BOSCHH makes video!

BOSCHH MAKES VIDEO

My first steps in video are a fact.

I have been taking photos for 37 years now. Never once have I considereddoing video as well. But ever since DSLR’s and now mirrorless cameras come equipped with amazing video capabilities, I started noticing that I was trying to make short videosmore and more.

So a few weeks ago I bit the bullet and bought a proper video tripod with a fluid head and a microphone with deadcat to be able to record sound properly in windy situations as well. 

Making video is so very different than taking photos. You have to anticipate way better. If you do somehting wrong you ruin the entire movie, whereas if you miss one photo, you do not ruin the entire sequence. Furthermore there are many settings you need to change compared to photo, from exposure to autofocus. 

Lastly it takes a lot of time and practice to get the panning right. Sometimes you are bale to make a silky smooth pan and at the end you wobble up or down, effectively ruining the shot.

All in all, it is so good to try something new once in a while. I am really enjoying it and committed to keep trying to be better.

Axalp Airshow 2025 is cancelled

The Axalp airshow 2025 has been cancelled. The Swiss Defense Ministry has confirmed this to Swiss television station SRF on 27 January 2024. The announcement comes after an earlier statement that the Airspirit24 airshow, that came in place of the Axalp 2024 Airshow, will also not take place.

Cost reductions

The reason for the cancellation of Axalp 2025 is the current financial situation of the Swiss Army. They face higher costs and will only get extra budget from 2028 onwards. Until that time strict and drastic cost reductions are necessary.

The future of the Axalp Airshow

Some enthousiasts fear that there is a risk that the Axalp Airshow will never return. The fact that extra budget will only be available in 2028 also fuels fears that 2023 might just as well have been the last Axalp all together. After all, money that is not there right now will also not be there in 2026 and 2027. And this decision may well follow a sad trend that many air forces face: Extremely high costs for organising public events while budgets can hardly grow. 

Stay up to date about the Axalp Airshow

Wether we have seen the last of the Axalp Airshow remains to be seen obviously. And at this point I also am hopeful that we will see the event return. If you want to stay up to date about the developments of the Axalp Airshow make sure to visit The Axalp Guide. Here you will always find up to date information about the Axalp Airshow

READ THE AXALP GUIDE

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Links

  • You can find the original announcement of the Swiss Air Force here
  • If you have any questions or remarks feel free to contact me through the contact form or through Instagram @boschhmedia
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The Concorde story is now live

THE CONCORDE ARTICLE

IS NOW LIVE

Concorde close up of the nose section

ALL MY MEMORIES IN ONE CONCORDE STORY

Today I have published a new story about all my memories of Concorde. I have been lucky to see the Concorde fly on many occassions. I have bunlded these memories in a new aviation story available on Boschh.com

The story of the Concorde

The Concorde, an iconic symbol of aviation, was a supersonic passenger airliner developed and produced by Aérospatiale and the British Aircraft Corporation. Its maiden flight was on March 2, 1969, and it began commercial service on January 21, 1976, with Air France and British Airways as its main operators.

The Concorde was celebrated for its remarkable speed, capable of reaching up to Mach 2.04 (2,180 km/h; 1,354 mph) at an altitude of 60,000 feet (18,300 meters). It set a record for the fastest transatlantic flight, completing the journey in just under 3 hours.

Despite its technological achievements, the Concorde faced challenges due to its noise levels and high operating costs. These factors limited its service and led to its retirement in 2003. Nevertheless, the Concorde continues to be revered as a testament to human ingenuity and international collaboration.

Hope you like it! Let me know what you think.

READ THE STORY

NOW LIVE The KLM Boeing 747 photo article

Shortly after I have published my GLV V low fly area article last month. I have now been able to finish my Photo article about the KLM 747.

No plane in the history of KLM has done more for the expansion it has gone through since the 1970’s than the Boeing 747. Introduced with KLM in 1971, the Boeing 747 has brought aviation within the reach of the masses. 

KLM has operated most of the 747 types for almost 5 decades. But due due to the COVID pandemic KLM saw itself forced to take all Passenger 747’s out of service. This article is a homage to the Queen of the Skies in the service of KLM.

View Boeing 747 photo article

The Classic 747’s at KLM 

KLM took delivery of the first Boeing 747-206B on 31 January 1971. The KLM Boeing 747-206B was laid out in a two-class configuration for 353 passengers: 32 in Royal Class and 321 in economy. The seven oldest KLM Boeing 747-200’s retired from service once the 747-400 were delivered. All the more recently delivered Boeing 747-200 series were modified with a stretched upper deck in the 1980’s, they left KLM service in 2003 when the Boeing 777 was delivered. 

The Boeing 747-400 at KLM 

The first KLM Boeing 747-400 (PH-BFA “City of Atlanta”) was delivered to KLM in 1989. KLM used 22 Passenger and Combi versions until 2020. KLM withdrew the aircraft from service from service hastily in March 2020 after the COVID pandemic hit the world. 4 747-400 Combi planes continued to fly cargo services to Seoul, Shanghai and Beijing until the end of the summer schedule. Currently 3 Boeing 747-400ERF cargo aircraft remain in KLM service.

View Boeing 747 photo article

The Axalp Guide 2022 is live

The Axalp Guide 2022 live. The Axalp Guide is an extensive guide with all the information and tips you will need for an unforgettable visit to the Axalp Fliegerschiessen Airshow. Not only have I included a description of getting to the official spots. There is also information on how to get to the alternative spots like Wildgärst.

READ THE AXALP GUIDE

The Axalp Guide 2022 consists of six pages with information on the following subjects:

The Swiss Air Force provide complete accurate information in the build up to the Axalp Airshow. Still I get many questions about the Axalp Airshow throughout the year. That is why I decided to get all the information out of my head and on this site. I have used my experience of visiting Axalp Fliegerschiessen for 15 years to share with you all the useful Axalp information that I could think of.

Not only will you find tips for the many photo locations at Axalp, but I also shared some tips on where to stay and how to get there. Apart from that I have included a check list on things you should and could take when you climb the mountain. Apart from that I have shared some useful tips if you are taking photos.

So, go ahead and use the Axalp Guide to prepare in the best way for the Axalp Airshow. The Axalp Fliegerschiessen Airshow is an amazing event that should be on every avgeeks bucket list in my opinion. Careful preparation will help you get the most out of your visits in Switzerland. I truly hope that the Axalp Guide 2022 will help you with this.

If you have any questions or remarks about this report. Feel free to contact me through the contact form or through Instagram @boschmedia

@BOSCHHMEDIA ON INSTAGRAM

GLV V Low Fly Area photo report

The GLV V Photo report is live!

In the past two years I have paid many visits to the GLV V low fly area. Now I have made a GLV V photo report. GLV V is one of a dozen low fly areas in The Netherlands. It is located on the Oirschotse Heide near Eindhoven Air Force Base. The large sand plates and dense forest make the area very attractive for practising brown out landings, troop extractions and confined landings.

VIEW THE GLV V PHOTO REPORT

Dutch Air Force Helicopter Types at GLV V

The best aspect of GLV V is that the area is publicly accessible. Enthusiasts can observe all the action from a relatively close distance. Therefore the GLV V has become a very popular destination for Military Aviation enthousiasts over the years. Seeing Chinooks perform brown out landings from close by is nothing short of amazing. That is exactly what you will get at GLV V Low Fly Area. A mix of forest, heath fields and sand plains that forms an amazing blend with the DHC helicopters based at Gilze Rijen Air Force Base.

ll Dutch military helicopter operations are grouped in the DHC. DHC stands for Defence Helicopter Command. DHC currently operates the following helicopters:

  • Boeing AH-64D Apache

  • Boeing CH-47F MYII CAAS Chinook

  • Eurocopter AS532 Cougar

  • NH Industries NH90

The first three Dutch helicopter types operate from Gilze Rijen Air Force Base and can be seen on a daily basis at GLV V. The NH90 makes occasional appearances.

Boeing CH-47D Chinook helicopter at the GLV V low fly area near Oirschot

Spotting an Photography Tips for GLV V

In the GLV V Photo Report you can see all aspects of training that the DHC conducts in this area. On top of that I have included all the hints and spotting tips you need for visiting the area including where to park your car and how to get the best photos of the helicopters at GLV V.

GLV V is an amazing place to visit, and I can highly recommend paying a visit if you have time. Make sure to read my hints and tips to the area to optimise your chances of nice pictures. If you have any remarks or questions, do get in touch. Enjoy!

VIEW THE GLV V PHOTO REPORT
Boeing AH-64 Apache in the snow

AXALP Fliegerschiessen 2022 on 19 & 20 October 2022

The Axalp Fliegerschiessen 2022 Airshow will take place later one week later than its usual date this year, just as last year. Axalp Fliegerschiessen is the yearly live shooting event of the Swiss Air Force at the Axalp Ebenflüh Shooting Range near Axalp. The event is planned on:

  • Wednesday 19 October 2022
  • Thursday 20 October 2022.
  • Tuesday 18 October 2022 (Training Day)

Below you will find a link to the Axalp Guide. In the Axalp Guide I will keep you up to date with all the practical information about Axalp Fliegerschiessen and give you all the tips I have learned over the years. If you click the other link you will see my special Axalp photo gallery.

Read The AXALP GUIDE
VIEW AXALP PHOTO GALLERY

Swiss Air Force displays

The shooting event is officially called Axalp Flugvorführungen der Schweizer Luftwaffe (Swiss Air Force Displays). Like 2021, Axalp 2022 will take place in the second week of October.

More information on the 2022 Axalp airshow

  • The Swiss Armed Forces will inform you of any update on the Axalp Airshow on this page
  • I have created a special feature story that gives a good impression of the special nature of the Axalp Airshow
  • I have just released an Extensive Axalp Guide with all that there is to know about the Axalp Airshow. Check it out!

Covid measures during Axalp 2022

Currently all COVID measures in Switzerland are lifted. This means that you are basically free to go as you please. Obviously I do not know what COVID rules will apply for Axalp ’22 in October. As a reference: Axalp 2021 took place under the following COVID rules:

  • A COVID certificate was required for those over the age of 16 (3-G, meaning: vaccinated, recovered or tested). 
  • Masks had to be be worn in vehicles (which means the bus, helicopter -for the lucky few- as well as the ski lift) and indoors.
  • There were no COVID test facilities on site.

Axalp 2022 tickets

Currently I do not have information on 2022 ticket prices. Based on 2021 prices, the price for parking , the bus ticket and the chairlfit will be around CHF 55.- per day. A PAsse partout is usually available for arond CHF 90.-

In 2021 number of visitors was limited to a maximum of 4,000 per day, and  2,000 on the training day due to COVID restrictions.

  • Tickets for shuttle services and the chairlift could only be purchased from ticketino.ch
  • It was not possible to buy tickets on site on the day itself as in the past.
  • Tickets could also be purchased at the booking offices listed at www.ticketino.com

Swiss Air Force looking to buy heavy lift helicopters

The Swiss Army is considering purchasing large helicopters (such as the Boeing Chinook and Sikorsky King Stalion). The Swiss want to broaden the capability of doing peace keeping missions abroad. The Swiss heavy lift helicopters are planned to enter service in the second half of the decade. Part of the purchase is aimed at replacing the ageing Aerospatiale Super Pumas.

Heavy lift Helicopters for peace keeping missions

The Swiss Air Force and Swiss Army heavily rely on their current fleet of Aérospatiale AS332M1 Super Puma, Eurocopter AS532UL Cougar Mk1 and the Eurocopter EC-635 helicopter fleet for logistics, SAR and troop transport. But especially the Super Puma fleet is starting to age and will need replacement in the coming decade. The Swiss government wants to participate in peace keeping missions more in the coming decade. But the current fleet of Éurocopter Cougars and Super Pumas is not fully equipped to fulfil all the requirements for demanding missions abroad. Viola Amherd, Head of the Swiss Federal Defence Department, has indicated that as part of the replacement of the Super Pumas, Switzerland is considering to Swiss heavy lift Helicopters.

Heavy lift helicopters as replacement for ageing Super Pumas

At this moment it is unclear how many helicopters will be procured, but the plan is for them to enter service towards the end of this decade. The Air Force currently has a total 45 helicopters divided over 3 types:

  • Aérospatiale AS332M1 Super Puma (15)

  • Eurocopter AS532UL Cougar Mk1 (10)

  • Eurocopter EC-635 (20)

Swiss Heavy lift helicopter Boeing CH-47 Chinook flying over the Berner Oberland
Swiss Boeing CH-47 Chinook flying over the Berner Oberland. Picture © 2021 Martin Boschhuizen

Chinook or Stallion or…

The new helicopters are intended to replace part of the Super Puma that are all over 30 years old. The longlist of a large helicopter as a replacement is rather however. The only available helicopters in the world are the Boeing CH-47F Chinook and the Sikorsky CH-53K King Stallion. Both offer formidable capabilities but are also expensive with the Chinook costing USD 100 Million per aircraft and the CH-53K USD 130 Million. Especially considering the fact that the Swiss have shown in the past that procurement of military material is not a simple process, with many Swiss voters being critical of the need of these procurements. Some projects like the acquisition of the Saab Gripen fighter have been cancelled altogether after the Swiss voted against it in a referendum. As a sneak peak of what might be I have included a photo composition of a Swiss Boeing CH-47F Chinook over Axalp in the Berner Oberland.

AXALP Fliegerschiessen 2021 on 20 & 21 October 2021

Axalp Fliegerschiessen 2021, the yearly live shooting event of the Swiss Air Force at the Ebenfluh Shooting Range near Axalp in 2021 will take place later one week later than its usual date this year. The event is planned on Wednesday 20 October 2021 and Thursday 21 October 2021. The training day will take place on Tuesday 19 October 2021. Going with the current communication by the Swiss Army the event is  planned to take place with certain COVID measures in place that are mentioned below.Read More

Schiphol photo exhibition features photo of Martin Boschhuizen

In the recently opened pop-up Schiphol photo exhibition, Martin Boschhuizen features with one of his pictures made in 2015. The exhibition that opened on 12 April 2021 in the E-Pier at Amsterdam Airport Schiphol features photos from a small group of hardcore aviation photographers. I was one of the photographers that was selected to feature a photo in the exhibition. On Friday April 16th I had the pleasure of visiting the exhibition. 

My photo in the exhibition

Schiphol has selected a photo that I took in 2015 of a Martinair MD11  in the snow. At that moment it was taxiing towards the Sierra apron on taxiway Victor after having landed a few minutes earlier as MP1158 from South America on the Polderbaan.

This picture is a good example why I love to take pictures in the Haarlemmermeerpolder. The desolate character of the flatter than flat polder, intersected only by a line of trees that have grown to one side because of the wind.

And then, that MD11 that breaks this abstract scene. Almost ads a human element with her characteristic appearance and cockpit windows. These images often wander around in my head for a long time before everything falls into place. The thin layer of snow only ads to the motive. 

A martinair MD11 taxxiing in the snow at Schiphol

Inspiring travellers to connect with Schiphol

The aim of the exposition is to inspire travellers,according to Schiphol. The photos portray how we -as avgeeks and photographers- experience the airport and aircraft. But also how this connects us with Schiphol.

For me, the exhibition is a beautiful summary of what makes aviation photography so special to me. Enduring wind, rain and cold. Getting up in the middle of the night, planning and persevering. All to get that perfect shot. The exhibition can be enjoyed up until the end of June. 

Relevant links about the Schiphol Photo Exhibition and Martin Boschhuizen

  • News item on the Schiphol Photo Exhibition on schiphol.nl here
  • Have a look at more Martin boschhuizen photos over the years here
  • Borader collection of Martinair photos made by Martin Boschhuizen here