Rodney's Aviation Ramblings: Flying NZ Cook Region competition at Whanganui

Last weekend was the annual Flying New Zealand Cook Strait Region flying competition. This year it was hosted by Wanganui Aero Club at Whanganui Airport.

Leading up to the event, there were forecasts of strong winds [potentially gale force] which caused a bit of concern, but the preceding Thursday and Friday were good enough for competitors to arrive. Friday was actually a very nice day. Due to forecasts and with competitors having arrived, we went ahead with the formation and aerobatic competitions on Friday evening.

Saturday dawned wet and with low winds, so after the safety briefings, we got into it, knowing the wind would pick up later.

In the end, we got through all events except the PPL Low Flying [postponed due to the wind] which was a good result. In fact, the wind only really started to become difficult around 1/1:30pm, but even then, flyable. The day finished off with a celebration dinner and prizegiving at the Whanganui Function Centre at the racecourse.

As the Event Director, I was busy doing anything but take photos on Saturday, but I did get a few on Thursday and Friday. Here they are.