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Sunday, July 31, 2016

Whanganui Airport Open Day - Air Chathams

Earlier today was the Whanganui airport open day, with the main attraction being the arrival of Air Chathams, who start their regular Whanganui - Auckland route from tomorrow.

Unfortunately the weather did not cooperate as much as wanted with a strong crosswind all day meaning the much-anticipated DC3 flights were cancelled. Disappointing, but understandable and the right decision to make.

There was more than just Air Chathams' Douglas DC3C-S1C3G, ZK-AWP, present on the day. they also bought down their SAAB-Scania SAAB SF340A, ZK-KRA. This is still technically operated by Kiwi Regional Airlines, but is now painted in the really nice Air Chathams livery.

Lastly, their recently acquired Fairchild SA227-AC Metroliner, ZK-CID [ex ZK-NSS, an Air Ambulance] was on display also.

All three aircraft were available for the public to walk through. So, on that note, here are a few photos.

Douglas DC3C-A1C3G, ZK-AWP, operated by Air Chathams

Douglas DC3C-A1C3G, ZK-AWP, operated by Air Chathams, airborne yesterday

SAAB-Scania SAAB SF340A, ZK-KRA, operated by Kiwi Regional Airlines, but soon to be Air Chathams

SAAB-Scania SAAB SF340A, ZK-KRA, operated by Kiwi Regional Airlines, but soon to be Air Chathams

SAAB-Scania SAAB SF340A, ZK-KRA, operated by Kiwi Regional Airlines, but soon to be Air Chathams

Cockpit of SAAB-Scania SAAB SF340A, ZK-KRA, operated by Kiwi Regional Airlines, but soon to be Air Chathams

Fairchild SA227-AC Metroliner, ZK-CID, operated by Air Chathams

Cockpit of Fairchild SA227-AC Metroliner, ZK-CID, operated by Air Chathams

Poster advertising DC3 trial flights... pity the weather did not cooperate

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4 comments:

  1. Nicks BIGSKY Aviation31 July 2016 at 19:41

    Yeah real Bummer we were going to fly down from SD bring the Mustang and the Club plane and some hangars on....BUGGER.

    But Rain Hail (size of Pea's & Sleet) and epic wind at SD was abit Doughy so watched a Steam Train go through.

    Saabs are nice had a flight in one once really comfortable.

    ReplyDelete
  2. Rodney31 July 2016 at 20:52

    Hi Nick,

    It was fairly windy in Whanganui also, although no hail! The Saab did look nice, although the absolute winner for legroom was the DC3! By a country mile!

    Cheers,

    Rodney

    ReplyDelete
  3. Archie Hammond3 June 2018 at 22:15

    Would you mind if I used these pics on my new virtual airline website? I would provide full credit obviously

    ReplyDelete
  4. Rodney1 July 2018 at 19:26

    Hello Archie. Sorry - just seen you comment. Sure you can. Perhaps send us a link so we can see them once they are up. Cheers, Rodney

    ReplyDelete