer again a 2-day package ( either Wednesday & Thursday OR Friday & Saturday ) and of course the full project with 4 days of flying.
Coulson Helicopter day
While we are at Camarillo, last year the Coulson folks were very interested to fly their helicopters for us, but unfortunately we did not have enough time available to work out something very cool and worthwhile. So for this year we have planned an entire day with the firefighting crews to picture them the best way possible.
They already suggested some great ideas as waterdrops and flying along the Hollywood sign, we are up for that!! This is a 1-day project that could bring us several of their helicopters… and who knows some surprises. It’s an ideal project if you look for something ‘different’ yet spectacular.
The day we fly this project should be Sunday October 5.
Arizona classics
Our season traditionally ends at the homebase of the Skyvan. We invite our flying friends to take part in a day of just joy, fun and flying in that amazing desert scenery they have… and the best sunsets in the world!
The focus is on vintage and warbirds, but everyone is welcome. And so last year we were absolutely spoiled by 16!!! join-ups over 2 sunsets, 1 sunrise and 1 very hot day.
It was not just simple GA aircraft, but helicopters as the JetRanger, AS350, vintage Stearman, L-39, topclass warbirds as Yak-9, Mustang, T-28…and of course this absolutely unbelievable chance to fly a long sunset mission with the world’s only flyable Privateer. This is a non-military project, but just so nice to sharpen your skills with fantastic aircraft set in a western movie scene. We love to do it again, and are working already on some “too good to be true” aircraft!
Arizona military
Our first military day in 2024 brought us the Blue Air PC-9s and very first photo mission for a Slovak F-16. They both opened the door for sooo much more to come. We have made a lot of new and interesting military contacts, and being able to show them what we do has triggered a lot of interest.
We will still plan the Arizona military project as 1-day, but this year it could be three times as big. Ooh, and our Top Aces friends said that we finally should be lucky with their new ‘Blue Flanker’ F-16s!
Also working on some ‘cool beans’ to end our season in style!