The Royal Netherlands Air Force's F-16 demo team 2010-2011 is based at Leeuwarden Airbase. The responsibility for providing the Air Force with the F-16 solo display shifts between Volkel and Leeuwarden Airbase every two years. However, last year an exception was made, due in part to the large success of Volkel's demo team, to let them continue with an additional third year of touring. In early 2010, the Volkel team handed over their responsibility for showcasing the Royal Netherlands Air Force F-16 demo team to Leeuwarden Airbase. Even though there was an excellent handover of team responsibilities, the new Leeuwarden squad will have to continue with diligent work to match the success of their predecessors. We are sure that the 2010-2011 team will do their very best to match, and hopefully exceed, the public's expectations! The current team is comprised of personnel from the 323 and 322 Squadron, both of which are based at Leeuwarden Airbase. The team consists of one display pilot, two coaches, six technical specialists, and two advisors. Captain Tobias "Hitec" Schutte will be this year's display pilot.  |  | Although it looks spectacular, the F-16 demo team's 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 Schutte's body 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. |