F-16 DEMO TEAM 2012-2013
The Royal Netherlands Air Force F-16 Demo Team 2012-2013 is based at Volkel Airbase, The Netherlands.
The home base of the RNLAF F-16 Demo Team shifts between Volkel and Leeuwarden Airbase every two years. Early 2012, the Leeuwarden team handed over their responsibility to Volkel Airbase for showcasing the RNLAF F-16 Demo Team.
The RNLAF F-16 Demo Team 2012-2013 is comprised of personnel from the 312 and 313 Squadron, both of which are based at Volkel Airbase. The team consists of one display pilot, one display coach, six technical specialists, a team advisor and a webmaster. Captain Stefan "Stitch" Hutten is flying his second season as the display pilot for the RNLAF F-16 Demo Team.
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Although it looks spectacular, the RNLAF F-16 Demo Team show contains maneuvers that occur during normal operational missions. What makes the show special is that all of these maneuvers are smoothly choreographed together and are performed at very low altitude. During the performance, the demo pilot's body is exposed to enormous positive and negative G forces. Although Captain Hutten is put under these enormous stressors, it is his goal to give an accurate illustration of the F-16's outstanding maneuverability and skill set that every Royal Netherlands Air Force F-16 fighter pilot must master.
Teamwork
“One Team, One Task" is the motto of the Royal Netherlands Air Force. This motto also applies to the F-16 solo display team. The RNLAF F-16 Demo Team has many professional members that need to work together in a seamless manner in order to keep the performances smooth and on schedule.
This year's team offers all conceivable support to the demo pilot during approximately 11 shows throughout the demo season. The display team also receives vital support from the staff and members at their home base in Volkel. What differentiates the Dutch team from other display teams is that all team members are current operational personnel in the Air Force. Not only do they perform daily operational tasks required for the demo team, but they also deploy to operations throughout the world during the demo season. This enables the team to be the most current operational representative of the Dutch Air Force.
