A quick trip to Kaikoura

I had a quick trip down to Kaikoura airfield today [NZKI] with another club pilot, Lawrence, in our Cessna 172N, ZK-FLT. The trip was planned a few days ago, then the weather started looking a wee bit rubbish. It was rubbish this morning, but this afternoon, while a little windy around Wellington, was good enough to fly and very nice everywhere but Wellington. No surprise there!

Anyway, I did the flight down to Kaikoura and Lawrence flew back. The departure from Wellington was a little different, with takeoff on runway 34 into the right-hand circuit, followed by a clearance to "fly overhead the aerodrome at 1500', then the Sinclair sector at 1500' and below". An easy way to get us out of the way and a quick way for us to be on our way. Awesome!

Anyway, the flights down and back were fairly uneventful and I did enjoy doing a couple of extra circuits at Kaikoura when we arrived. I think you'll agree from the photos that it's a beautiful part of the country!

Scenery from on NZKI airfield

Cessana 172N, ZK-FLT, operated by Wellington Aero Club

Lined up and ready to go

Turning crosswind [after takeoff]

Turning left base in the circuit

On approach to NZKI

Kaikoura ranges

Kaikoura township and peninsula

Finally, pictures of a couple of local resident aircraft.

Bell 206B, ZK-HBO, operated by South Pacific Helicopters

Gippsland GA8, ZK-KBZ, operated by Wings over Whales