Due to the often limiting weather conditions over Belgium and Central Europe, combined with the agglomeration of civil flights into that air space and the ban for night flying courses, made TLP search for a better environment for the participants to develop their skills.
The solution to all of those impediments was found in Spain at Albacete Air Base. Since July 2009 onwards TLP has operated from there, beginning with the first Spanish-era flying course called 09-4.
Albacete Air Base was opened in April 1929 and nowadays it constitutes a referent for the security of defense of the Spanish air space. It has passed through different phases in its history and hosted different types of aircrafts (trainers, bombers, cargo aircrafts, fighters). In 1974 the 14th Wing was created with the arrival of the former Mirage F1s, and it’s expected that they will be replaced by EF2000s (Eurofighter).
The move to Spain has seen France and Greece join TLP as MOU signatory nations, a new MOU implemented and a new organisational structure developed, merging the former Concepts and Doctrine and Academic branches into a unique Academic and Doctrine branch.
TLP Staff are justly proud of the Programmes’s reputation for not only providing excellent training but also for fostering friendships and engendering an important spirit of cooperation between nations. There is no doubt that airmen have greatly benefited from lessons learned while taking part in the Programme and it is hoped that this important tradition will continue for many years.