Healthy Bastards Bush Pilot Champs 2020

Last Saturday was the annual Healthy Bastards Bush Pilot Champs at Omaka aerodrome.

The champs have been running for eight years and this was the second time I attended, although to spectate, rather than compete, this time. The event is becoming a fixture on the aviation calendar with entries increasing every year. I think I might have to have another go next year - at least in the precision landing comp, but maybe the takeoff and landing comp also.

The day, of course, was filthy hot with very little breeze. Really for these events [including I would suggest the spectators] you want 20-30 knots wind and colder conditions Still, it is what it is and a fun day appeared to be had by all.

Anyway, this and next few posts will have a selection of pictures from the day. Enjoy!

First up is the Boeing-Stearman A75N1, ZK-KJO. This is an awesome looking WW2-era trainer from the USA. I reckon it would be fun to fly, and who doesn't like an aircraft with a nice big radial at the front?

Boeing-Stearman A75N1, ZK-KJO, operated by Classic Aircraft Sales Ltd

Next up is an entry from Wellington Aero Club and their CFI trying out the precision landing comp. Cessna 172N, ZK-EKE, is not quite what it seems, with a 180Hp engine and a STOL kit. This was the aircraft I flew to and from Omaka, although as noted above, I wasn't competing.

Cessna 172N, ZK-EKE, operated by Wellington Aero Club

The Healthy Bastards would not be the Healthy Bastards without Dr Dave and his passion for every pilot being a healthy bastard. This Cessna 172 is Dr Dave's personal transport which he uses to fly IFR all around the country, conducting aviation medicals and capturing dinners. Interesting perhaps is that it is an R172K, which I believe means it is a Reims model.

Cessna R172K, ZK-RJG, operated by Bulls Flying Doctor Service

Always a crowd favourite are the Zenair CH701 STOL aircraft. ZK-JUG [pictures of ZK-SLO and ZK-NVY will be in subsequent posts] is about to land. These aircraft are impressive... another aircraft I would like to fly one day! This one is registered to a Kaiapoi address.

Zenair CH701 STOL, ZK-JUG

Anyway, that's it for this post. there will be several more over the next couple of weeks with some of the interesting range of aircraft that competed.