The weather was much better today, so is was straight to Iruma after breakfast. The local spotters were out in force and still amazed to see foreigners. From the spotters area you had some possibilities to take pictures on the platform. We were able to take pictures of most of the planes, even the YS-11EB and the EC-1. On one side of the field an old sports stand is located near the fence. The weight of a dozen local spotters and two big Dutch guys made is sway back an forth, so we got off and got out our step ladders again to peek over the fence. The CCTV made overtime again.

The first planes to leave were some T-4’s followed by some CH-47s after this we went to the other side of the base to be in the take off. I must say the spot here is one of the best in Japan. You are standing along the roller track and the runway on top of a hill. The C-1’s were the first aircraft to pass followed by a group of U-125s.

At the same time the skidding school started, not really a school, being more part of the driving lessons. The instructor would make a nice twist on the platform and then the students where allowed to try and brake and skid on the wet surface. Although they were not allowed to drive to fast (more something like no gas just breaks) it was  fun to watch them do it.

 Being a transport base Iruma kept busy all day and even a local YS-11 went out. After the review the participating aircraft returned and it was time for us to go to Nagoya for the T-1.  Near Nagoya we had booked another Youth hostel. The hostel had again more staff than guests. Since we had to be back at 21:00 we went straight out again for dinner at the local grill shop. We had some great beef there and good Japanese beer.

On returning at the hostel we went for the Hot Tub, the size of the tub was more like a indoor swimming pool, big enough for 25 man.