2015 marks the centennial of military aviation in Portugal and sixty three years of the Portuguese Air Force (FAP). As part of the year-long celebration, FAP has been opening its doors to the public. On September 5, 2015, an open house event was held at BA 1 Sintra.
6000 visitors ventured out to the air base to enjoy the activities their air force had prepared for them. BA 1 is located only a few miles from the world Heritage city of Sintra and is home to the Portuguese Air Force Academy and air museum (museu do ar). Those who came out not only got to tour the museum, but also got a glimpse of the Aerospatiale Epsilon-TB 30 flight simulators and the base control tower.
Besides the aircraft from the air museum, the primary Portuguese flight trainers (the Epsilon-TB 30 and classic, yet modified, DeHavilland Chipmunk MK20) were on static display. Civilian aircraft were also represented by the Piper Cub and Beachcraft. A limited number of spectators were treated to what has become tradition at these events, The Baptism Flight (Batismo de Voo). Those selected were able to take a flight in one of the newest aircraft in FAP Inventory, the Casa C-295M.
The Portuguese Air Force has always made it a point to remain close to the population. Every year bases around this country open their gates to the civilian population. The next open house event will be held on October 3, 2015 at BA 11 in Beja Portugal.