The Story

Military aviation has fascinated me ever since I was a young boy.

Growing up near Gilze-Rijen Air Base in the south of the Netherlands, I spent countless hours watching fighter aircraft launch into the sky. Those early experiences ignited a fascination with military aviation that has continued to shape my life ever since.

As my interest grew, so did my curiosity.

Airshows across the Netherlands gradually turned into journeys throughout Europe, each event offering new aircraft, new people and new opportunities to learn. Photography soon became the natural way to preserve those experiences, although I quickly realised that creating meaningful aviation photography required patience, practice and continuous improvement.

Over the years, photography opened doors that I could never have imagined.

Working alongside different air arms around the world has allowed me to document international exercises, explore individual aircraft types and tell the stories of the squadrons and professionals behind them. Every assignment has reinforced my belief that military aviation is best understood through the people who dedicate their lives to it.

Writing became the logical extension of my photography.

For me, photographs and editorial reporting have always belonged together. A powerful image captures a moment. A well-researched article explains its significance.

Joining the CHECKSIX Editorial Crew has given me the opportunity to combine those two passions within a publication that values authenticity, professionalism and international cooperation.

Whether documenting an air exercise in Europe or exploring military aviation in Latin America, my goal remains the same:

To tell stories that help readers better understand the aircraft, the operations and, above all, the people behind them.

Erik Bruijns / CHK6 UK