GA aircraft at Wellington last Saturday

Here are some GA aircraft seen at Wellington last Saturday.

First up is a Cessna 172S, ZK-NAB, which is operated by Nelson Aviation College.

Cessna 172S, ZK-NAB, operated by Nelson Aviation College

Next up is a Beech B200 Super King Air, ZK-MDC, operated by Air Wanganui, in an air ambulance configuration.

Beech B200 Super King Air, ZK-MDC, operated by Air Wanganui

Last up is a helicopter, in particular a Bell 206L, ZK-HMA. This aircraft is registered to a Manukau [Auckland] address.

Bell 206L, ZK-HMA

Trip to Rotorua!

This past weekend I spent in Rotorua. It was a chance to catch up with friends [Hi Andrew, Anita and Tahi!], as well as to have a break before returning to work tomorrow.

There were a few things of interest to aeronautical types. Firstly, there is a helipad [ICAO: NZLF/ Rotorua Lakefront] on the lake front nearest the city area, and the lakes [several of them] are designated as a water aerodrome [ICAO: NZRL/ Rotorua Lakes]. Most of these are located within the Rotorua Control Zone, although a couple of the lakes are within the Tarawera MBZ [Mandatory Broadcast Zone].

The main operator of these is Volcanic Air Safaris, who run both fixed and rotary wing aircraft from these and Rotorua's main airport [ICAO; NZRO].

First up are some pictures of the lake front heliport/ seaplane base on Lake Rotorua. Pictures include the following [all aircraft registered to Volcanic Air Safaris]:

Cessna U206G, ZK-FEO and de Havilland Canada DHC3 Beaver, ZK-VAS

Robinson R44 II, ZK-HAD

Bell 206B, ZK-IVS

Pictures of the seaplane base/ heliport and the "terminal"

Lastly, and despite all the signs, there were hundreds of  flying garbage collectors/ seagulls in the area... along with ducks, geese and goodness knows what else. The seagulls could be fed by hand [which is how I got these photos - while others were feeding them...]

Virgin Australia, Jetstar, Marlborough Helicopters and One News :-)

I have three aircraft to share from today.

The first is a Virgin Australia Airlines [NZ] Boeing 737-8FE, ZK-PBG. This livery is getting much rarer as the aircraft are progressively repainted into the current Virgin Australia livery. Note in particular the very very faded fuselage top.

The second is a Jetstar-registered Airbus A320-232, VH-VFD. Last we have a Marlborough Helicopters Bell 206B, ZK-HJI. This aircraft was transporting a One News crew to and from a bush fire at Port Underwood near Picton [click here for an early news report from stuff.co.nz]. I guess you'll see a report on the TV tonight, but you saw it here first [at the least the interesting part... the helicopter!] :-).