San Antionio Sewer Pipe parked up at Wellington

Last weekend, this Air Chathams-operated Fairchild SA227-AC Metroliner, ZK-CID, was parked up at the aero club.

It has been many years since I last flew on one of these - it was in the days of Origin Pacific from memory, although I also flew on them when operated by the now shut down Eagle Airways.

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

Lockdowns and no flying until recently

Things have been slow on the posting front recently. Until recently, all of the New Zealand was subject to a Covid19 lockdown [Auckland continues to be locked down as of writing this], so it was only last weekend that I was able to go out and have a flight.

The past couple of days I was able to get out for a trip up to Whanganui, and while there, I popped into the Wanganui Aero Club [Hi Jonathan!] for a quick look and a chat and got these photos.

The first is a Wanganui Aero Club operated Cessna 150H, ZK-CTF, with the student about to head off for some solo circuits.

Cessna 150H, ZK-CTF, operated by Wanganui Aero Club

This second photo is perhaps a little rarer - Air Chathams had a Saab-Scania SF340, ZK-KRA, off on a trip to Auckland. Rarer with Auckland still in lockdown, though once that lifts, domestic flying will get back to what has become the new normal fairly quickly.

Saab-Scania SF340, ZK-KRA, operated by Air Chathams

Convair

An aircraft that has become increasingly rare over the years [and soon to be "extinct" from New Zealand skies] is the General Dynamic Allison Convair 44/580.

These days, the only local operator is Air Chathams, where the aircraft is used to transport people and freight between the Chatham Islands, Wellington, Auckland and occasionally Whanganui. It is unfortunately one of few local types that I have not yet had a flight on... I'll have to see what I can do before they are permanently grounded.

In this photo, ZK-CIE is departing Wellington to the Chatham Islands a few weeks ago.

General Dynamics Allison Convair 440/580, ZK-CIE, operated by Air Chathams

Air Chathams ATR72

Following on from my last post's Air Chathams theme, here are Air Chathams' ATR-GIE ATR72-500, ZK-MCO departing Wellington.

ATR-GIE ATR72-500, ZK-MCO, operated by Air Chathams

ATR-GIE ATR72-500, ZK-MCO, operated by Air Chathams

Air Chathams Convair

The General Dynamics Allison Convair 440/580 [no wonder everyone just calls it a Convair!] is one of the types of aircraft I have not yet flown on, but would very much like to.

Time is, unfortunately, running out, as I hear that they will not be used for much longer than another year or so. With Air Chathams starting to use SAAB 340's and ATR72's and the recent parking out and disposal of another Convair, that is perhaps little surprise. I have been inside one before when it was parked up at Whanganui, where legroom was amazing!

Anyway, here is ZK-CIB departing from Wellington.

General Dynamics Allison Convair 440/580, ZK-CIB, operated by Air Chathams

The National Airways Corporation returns??

Not quite NAC, but instead it is the Air Chathams operated DC3C-S1C3G, ZK-AWP, which has been repainted in this awesome NAC livery from many years ago!

This photo was taken outside of the Wanganui Aero Club last Saturday. Thanks to Leroy for supplying the picture.

I really should get my act together and go for a flight on this one day. I hear a rumour that there may be some summer scenic flights available, but I'm not seen anything official as yet. I probably should get a ride on a Convair before they disappear also...

Anyway, here's the aircraft.

Douglas DC3C-S1C3G, ZK-AWP, operated by Air Chathams

Nanchang time!

I had the Nanchang CJ6A, ZK-MAO, for the whole day today. The plan was to head up to Whanganui and take my father for a ride.

I had to wait for a while since there was low cloud at Whanganui, but that burnt off exactly as forecast, so around 10:30 I headed off from Wellington. The only cloud I encountered was between Wellington and Paekakariki, but once past Paekakariki, the skies were clear for the rest of the trip.

After arriving, refuelling and parking up, we had lunch, followed by a quick local flight around the greater Whanganui area, to the north then across to Kai Iwi and a bit further west, then back to Aramoho and back to land. Another refuel and I was soon on my way back home to Wellington. Also, Auckland Aero Club was at Whanganui on their way south. Hi Gavin!

Anyway, here are a few photos. Thanks dad for sending them!

Int his first photo, there are three of the 6 or 7 Auckland Aero Club aircraft, ZK-CAA from a local flight training operator and ZK-CIZ, a Saab 340 from Air Chathams. The photo was taken from the old control tower.

Nanchang CJ6A, ZK-MAO, operated by Wellington Aero Club

Airbourne from Whanganui's runway 14

On the way back, north of Whanganui

Some big Air Chathams news

In big news, courtesy of the 3rd Level NZ blog, is a new aircraft for Air Chathams!

Check out the post from 3rd Level NZ for some information and pictures!

Charter Boeing and a DC3 at Wellington

In addition to yesterday's US Navy Gulfstream arrival, there has been a charter Boeing parked up for a few days. It's an awesome looking machine. This is a Boeing 737-7HZ BBJ, P4-NGK, and is operated by what appears to be a European charter operator, ABS Jets.

Boeing 737-7HZ, P4-NGK, operated by ABS Jets

A big surprise though was to hear of the arrival of an Air Chathams-operated Douglas DC3, ZK-AWP. I'm not yet sure what the reason for the visit is, but it's good to see this classic aircraft still in operation!

Douglas DC3C-S1C3G, ZK-AWP, operated by Air Chathams

Air Chathams Saab 340A

Here are two [pictures of an Air Chathams-operated Saab-Scania SAAB 340A, ZK-KRA, arriving at, then departing Whanganui. Take a look at the pictures and you'll see there was a sizable crosswind, which was well handled by the crew.

Saab-Scania SAAB SF340A, ZK-KRA, operated by Air Chathams

Saab-Scania SAAB SF340A, ZK-KRA, operated by Air Chathams

Brief visit to Wanganui Aero Club

Here are a few photos and a video of my brief visit to Wanganui this past weekend.

First up is a recently completed Titan T51 Mustang, ZK-LSD. This is a class 2 microlight and is still undergoing its test flying period. The aircraft has a 100hp Rotax engine. Check out the bottom of this post for a brief video of the startup.

Titan T52 Mustang, ZK-LSD

The next two pictures are of an Air Chathams-operated General Dynamics Allison Convair 440/580, ZK-CIF. It looks like Air Chathams are going well in Whanganui, with a nearly full load of passengers hoping off this Sunday afternoon flight.

General Dynamics Allison Convair 440/580, ZK-CIF, operated  by Air Chathams

General Dynamics Allison Convair 440/580, ZK-CIF, operated  by Air Chathams

The final picture is an AESL Airtourer, ZK-LDG.

AESL Airtourer, ZK-LDG

Here's the promised video. It's only about 35 seconds long but you get to listen to the "meaty" sound of the 100hp Rotax :-)

Last weekend in Whanganui

Last weekend was Queen's Birthday weekend in New Zealand, which made for a three day weekend.

Some of this weekend was spent in Whanganui, where, as it turned out, there was a small gathering of gyrocopters, in addition to a couple of helicopters and Air Chathams' regular flight to Auckland.

First up, some of the gyrocopters...

Neil Hintz Tandom Dominator, ZK-REG, of a Whanganui address

Bensen B8M gyrocopter, ZK-RCI, of a Palmerston North address

Paul Sherrer KB3, ZK-RKK, of an Upper Hutt address

AutoGyro Europe MT03 Eagle, ZK-MTO, of a Hamilton address

... followed by two helicopters...

Robinson R44 II, ZK-ICF, operated by Mid West Helicopters

Eurocopter EC120B, ZK-IZG, operated by I Spy Helicopters

... and last, but certainly not least, was my first photo of Air Chathams' latest Saab 340B, ZK-CIZ. I reckon these Saab's look really nice!

Saab Aircraft AB SAAB 340B, ZK-CIZ, operated by Air Chathams

Air Chathams and Heliworx

Following on from last week's visit to Whanganui [and much nicer weather than the past few days!], here are photos of three other aircraft.

The first two are from Air Chathams and their scheduled Whanganui to Auckland route. The Convair arrived while I was doing solo circuits on Sunday afternoon and departed a while later.

General Dynamics Allison Convair 440/ 580, ZK-CIF, operated by Air Chathams

Air Chathams SF340A is pictured departing on Tuesday morning. Interestingly, Air Chathams have just received two more SF340's - it'll be interesting to know what work these get put to in the near future.

Saab-Scania SAAB SF340A, ZK-KRA, operated by Air Chathams

The final picture is a Robinson R44 II, ZK-IDO, which is operated by Kapiti Heliworx. Note the Newstalk ZK decals on the side.

Robinson R44 II, ZK-IDO, operated by Kapiti Heliworx

Wanganui Aero Club open day

Last weekend I was up in Whanganui. It was Whanganui's annual Vintage Weekend which meant a lot of vintage vehicles including cars trains and [dare I say it] people :-). Ha ha.

The airport was somewhat busier than usual with Air Chathams bringing their awesome Douglas DC3, ZK-AWP, down for scenic flights and on Sunday the aero club had an open day. Of particular fun was riding in the PZL Warszawa-Okecie PZL-104 Wilga 35, ZK-PZM, during a banner tow. Fun times!

Here are a few pictures of the open day, with the Wilga pictures following tomorrow :-)

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

Piper PA22-160 Tri Pacer, ZK-FJD

De Havilland DH82A Tiger Moth, ZK-AUZ

AESL Airtourer T6, ZK-LDG

Saab-Scania SAAB SF340A, ZK-KRA, operated by Air Chathams

Saab-Scania SAAB SF340A, ZK-KRA and Douglas DC3C-S1C3G, ZK-AWP, operated by Air Chathams

 Douglas DC3C-S1C3G, ZK-AWP, operated by Air Chathams

Air Chathams Metroliner at Wellington

An unusual visitor to Wellington today is this Air Chathams-operated Fairchild SA227-AC Metroliner, ZK-CIC, which is painted in their really-quite-awesome Whakātane livery applied.

While I say the aircraft is an unusual visitor, many of you will realise that these aircraft used to be very common at Wellington - firstly operated by Air Nelson and then as the Lifeflight Air Ambulance, amongst a host of other freight, passenger and air ambulance operators. The last time I photographed this aircraft was also in Wellington, back in April 2015 and it was a very boring plain white at the time.

I'm assuming that the aircraft is here on a charter related to the rugby match between the British & Irish Lions and the mighty, victorious All Blacks [who says I can't be a little biased??! 😃].

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

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

Whanganui last weekend

I spent last weekend in Whanganui. The main reason was to get my PA18 Super Cub rating signed off [✔!] There will be another post on this when I can get the video edited.

There was however another attraction in the form of Air Chathams' Douglas DC3, ZK-AWP, which was undertaking scenic flights on Saturday.

I didn't get to go for a flight [I was busy and they sold out - hardly surprising], but here are a couple of photos.

Douglas DC3C-S1C3G, ZK-AWP, operated by Air Chathams

Douglas DC3C-S1C3G, ZK-AWP, operated by Air Chathams

Air Chathams had flown the aircraft down from Auckland and flew it back again on Monday. It is so good to still be able to see a DC3 undertaken commercial flights! Awesome!

Other aircraft at Whanganui last weekend

Here are some of the other aircraft that were at Whanganui last weekend.

First up is an Air Chathams-operated General Dynamics Allison Convair 440/580, ZK-CIF. Very nice! I got to see one of these land with a front row seat on Saturday when I was doing solo circuits in the Super Cub [a nice excuse to land and hold short of the sealed runway for a couple of minutes!].

General Dynamics Allison Convair 440/ 580, ZK-CIF, operated by Air Chathams

Next up is a Cessna 172N, ZK-ELH, operated by Challenge Aviation of a Whanganui address.

Cessna 172N, ZK-ELH, operated by Challenge Aviation

Last up is a Piper PA44-180 Seminole, ZK-NAH, which is operated by Nelson Aviation College. This aircraft appeared to be operating out of Whanganui for a few days.

Piper PA44-180 Seminole, ZK-NAH, operated by Nelson Aviation College

Saturday in Whanganui

Last weekend I headed up to Whanganui for another lesson in Piper PA18A-150 Super Cub, ZK-BKN. Being very very new to tailwheel aircraft [I have about 3 hours total now], I've still got a huge amount to learn, but I am having a lot of fun!

Like the last lesson, there were a lot of circuits at a local strip and we finished off with a forced landing/ glide approach from the circuit at Whanganui. Fun time, but oh so much work! :-)

Piper PA18A-150, ZK-BKN

It wasn't all just fun in the air though, with a chance to see Air Chathams bring a General Dynamics Allison Convair 440/580, ZK-CIF into Whanganui in place of their SAAB 340A which picked up a load of people on a charter earlier in the day.

General Dynamics Allison Convair 440/ 580, ZK-CIF, operated by Air Chathams

Perhaps the most exciting visitor though was this Supermarine Aircraft Spitfire Mk26 Replica, ZK-SPT, which is registered to a Whanganui address. The aircraft had just landed after it's first flight in about a year and it looked great, on the ground and in the air! I understand that it's an approximately 90% replica of the original.

Supermarine Aircraft Spitfire Mk 26 Replica, ZK-SPT

Supermarine Aircraft Spitfire Mk 26 Replica, ZK-SPT

Sounds Air and Air Chathams

The weather around the country could be best described as a wee it yuk, so no Super Cub training this weekend. Instead here are a couple of pictures from a wet Wellington.

First up is another Sounds Air-operated Pilatus PC12/45, ZK-PLX. This aircraft has fairly recently returned from Australia after being painted.

Pilatus PC12/45, ZK-PLX, operated by Sounds Air

Next up is a General Dynamic Allison Convair 440/580, ZK-CIF, which is operated by Air Chathams.

General Dynamics Allison Convair 440/580, ZK-CIF, operated by Air Chathams

Whanganui Airport Open Day - The Cresco display

In the last post from the Whanganui airport open day, I have some pictures from a brief display put on by a Pacific Aerospace Cresco 08-600, ZK-LTL, which is operated by Ravensdown Aerowork, a well known local agwork operator.

The photos hardly do justice to the display - it's one of those displays where you really need to be there.

Pacific Aerospace Cresco 08-600, ZK-LTL, operated by Ravensdown Aerowork

Pacific Aerospace Cresco 08-600, ZK-LTL, operated by Ravensdown Aerowork

Pacific Aerospace Cresco 08-600, ZK-LTL, operated by Ravensdown Aerowork

Now for the very last two photos from the open day, here's another one of the SAAB-Scania SAAB SF340A, ZK-KRA, currently still operated by Kiwi Regional Airlines, but soon to be operated directly by Air Chathams. As can be seen, it is already in the full Air Chathams livery.

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

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