For some odd reason when you move to a foreign country they require you to get some form of training before you're let loose on the roads. I think my stint in Tucson should qualify me for driving anywhere in the world.
So, being limited to the base has put a bit of a damper on my spotting activities but fear not! I have found an opportunity to view four local aircraft that are not your run-of-the-mill fare.
Yokota Air Base just outside of Tokyo, Japan has an Aero Club run by the 374th Services Squadron and they have four of the nicest, cleanest and most wonderfully decorated Cessna 172s I have seen. Ever. During their open house this past weekend I was able to wander around a bit and, properly escorted, photograph them on a muggy overcast morning. Two of their Cessnas are 172M models, the others are 172H which they refer to as the T-41 Mescalero (very familiar to many a military flyer from the UPT days). All are exceptionally clean, well-maintained and have up-to-date avionics (better than my Herc has one pilot quipped).
What is extraordinary about them is their paint schemes. All have a very Japanese feel to them with crashing waves on the tails and an assortment of flowers, shrines and Samurai themes. Most pleasing to look at and I'm sure they will be a joy to catch in-flight in the future.
So, being limited to the base has put a bit of a damper on my spotting activities but fear not! I have found an opportunity to view four local aircraft that are not your run-of-the-mill fare.
Yokota Air Base just outside of Tokyo, Japan has an Aero Club run by the 374th Services Squadron and they have four of the nicest, cleanest and most wonderfully decorated Cessna 172s I have seen. Ever. During their open house this past weekend I was able to wander around a bit and, properly escorted, photograph them on a muggy overcast morning. Two of their Cessnas are 172M models, the others are 172H which they refer to as the T-41 Mescalero (very familiar to many a military flyer from the UPT days). All are exceptionally clean, well-maintained and have up-to-date avionics (better than my Herc has one pilot quipped).
What is extraordinary about them is their paint schemes. All have a very Japanese feel to them with crashing waves on the tails and an assortment of flowers, shrines and Samurai themes. Most pleasing to look at and I'm sure they will be a joy to catch in-flight in the future.
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