Behind the lens: A day at Air Base No. 8

Maceda, Ovar - July 20, 2025

I woke up before sunrise, with that excitement that only open base days can bring. For those like me, who live with their heads in the clouds and a camera on their shoulder, AB No.8 Open Day is more than just a visit—it's another opportunity to get up close to what moves us: planes, the military, technical details, and the spirit of the Portuguese Air Force.

Arrival and atmosphere

As soon as we passed through the gate of Air Base No. 8 and arrived at the exhibition area, the atmosphere spoke for itself. The sound of loudspeakers, the smell of aviation fuel mixed with the aroma of street food trucks, and the constant buzz of the crowd between the exhibition areas, flight simulators, and demonstration zones created a vibrant and unique atmosphere.

Although visitors were greeted by gray skies upon arrival - a reflection of the rain that fell during the night—this did not discourage the nearly 32,000 visitors who made their way to Maceda. And it's a good thing they did: throughout the morning, the clouds dissipated and the day turned into a true summer classic, with clear skies and excellent visibility for those who had their eyes on the skies.

As a photographer, I take advantage of these early moments to get my bearings and prepare the ground: I analyze the position of the sun and how it will evolve throughout the day, identify strategic points for photographing the flying displays, and confirm the schedule of demonstrations. My backpacks are loaded with lenses, filters, memory cards, and... that combination of patience and quick reflexes that so often determines the success of an image.

With the arrival of the sun and heat, many visitors seek shade under the giant P-3.

Lords of the skies – Aerial demonstrations

UH 60 Black Hawk – The Flying Panther

The demonstration of the UH-60 Black Hawk, operated by the 551 Squadron - “Panteras”, the home squadron, was one of the highlights of the day. Although it was only a flight demonstration, without maneuvers with suspended loads or operations with the Bambi Bucket, the helicopter impressed with several low-altitude passes and wide turns that tore through the skies of Maceda with power and elegance. The imposing silhouette of the Black Hawk and the deep sound of its rotors certainly left many visitors with their eyes in the air and their mouths open - it was a true visual spectacle for aviation lovers.

A sideways pass showing its colors, recorded at 1/25 of a second

An artistic way to record the greetings of System Operators, at 1/25 of a second

F-16 Fighting Falcon – Speed and Roar

The performance of the pair of F-16AM/BMs from 201 Squadrons - “Falcons” and 301 - “Jaguars” was undoubtedly one of the highlights of the day. The two aircraft, which were on QRA (Quick Reaction Alert) standby, opened the demonstration with the now classic flypast behind the audience, a maneuver well known to us spotters, and yet... we still insist on being taken by surprise. The sudden sound, the afterburner roar, and the almost stealthy approach continue to be a punch in the chest - in the best sense.

This was followed by close formation flybys, wide turns, and some fast low-altitude flybys, with the characteristic sound signature of the Portuguese Falcons. To close, a symbolic moment with great operational significance: a formation flyby with the KC-390, representing an air escort mission - a powerful image that linked generations of Air Force capabilities.

For the photographer, capturing an F-16 crossing the sky with that controlled aggressiveness requires technique, instinct, and... a little faith. But when the click is right, the result is breathtaking.

F-16 climbing with active afterburner and visible vapor cone at the base of the fuselage, captured at 400mm with continuous tracking.

P-3C CUP+ Orion – The sentinel of the seas

The P-3C CUP+ Orion from 601 Squadron - “Lobos” made an appearance at BA8 with a series of flyovers that showcased not only the aircraft’s grandeur, but also its efficiency and operational relevance.

In one of the flyovers, the Orion appeared with one of its engines shut down – a common practice in real long-duration maritime patrol missions, used to reduce fuel consumption and increase range. A technical detail that few notice, but which says a lot about the doctrine and realism with which these aircraft operate.

"The Belly of the Beast"

We also had the opportunity - unusual at these events - to closely follow the positioning of the aircraft in the static display. We witnessed a moment of pure operational coordination, in which a member of the Ground Crew guided the P-3C pilot with precise gestures, aligning the aircraft for parking in the exhibition area. A discreet but meaningful choreography that reveals the professionalism involved in each operation.

"The Wolf Handler"

Later, we also followed the pre-flight checks and the start-up process, with the characteristic sound of the engines coming to life in sequence. These moments, normally reserved for behind the scenes, are real gifts for those who observe carefully and understand what each stage represents.

To conclude its participation in the event - and in a kind of solemn farewell - the P-3C CUP+ Orion made one last low pass over the audience, imposing and prolonged, in a gesture that drew applause and emotional glances. An exit worthy of the name it bears and the mission it represents. No one was left indifferent.

TB-30 Epsilon – Discipline in training

The TB-30 Epsilon aircraft of 101 Squadron - “Roncos” impressed in a demonstration of maneuverability and technique, with coordinated passes and tight turns that revealed the agility and capability of this basic training aircraft.

Although it is a modestly sized aircraft with a discreet profile, the Epsilon has an absolutely fundamental mission: to train the pilots of tomorrow. It is in this aircraft that Air Force Academy cadets take their first steps in military flight, learn the fundamentals of piloting, and develop the discipline necessary to one day transition to more complex aircraft such as the F-16 or KC-390.

Its presence at BA8 is always symbolic. It represents the beginning of a demanding journey of great responsibility, and seeing these aircraft in action - with young pilots at the controls - is like watching the future of the Air Force take shape, one maneuver at a time.

KC-390: The giant that took many people flying for the first time

The KC-390 from 506 Squadron - “Rinocerontes” was present during Open Base Day, being responsible for the baptisms of flight - one of the most eagerly awaited activities for many visitors. This tactical and strategic transport aircraft, a true benchmark of the Portuguese Air Force's projection capability, provided dozens of people with the unique opportunity to experience military flight firsthand.

For many, it was their first contact with the interior of an operational aircraft on a mission, and the beginning of a memory that will surely last a lifetime. Seeing this colossus operating up close, with its robust profile and silently imposing performance, was a spectacle in itself, reinforcing the image of modernity and global reach of the Air Force.

The Farewell Low Pass of 506 SQD

On the flight line – Static display and soul on the ground

The static display area was a real source of experiences for all tastes, offering plenty to observe, photograph, and learn - both for the more technical and the general public. In addition to the aeronautical aspect, the event featured several interactive activities and operational demonstrations. Visitors were able to try out a car rollover simulator and watch K9 teams perform demonstrations. The Assistance and Rescue Section was present to showcase its mission and capabilities, reinforcing the importance of vital support in a military context.

At the center of the exhibition was the Air Force static display, one of the most visited and appreciated parts of the Open Base Day. Visitors had the opportunity to get a close look at some of the aircraft and equipment that are part of the Force's daily routine. The UH-60 Black Hawk stood out, made available for public visits, allowing direct contact with this important platform. The F-16 was on display for viewing and photography, as were the P-3C CUP+ Orion and the TB-30 Epsilon, which were part of the static area after their aerial performances.

The public was also able to see the Alpha Jet and the veteran Alouette III, aircraft that marked different eras of Portuguese military aviation. In addition to the aircraft, there was space to showcase the more technical and specialized side of the Air Force, with a stand from the Nuclear, Radiological, Biological, and Chemical Defense Center (NRBQ) and an exhibit from the Air Police, which presented various equipment and weapons used in its missions - a demonstration of its operational capacity and security.

Inside the hangar, the atmosphere was lively thanks to a virtual reality (VR) flight simulator, which attracted curious visitors of all ages, providing an immersive cockpit experience. Also in this space, the area dedicated to the Air Force Recruitment Center allowed those interested in joining the military to ask all their questions directly to those who guide future military personnel.

As is now tradition, several exhibitors and civil associations were also present, among which the CAAA - Clube Aveirense de Automóveis Antigos (Aveiro Vintage Car Club) stood out. As in previous editions, it brought an impressive collection of classic vehicles, much appreciated by both nostalgic and curious visitors. The Airsoft S.O.G. 13 team also made a dynamic appearance, setting up a shooting range and an obstacle course where visitors could safely try out the basics of this sport.

To complete the civil and training component, two aviation schools were present: Nortávia and Aeroclube do Porto, each bringing an aircraft representative of their fleet, showcasing the training and recreational flight side.

This diversity of exhibitors and aircraft, combined with the possibility of direct interaction, transformed the static exhibition into a true showcase of aviation and the capabilities of the Air Force, in an environment that delighted both enthusiasts and the general public.

Beyond the lens

I left AB No.8 with a good number of shots taken. My face and arms marked by the sun, my ears ringing with the sound of engines, but my heart full.

This was not just another day at work. It was a day of connection - between generations, between sky and earth, between technique and passion. But also between people.

On these open base days, there is a kind of reunion that doesn't happen anywhere else. It was good to see so many fellow spotters again, many of them friends we only meet at these events, always with cameras slung over their shoulders, exchanging tips, laughter, and stories from other runways, other bases. We shared strategic positions, bottles of water, and that genuine enthusiasm when a Falcon passes right where we wanted it to - and we all know the value of those little moments.

It was also special to meet again some military personnel with whom I have had the privilege of working on other projects - familiar faces among the helmets, vests, and behind the scenes of aviation. Reunions that bring mutual respect, memories of missions, and that quick chat between one demonstration and another, where you feel that we are all part of the same passion, even though we are on different sides of the lens.

It was a full day. A day when the Portuguese Air Force showed that it continues to fly high - not only in the skies, but in the hearts of those who follow, photograph, and admire it.

🎖️ See you next year, BA8!