A couple of civil aircraft

Apart from the RNZAF Boeing, there were a couple of other aircraft I haven't seen/ don't see often. The first of these is the Golden Bay Air Piper PA34-220T Seneca, ZK-ZAG. It appears that this aircraft was doing some training today, with a number of circuits and refuelling on the Western Apron [most commercial traffic parks on the Eastern Apron].

The other visitor is a Eurocopter AS350 B3, ZK-IWI, registered to Rural Aviation of a Manukau address. This aircraft stopped off briefly to refuel and pick up two passengers before departing to the north.

RNZAF ANZAC day-related visitor

Today's largest visitor to Wellington was an RNZAF Boeing 757-2K2, NZ7572. In additional to a number of New Zealand Defence Force personnel [at least RNZAF and Navy, probably Army also], there were a sizable number of veterans getting off [and later back on] the aircraft.

I'm sure someone else has more information, but it appears that this aircraft originated from overseas - probably in relation to ANZAC day commemorations in Noumea, New Caledonia.

Here are a number of photos of the arrival and departure.

Gulfstream departures

Both of the Gulfstream GV-SP/ G550 aircraft which have been at Wellington for the past few days, departed today. The first to leave was the Oman Royal Flight's A40-AE, which departed in rather gloomy conditions direct to Bali [ICAO code: WADD].

A few hours later the other Gulfstream, N773MJ, departed in much sunnier conditions - where to? I'm not sure.

The final picture is of an Air Chathams General Dynamics Allison Convair 440/ 580 which arrived this morning.

Another Gulfstream at Wellington

Another Gulfstream GV [G550] arrived at Wellington today. This aircraft is registered A40-AE to the Oman Royal Flight. It will be an official visit of some sort as it's parked on the RNZAF Air Movements Base apron.

Here are 3 photos, plus an extra picture of yesterday's Gulfstream, N773MJ, which is still parked up.

Enjoy!

Gulfstream GV-SP at Wellington

I had to leave home for a couple of hours this evening [time to exterminate some biting insects that decided to move in uninvited...] so I grabbed some dinner and popped out to the airport for a while and saw a US-registered Gulfstream GV-SP, N773MJ parked up for the evening. Apparently this arrived in Invercargill 7 days ago [click here for more details on the MRCAviation blog].

Anyway, here's the photo. I think it has turned out OK considering I didn't have a tripod :-)

RNZAF Iroquois arrival

Just one arrival of note today - an RNZAF Bell UH-1H Iroquois, NZ3805, flew in today. I'm not sure of the reason, but it could possibly be in preparation for the ANZAC Day commemorations later this week. It won't be long before these helicopters are seen no more with the NH90's coming online

I'm hoping for some better weather next weekend - I'm booked to go for a flight on Sunday afternoon :-)

Lifeflight Open Day 2013

Today was the Life Flight [air ambulance] open day for 2013.

I popped down to the Life Flight hanger for an hour or so this afternoon to have a look around and to get some photos. The open day is designed to raise awareness of what Life Flight does [air ambulance and helicopter rescue charity], and every year it seem to attract a good crowd who enjoy the atmosphere and attractions.

In addition to the aircraft [a British Aerospace J32 Jetstream, ZK-LFW, and a Kawasaki BK117 B-2, ZK-HLF], there were airport and Fire Service fire engines, Police, Ambulance, Coastguard and Aviation Security displays and equipment. I also got to see a winching demonstration off the back of an airport fire truck.

All in all, a good day which was enjoyed by all!

If you want to find out more, or to donate to this charity, visit the Life Flight website for details [click here].

Lifeflight Open Day on 14 April

I know this is very late notice, but I've just found out [maybe I've been living in a cave??] that the Lifeflight Open Day is on tomorrow, Sunday 14 April, from 10am to 2pm. The open day is held at their Wellington airport base, on the Lyall Bay side of the airport. I will probably be there in the afternoon and hope to have a few pictures to share.

I went last year, and it's good to have a look around and a worthwhile cause to support. Here's a link to the Lifeflight Open Day webpage, which includes a video from the last one.

Now if only Lifeflight would ask me to participate in the winching demo :-) that would be exciting.... and great for photos also :-)

Cessna 150 at Wellington

Out at the Aero Club today and I came across this Cessna 150D, ZK-CHM, and registered to Sounds Air. Compared to last time I saw this aircraft, the major change is the inclusion of oversized tires... perfect I would suspect for the various strips that this aircraft would go in and out of.

Here comes autumn...

After what seems to have been a very extended period of fine weather, autumn arrived today with a bit of wind, much lower temperatures and some rain. With much of the country in drought, this is actually quite welcome, but still 14 degrees [Celsius] with wind is hardly as nice as early 20's we've had recently :-(

Anyway, photos today are:

Boeing 737-37Q, ZK-NGO, registered to Air NZ
Boeing 737-8FE, ZK-PBD, registered to Virgin Australia (NZ)
Piper PA28-161, ZK-LJF, registered to Canterbury Aero Club

A Boeing from Virgin Australia Airlines

It was a nice quiet today with just a tiny bit of rain [we really need more].

There was no flying for me at the moment [just waiting for my medical renewal in the next week or so], and little in the way of light aircraft movements. I did get a couple of pictures of a Virgin Australia Airlines (NZ) Boeing 737-8FE, ZK-PBB landing this afternoon.

In other news, I am looking forward to an upcoming holiday in June. I'l be heading over the the UK and Europe, and I hope to get some photos from various airports during my time away. If anyone has any ideas for a couple hours of spotting at Helsinki-Vantaa airport [ICAO code EFHK], that would be much appreciated :-)

Anyway, here are the photos:

RNZAF NH90 visiting Wellington

Last Friday I was at Wellington airport getting ready for my flight up to Hamilton [and then on to Cambridge]. Prior to going to the main terminal, I was at the Aero Club when this Royal New Zealand Air Force [RNZAF] NHI NH90, NZ3303 arrived for a brief visit. While here it dropped off a film crew and waited just long enough for them to set up their gear and film the departure.

The final photo is from just prior to my trip home from Hamilton. This ATR-GIE ATR72-212A, ZK-MCJ, of Mount Cook Airline [part of the Air NZ group] would be my transport home.

Enjoy!