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

Competition aircraft

As mentioned in an earlier post, as the Event Director for the competitions, I didn't have time to take a lot of photos. There were plenty taken by others [FB is a bit of a goldmine for these], but I did get a few.

First up is my favourite aircraft, although it was not competing. This is a Piper PA18, ZK-BTU. The aircraft is a 90Hp model with no flaps, and I'm looking forward to having a fly over Christmas. I should be able to get some more photos and maybe some video also. The aircraft is registered to Wanganui Aero Club, having move there around September of this year.

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

Next up are a couple of photos from the flightline of the visiting aircraft.

Last up is an AESL Airtourer 115, ZK-CWA. This is registered to a Napier address.

AESL Airtourer 115, ZK-CWA

Hello Whanganui!

Last Saturday was the day for a fun flight to Whanganui with another club member, Peter, also known as Poochie :-). The aircraft was WAC's Cessna 172N, ZK-FLT.

Weather was OK around Wellington and really nice everywhere north of Wellington. Typical :-)

I don't have photos of the flying to and from Whanganui, but I do have some video which I hope to be able to post in the next week or so. Here's are a few photos from Peter and myself. First up is the Wanganui Aero Club clubrooms, hanger an a couple of local aircraft. The first aircraft, ZK-JQY, is a Maule MXT-7-180 and is registered to a Whanganui address. ZK-EHP is a Cessna A150M and is registered to a Marton address.

Maule MXT-7-180, ZK-JQY and Cessna A150M, ZK-EHP

I should also mention that, as always, we got a friendly welcome from the locals. They are always happy to see visiting aircraft, so do pop in and say hi if you're in the area (landing fees paid on arrival are also a lot cheaper...).

Next up is a BAC BAC-167 Strikemaster Mk88, ZK-BAC. This aircraft spends time in the Wellington Aero Club hanger, but also at Whanganui.

BAC BAC-167 Strikemaster Mk88, ZK-BAC, operated by RNZAF Strikemaster Ltd

The following is a rescue helicopter/ air ambulance. It's an Agusta A109E, ZK-ITR, and although registered to Helilink of an Auckland address is operated out of the Taranaki region. Nice paint job also! :-)

Agusta A109E, ZK-ITR, operated by Helilink of an Auckland address

Peter's and my ride for the day was Wellington Aero Club's Cessna 172N, ZK-FLT. yes, it's an ugly red spinner, but hopefully that's temporary...

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

Last up are two photos of an AESL Airtourer T6, ZK-LDG, flown by Murray, a local pilot. A couple of quick radio calls and some brief formation was organised. This brings back happy memories form my formation time at Auckland Aero Club many years ago, although it was just some straight and level and one gentle turn. I must get back into this one day!

AESL Airtourer T6, ZK-LDG, registered to a Whanganui address

AESL Airtourer T6, ZK-LDG, registered to a Whanganui address

Flying competition - various aircraft - 2

Some additional competition related aircraft. Top to bottom:

Pitts S-1E Special, ZK-PEG, registered to a Wanganui address
Cessna 150D, ZK-CHI, registered to a Wanganui address
Victa Airtourer 100, ZK-CHF, registered to a Wanganui address
Piper PA18A-150, ZK-BPM, registered to Air Hawkes Bay
Piper PA38-112, ZK-FTQ, registered to Air Hawkes Bay

Flying competition - various aircraft - 1

Here are some of the various competition-related aircraft at Wanganui for the regionals. Top to bottom are:

Cessna A152, ZK-ELC, registered to Helipro of Paraparaumu
Maule MXT-7-180, ZK-JQY, registered to a Wanganui address
Cessna A150M, ZK-EHP, registered to a Marton address
Piper PA38-112, ZK-FRS, registered to Wanganui Aero Club
Cessna 182T, ZK-TOT, registered to a Paraparaumu address
AESL Airtourer 115, ZK-CWA, registered to a Napier address
Piper PA22-108, ZK-MEJ, registered to a Palmerston North address