Monday evening tug testing

Monday evening was a different aviation experience for me, with Air NZ testing to towing of an ATR72-600, ZK-MVH, using their Lektro [please someone correct me if this is wrong!] towbar-less aircraft tugs. These tugs are used on their DHC8's already - maybe A320's as well?

Apparently though, it was a world-first with the manufacturer having only just certified that it can be done, and with Air NZ being the first airline in the world to test it for real!

The test consisted of filling every seat and the baggage compartment [and presumably fuel] and towing the aircraft around the apron for a good hour or so, just to make sure everything would work, and that the aircraft could handle it. Tests were conducted with props spinning and still. Apparently, ATR72's have a relatively "weak" undercarriage, which limits the amount of force that can be applied to it and alongside that, there's a reasonable and understandable desire to ensure the aircraft CoG isn't an issue [this might be the biggest issue from what I'm told]. Add in a wet tarmac, some slope [I think the Wellington apron slopes up to 1-2 degrees in places] and wind, and it's certainly something worth testing before it is needed for real.

A driver for this change of proceduresis a rearranging of gate positions at Wellington, so that ATRs will be backed [using the tugs] onto the gate, then "driven straight out" when they are loaded. So... expect to see some changes in the future!

As for the evening itself, there were about 15-20 Aero Club people [and associates], plus a bunch of other people to fill ever seat in the place. There were two of Air NZ's friendly cabin crew, who gave us water, biscuits, fudge and lollies... and for some reason I was given a kid's colouring in page and pencils... :-) ha! First of the plane also received pizza... I was almost last, so ,missed out on that :-(

Anyway, here are a few pictures form the evening. Photos were taken on my phone. I really wanted to get a photo of the tug, but it was a bit out of the way, and I'm not sure wandering around would have been that welcome!

First up is an entrance to the airport terminal, after parking.

Wellington Airport terminal

We must be at Wellington Airport - where else would you be greeted by this at the checkin counters?

Everyone received a personalised boarding pass - this was a requirement since we were going airside. A nice souvenir anyway!

Boarding pass for the "non flight flight" :-)

On arrival at gate 9, we got our first glimpse at the ATR72-600, ZK-MVH, which we would be seated on for just over an hour.

First glimpse to the apron and ZK-MVH

Following this, it was backed up to the gate, ready for boarding.

ATR-GIE ATR72-600, ZK-MVH, operated by Mount Cook Airline/ Air NZ

Amazing how happy a bunch of airplane people can look when sat on an aircraft which is not going to take off! I've blurred the face of those not associated in some way with the Aero Club... the rest of you, well, here you are!

Yes, this was the good one!

The normal facilities were available, but not needed! Actually, the place had been cleaned, so we were asked to not use the on-board lavatory, but to use the terminal facilities if needed.

Air NZ vomit bags. Spewing in any language permitted!

Still not sure why I was given one of these... funny though, and I think I'll send it to a young lass in the UK. She'll like it!

Air NZ kid's entertainment. There were coloured pencils also.

After the non-flight, we exited the aircraft and headed back into the terminal. These two photos came out quite well, since it was my phone camera and hand held.

ATR-GIE ATR72-600, ZK-MVH, operated by Mount Cook Airline/ Air NZ

All-in-all, a fun evening, and a good chance to sit on a plane and talk plane talk with fellow aviators. Not something you get to do every day!!