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Updated 27AUG10
Chino, Slovakia, Hungary & Emmen Pics.
See China Tour Changes & 2011 Tours.
Click pics above
to see trip reports
PROVIDING TOURS FOR THE AVIATION ENTHUSIAST FOCUSED ON HIGH STANDARDS AND VALUE FOR MONEY
Every effort is made to ensure that the information displayed is accurate. Travel arrangements
should not be made solely on the basis of information given here.
Want to see, photograph or fly in exotic aircraft? This non-profit making Society's purpose is to assist aviation enthusiasts
in enjoying the large variety of aviation facilities and activities around the world. We arrange aviation tours and holidays, visiting
airports, aircraft museums, military airplane establishments and airshows worldwide, with an emphasis on aviation photography. Membership
of the Society is open to any aviation enthusiast from any country who wishes to join and support the aims of the Society.
The Society's tours and visits are organised in co-operation with bonded travel agents, and designed to satisfying the
aviation enthusiast's aspirations. The Society is generally able to achieve much more as a group than individuals could
achieve travelling on their own, and draws on a wealth of contacts throughout the world.
BAES Statistics -
In the last ten years BAES groups have visited 40 different countries (21 European and 19 others, including 32 US States and 9 Canadian
Provinces).
In the same period BAES members have flown in 252 different aircraft types (193 excluding airliners). One member has flown in 125 types
whilst on BAES tours.
The BRITISH AVIATION ENTHUSIASTS SOCIETY
28a Frogmore Lane,
Lovedean
Waterlooville, Hants. P08 9QL
Tel/Fax:0044(0)2392 421903
Email: mail@baes.org.uk
Membership to the Society is open to any aviation enthusiast from any country who wishes to join and support the aims of the Society.
ENCOURAGING LASTING FRIENDSHIPS FOR THE BENEFIT OF AVIATION ENTHUSIASTS
Click below for the list of tours.
All tours are offered on a first come first served basis.
If you are interested contact Tel/Fax:0044(0)2392 421903
FULL TOURS always have an English speaking guide who is also a Society Member, understands what members want to achieve, and has been fully briefed on the
arrangements booked.
SMALL GROUP TRIPS(those with stars) are a co-operative venture by those going along, with one member taking the lead. Small group trips are normally dependent on at least one member
volunteering to be a driver when a hire car is required. A planned route and proposed itinerary are provided, along with transport and accomodation arrangements.
If you are interested in any of the listed tours or trips, have any questions or need information regarding tours please do not hesitate to contact BAES where we will do our utmost to assist you. Tel/Fax:0044(0)2392 421903
2010
Emmen
Paul Chapman -
Very good trip well organised with excellent accommodation. More short duration trips like this are welcome to members who have limited leave availability.
Hungary
Roger Bartley -
many thanks for organising an great weekend to a brilliant airshow. As usual a well organised trip.
Reg Warren -
good weekend airshow trip well led by Graham, good idea to leave the show early on Sunday to beat the crowds after a full day on Saturday.
Graham Spicer -
Much better than hoped for trip, content, price and company excellent. Could only be bettered by cheap beer!
Dave Bowers -
Good tour content with excellent hotels well positioned. Could do with more time on arrivals day and not leaving early on Sunday.
Albania
Lee Marsh -
Very well organised trip, Haxhi and John could not have been better. I would recommend BAES to others as good value for money.
Jason French -
Good value trip well led, a very good trip. Will go with BAES again and recommend them.
Stuart Greer -
Excellent good value trip meeting my expectations, with an excellent tour guide. Will recommend BAES tours to my friends.
Phil Adkin -
Many thanks for a fantastic trip, it was a real pleasure. Good value trip, it was everything that was expected. We did not get into the cavern at Kucove which was a shame but it was a military trip and we were in their hands.
Eire
Arnold Garside -
Good Value for Money although expectations not met due to the airshow cancellations however still a good tour thanks to Alan changing the tour content at short notice.
Reg Warren -
Very good trip even though the airshows were cancelled after booking.
Chino
Ray Draper -
Very good tour, pity no base visits but I understand why not,. Few problems with hotels but sorted out by Paul. I appreciated the ease with which my trip was organised by yourselves thank you.
Ed Mason -
Very good trip would have liked some base visits but out of your hands. Good accommodation and transportation. Good value trip.
Ken Otani -
Thank you very much for BAES doing me such a great favour for Chino and California Tour.
Werner Banninger -
Chino was a good BAES trip with an excellent guide in Paul Hodges. Good VFM and well recommended to other enthusiasts.
Reunion
Geordie Nairn -
Just a line or two to say thanks for a great weekend during the recent BAES reunion. The hard work that went into organising it was much appreciated. All
the best.
Peter Hall -
I would just like to say a very big thankyou for a quite superb weekend in Germany. I had a great time. All the visits were very good and intresting.
The hotel was top quality and with excellent food.
Colin Burgess -
Just a quick note to say any, many thanks to you and Deryn for a great Reunion. The museums were excellent, the bus drivers, real characters and the banter
was great.
Sun n Fun
Clive Collins -
On the whole I was satisfied with the way it went, my only negative comment would be about....the wasted day travelling all the way across to Jacksonville
for nothing. With regards to Terry's running of the trip it could not have been better...
Morocco trip
Paul R -
Very good trip achieving what was advertised and more. Escort catered for needs of photographers and spotters well. Will recommend BAES to others. Well
done Alan good trip.
Stephen Brennan -
A good trip with the day touring Casablanca and Rabat. Only two days are needed at the show. Good quality trip value for money.
Peter Davison -
A good trip although could have been better if permissions from the Chief of Staff had been arranged to see aircraft in the base (and other
bases). Would have been good to be there for the opening day.
Roy Crew -
Thanks also for the trip organisation, it was all I had hoped for.....Good variety of aircraft, loads of sunshine and a little bit of sightseeing.
Dave Bowers -
Very Good Tour, base tours would be good for another time. Well done Alan and Paul, I enjoyed every minute.
2009
Malaysia trip
Bert Stil -
Basic itinerary looked very good, air show and base visits with a museum and touristy things thrown in. Visits were far shorter than planned
and problems taking photographs. The tour content was excellent and the majority of hotels were very good, I will do more military trips with
BAES especially photographic tours.
Ian French -
While the tour was good, I was expecting more photo access. John did however have problems making contact with the RMAF Liaison Officer. There
did not seem to be any back up plan if things went wrong (as they did). I enjoyed the tour and will book with BAES again.
Simon Grigor -
Difficulties with photographs at bases, as with all military trips there is a 'risk', John tried his best to rescue the situation. He put in
extra visits not on the itinerary - excellent. Unfortunately not up to the usual BAES standard.
Les Bushell -
Appears to be a lot of confusion re photographing aircraft on the bases. Couldn't fault the coaches, coach captain, and guides. Overall - I
enjoyed myself; the trip was well planned - even though it didn't go off as planned. I would go on another trip.
Stephen Brennan
This trip was below the normal BAES standard I am used to, it did not appear to be well coordinated with the RMAF.
Serbia trip
David Bowers -
A good trip although the display line was a long way from the crowd; however perhaps future trips here should have extra time to attend
the rehearsals day and base visits if possible.
Serbia and Poland
BAES Member -
Both trips were good but time for sight seeing would have been welcomed.
Canada
Arnold Garside -
Excellent trip, fortunate to have been able to fit in two extra air shows, helped by the transport used. Alan up to usual excellent job.
CWH treated us very well, unfortunate some aircraft went unserviceable but a big thanks to them. Great value for money.
Mark Salter -
The tour had something for everyone, flying, museums, air shows and sightseeing. Alan managed to arrange some unique flying opportunities
and he worked very hard to ensure the tour ran smoothly including arranging the additional extras like the two airshows not originally
planned. It would be hard to improve on the trip, a well organised and enjoyable tour with BAES providing flying opportunities in aircraft
not offered by other group tours.
Olympic and Canada
Barry Scott -
Excellent trips with a good balance of activities and free time with great opportunities for flying, Alan managed a potentially difficult
job with his usual efficiency, good humour and the occasional beer. Expectations were exceeded and great value for money - I can not see
how the excellent content of the BAES trips and the high standard of accommodation could possibly be done for less. Looking forward to
2010 (bank manager permitting).
Olympic FLight Museum and western Washington.
Mike Green -
Port Townsend was a gem, fancy flying in (and flying) a Stinson Detroiter and six others! Then theres Olympia itself WOW again. Where
else in only six days could you have got 21 flights, 14 in new types. All at a very reasonable price. I've never known anybody so good at
chatting up aircraft owners to organise flights as Alan Key.
Mark Salter -
A superb tour with some unique opportunities for flying in unusual aircraft. As always , it was extremely well organised. This tour
more than met the very high standards I have come to expect from BAES trips. As always , Alan worked very hard to ensure everyone got
what they wanted , and he even managed to arrange some extras which were not on the itinerary.I would highly recommend BAES to anyone
who enjoys flying in classic aircraft. No other tour group can offer the quality and variety of flying opportunities that BAES does.
Trev Bartlett -
People talk of the "WOW" factor, but everything that was planned by Alan and BAES worked so well that over a week since leaving Seattle
I still have a smile on my face. The fact that everything as advertised was available, the weather remained good and there was a
smattering of unexpected flights (Widgeon, Ercoupe etc.), made this trip truly special. Flying in rare and vintage aeroplanes will
always have a relatively high price. Yes, to spend $900 on the Huskie is a lot of money, but compare this to the hire cost of a PA-28
in the UK, or the enjoyment of the flight itself (not to mention the photographic opportunities), and the cost is certainly not
unreasonable. In addition the fact that the team at Olympic put so much effort in making each and everyone of us happy made it even more
special. When I flew in the Zero Replica, apart from Bud Granley, there were five ground crew in attendance! This type of aviation
certainly does not come cheap! To be honest I think it was as close to perfection as was humanly possible. I am looking forward to the
next visit! Once again a big thank you for all that you did for us
Barry Scott -
The flying opportunities presented are not readily available anywhere else (nor are they offered with such enthusiasm!) The success of
the tour is directly proportional to the effort that the Tour Guide puts in – Thanks Alan. I can’t think of any practical way
in which this tour could have been improved. I am looking forward to the next visit to our friends in Washington State.
2008
Czech Air Show.
Paul Hodges -
Excellent tour with very good accommodation and transportation. A great show.
Hungarian Weekend
Stephen Brennan -
I saw the trip on the website. A good trip, very good accommodation and transport. There was some confusion regarding the meeting
together in Budapest and some time was lost however, Paul was well prepared and all the objectives were achieved.
Czech Weekend
Geoff Jenkins -
Excellent trip enjoyed by all, Kbely, Slovacke Letecke and Nadace Letecke Museums good but the Zrac Air Park was not worth the
long journey with aircraft in a very poor state. Very good hotels and transport with good drivers. An extra day to tour Prague
would be a good idea for future trips to the show.
Canada Weekend Lancaster Flight
Geoff Monahan -
A very good weekend even though the weather let us down. The main attraction, the Lancaster Flight was completed. Terry was an
excellent guide and chauffeur what more could you want. Another well organised BAES trip, thanks to Alan for arranging this extra weekend trip for the flight.
Olympic Flight Museum
Paul Gower -
Excellent tour always plenty to see around the Seattle area but lots of surprises also. Brian Reynolds and the crew seem to have
done more for us this time than on my previous visit in 2004. Very good value (except for airline fuel charges), we covered a lot
of ground in a short time thanks to Deryn and Alan, he always works hard to make tours the success that they are.
Mike Green -
Excellent tour all round great value for money. Can we repeat it next year please!
OFM & Canada
Ian McAllister -
Very good trip overall including accommodation and transportation with the Rockies train journey a real bonus. I enjoyed being back
in Canada and would recommend BASES trips to all my friends.
Pete Townsend -
A good mix of aircraft, flying and sight seeing, always something more than advertised. Where does Alan get his energy. Good value
for money although like all companies it would have been nicer if it could have been cheaper - to leave more money for flying! I
do not think that the trip could have been improved on with the amount of work that went into a trip of this length and time.
Clive Bowley -
I saw the trip on the BAES website and booked a place. It was better than expected. The Guide was excellent however he was a bit
short with the Ice-cream!!! Fantastic trip I look forward to the next one.
Brian Bailey -
Another brilliant trip. Well done Alan. And the new contacts made should make the next visit even better.
Le Ferte Alais
Reg Warren -
Very good weekend all round with safe driving by Terry and helpful assistance from "Hilda" the satnav!
Malaysia
Denis Hughes -
A good tour. I would have liked to photograph more aircraft although I realise totally why there were less aircraft. I feel at ease
with the tour content and the trip in general. I would recommend BAES trips to others.
Hans Rolink -
Could not have been better
Albania/Macedonia
Tim Jones -
I discovered the trip from your web site and joined it. It was an excellent trip that exceeded my expectations.The trip was value
for money with a good guide, transportation and accommodation.
Arthur Mebius -
I want to let you know we had a marvellous trip and I was glad that we visited all the bases. Most interesting for me was Zadrima,
unfortunately we did not have much time there because of the return flights on the same day. I will have to return there to complete
my photographic series.
Ian Glover -
I had been unable to go on the previous trips so was pleased that this trip went ahead. A good trip with all bases visited.
2007
Oz
Mike Hellen -
Great once again, brilliant flying, great military visits especially in Thailand. Theres no-one better to visit Australia with on
an aviation tour.
Richard Ness -
What more can I say but lots of flying!
Albania trip
Ian French -
Great trip up to expectations having read the previous reports. BAES appear to be well known by the Albanians much to our profit.
Michael Michel -
Good trip well worth the value.
Paul Wright -
My first trip with BAES - great.
Olympic Trip
Colin Burgess -
Brilliant, better than expected especially with the little extra gems Alan put in. With the BAES contacts this area is well worth the visit.
Arnold Garside -
Returning was well worth the effort and cost its always a great trip plus lots of flying!
Paul Chapman -
My second visit to Olympic probably not my last!
Mustang Gathering
Peter Hall -
Excellent trip as always, good value for money with great base visits in particular Fallon NAS
Craig Gilmour -
Good trip even if a bit pricey it was still good value
Dave Reader -
Once again a good trip many thanks.
Sandy McCaskie -
Weekend trip short but a great event.
Jeff Hougham -
Great long weekend.
Axalp
Sandy McCaskie -
Spectacular with excellent museums. Axalp day was better than expected well worth the early start and climb. Thanks
Alan for your usual; tireless efforts. An excellent week.
Danny Bonny -
Excellent trip, lived up to expectations. My second trip with BAES and no complaints so far. Alan was very knowledgeable, it was good VFM
and difficult to improve on.
See report for comments from more members.
It is the society's intention to regularly add reviews of BAES organised trips to give a real impression of the fun and excitement our members enjoy travelling together. You will find links to reports of recent trips below, most of which include photos taken by members on those trips. Older trip reports can be accessed by using the Archive button.
This page contains links to internet sites for places on the BAES Report list
or that we have close links with.
Current Committee members are listed below with their email addresses. Any questions about tours or the Society, or suggestion for this site can be submitted to mail@baes.org.uk or write to the address on the 'BAES Aims' page.
Photo CDs are now available for many BAES trips grouped by region or country. Each CD holds over 500 photos supplied by members
as supplied to us by those members, and are offered for personal use only - not for publication without specific
permission obtained through this Society.
Disks cost £15 each to members and £20 to non-members. A full list can be found on the Photo Disk Order Form which can be printed below. Any queries should be
addressed to photos@baes.org.uk.
