Also two Cochabamba based Bolivian Air Force PC-7s from GAC34 were deployed Trompillo, where also based Diablo Rojas UH-1s and single engined Cessnas participated in the exercise.
Four Bolivian T-33s were involved in the BOLBRA I, but due runway works at Trompillo these operated from the International airport Viru-Viru. Two of the T-33s came from GAC31 in La Paz the other two from GAC32 normally based at Trompillo only 15kms away.
Flying from Brazil was an E-99 supplying radar support for the exercise
On my arrival to Trompillo Wednesday at 10 am the morning mission was already in the air. A little later two Tucanos and a PC-7 arrived back al as single ships. Photography was quite challenging as smoke from wildfires currently covers most of Bolivia. Visibility on the Wednesday was around 2-3 km and by far the best of three days I was there.
5936 A-29B Força Aérea Brasileira
5942 A-29B Força Aérea Brasileira
In the afternoon I went to Viru-Viru to catch the Tangos. Here photography was even more difficult as besides the smoke I had to deal with distance and heathaze.
FAB625 T-33A GAC32 and FAB612 T-33A GAC31 in formation take-off. Although quality leaves something to wish for I really like this one…
FAB-625 T-33A GAC32 diplays its Tiger tail. Why is this one not invited to the Tigermeet at Volkel
Thursday it was back to Trompillo to catch the departure of the morning mission in decent light but still with the smoke. If you look carefully (at least in the original photos) you will see both the Tucanos and Pilatus’ are flown with mixed Bolivian/Brazilian crew.
5936 A-29B Força Aérea Brasileira
5942 A-29B Força Aérea Brasileira
FAB-467 PC-7 GAC34
FAB-467 PC-7 GAC34
Tucs and Pilatus’ lining-up
Friday Grupo Aereo de Caza 32 hosted a small static display at Trompillo, unfortunately smoke was terrible that morning with under 1 km visibility. Luckily I could close but it was still quite bad for photos.
5944 A-29B Força Aérea Brasileira, the last of the Brazilian visitors
FAB-626 T-33A GAC32, was not part of the exercise but stand-in for its brothers at Viru-Viru
Tango and Tucanos
FAB-745 UH-1H Fuerza Aerea Boliviana/Diablos Rojos/DOS Air Wing
During my days in Santa Cruz I also managed to shoot some lights and trainers including the new Diamond DA40s.
FAB-521 DA40 Fuerza Aerea Boliviana “La Paz”
FAB-521 DA40 Fuerza Aerea Boliviana “Oruro” although name is only on lefthand side
FAB-504 T-25 Fuerza Aerea Boliviana
FAB-505 T-25 Fuerza Aerea Boliviana
FAB-366 Cessna 206, former drug rummer and now posing as such during BOLBRA I
FAB-326 Cessna 206 Fuerza Aerea Boliviana/Diablos Rojos
FAB-320 Cessna 206 Fuerza Aerea Boliviana, was also around but no idea if it was part of the exercise
That was all, hope it was of interest to someone…..
All the best, Michael
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