Taildraggers at Timaru

Welcome to Timaru!

There were a number of taildraggers at the Nationals, a few of which are photographed here. Many of these were used in competitions, including for the Jay Peters Professional Pilot Competition [although I think a couple of A Cats might have shared a PA38 at one stage. Scary thought! :-)].

First up is a Piper PA18-90, ZK-BTU. This is operated by Wanganui Aero Club and was the Super Cub I took for an hour of solo circuits on Wednesday evening. Fun times!

Piper PA18-90 Super Cub, ZK-BTU, operated by Wanganui Aero Club

Maule MX7-180A, ZK-MUL is registered to a Great Barrier Island address.

Maule MX7-180A, ZK-MUL

This beautiful Vans RV6, ZK-VRV, is also privately operated, this time out of Paraparaumu Airport.

Vans RV6, ZK-VRV

Is it even possible to have a gathering of great aircraft without a De Havilland DH82A Tiger Moth? Quite possibly not. ZK-BRL is is New Zealand built example and is operated by East Canterbury Aviation.

De Havilland DH82A Tiger Moth, ZK-BRL, operated by East Canterbury Aviation

This next aircraft is also a Vans RV6, although in this case an RV6A, denoting the nosegear version. ZK-RVF is registered to a Tauranga address.

Vans RV6A, ZK-RVF

Finally, here are two more Super Cubs. Both of these aircraft were used for competitions flying and some private flying or training.

ZK-BNL is a PA18-150 and is operated by Canterbury Aero Club. I was told that it has a 160hp engine in it.

Piper PA18-150 Super Cub, ZK-BNL, operated  by Canterbury Aero Club

Piper PA18-150, ZK-BNM. This Super Cub is operated by South Canterbury Gliding Club.

Piper PA18-150 Super Cub, ZK-BNM, operated by South Canterbury Gliding Club

Finally, here's a brief video of ZK-BNL landing on the grid during one of the competitions. Enjoy!