Preparation is everything. I anticipated several F16s to pass over Maastricht today. The yearly celebration of Memorial Day ends with a flyover of fighter jets in missing man formation. In this formation 4 planes fly in a V shaped pattern (two planes at the right hand side of the leader).

Two weeks ago I already spotted 4 (or 8 in the end?) F16’s flying in the missing man formation in my backyard. They flew by three times, of which I could make one clear picture. As they flew over the last time they turned right. Of this I also made a picture, which needed heavy editing.

Then today the Dutch Royal Air Force sent 8 F16s to perform 2 missing man formations over a second WW cemetery (of Margraten), where 8000 fallen soldiers are commemorated. Around 16h I started listening in to the tower frequency of the local airport (Maastricht Aachen Airport).

I think that the airspace had been cleared for the ceremony. If I am not mistaken the tower was in continuous connection with military (?) air traffic control. It is amazing how perfectly planned this is. The leader was advised that it would take 5 minutes to fly to the cemetery, as they were in a holding pattern 25 kilometres from the site (over Roermond). They were also advised on directions and heights to fly after the ceremony. Then some controller told them that they would be expected at the site at 1634h. It started off. They were allowed to fly at 500 feet (150 meters). The two planes that swung off were instructed to fly heading 010 (North).

I expected them to fly over Maastricht first, as they seem to have practiced two weeks ago. So, I was waiting with my camera for 30 minutes. Then, I heard they were approaching the cemetery and I switched my camera off. Disappointed. I listened how the squadron leader (?) started counting down and apparently the missing man departed the formation. At exactly1634h. Perfection is everything.

Then, to my surprise… well, two surprises… I heard fighter jets. I grabbed my camera, switched it on, and pushed the zoom handle to the right. Three jets were approaching from the left. I took a picture (that was not focussed enough). Thank God for stabiliser programs… my hands were shaking enormously. I blindly pushed the button to auto focus and capture the planes (I might have failed to auto focus…).

Before I could settle down three other jets appeared on the left. I expected there to be only one formation. There were two! This time I captured two decent pictures. The sound is beyond amazing. It is really impressive, even at low speed.

Imagine, they could have flown to the right (North) immediately after flying the formation. But according to plan, they are instructed to fly around Maastricht, less than 1 km from the Belgian border. Who makes these flight plans? Why this diversion?

I am not sure if you understand my enthusiasm. The pictures are of poor quality. But, it is the anticipation. Perfection. I needed to get this right. And everything fitted together. It (nearly) all worked as I anticipated. I am really satisfied…