I was born in Oosterhout, the Netherlands in 1980. Living close to Gilze Rijen Air Base in the South of the Netherlands, at the age of 12/13 I would ride my bicycle together with friends to the base to look at the activity. Quickly I was hooked at the sight of fighter jets taking to the sky with incredible power. 
Over time I started visiting airshow in the Netherlands and abroad, widening my enthusiasm for military aviation. After trying to take my first pictures I knew there was a long road ahead. Over the years I managed to refine my skills, and I started to look at different ways to show my work to a wider public. I was lucky to get my work published in different aviation magazines and focus more on writing articles to accompany my photographic work.
I have travelled the world and worked together with different air arms to create unique content, writing about specific exercises as well as deep dives into specific aircraft types or squadrons. I’m excited to be part of the CHECKSIX team and I am honoured to be able to share my articles and photos with you

You want to get in touch with me? Just send me a mail: erik.bruijns@checksix-journal.com

Erik Bruijns / CHK6 UK