The Wilga!

A chocolate fish to anyone who can pronounce the name of the next aircraft, the PZL Warszawa-Okecie PZL-104 Wilga 35!* This aircraft is a Polish design and there have been a few of them on the NZ register over the years [at least 3 at the moment, but I haven't had a good look].

The Wilga is a pretty aircraft [not!] but it is rather awesome! It's got a big motor [as in the Nanchang from what I unerstand] and doesn't take long to get off the ground. I had the chance to go flying as crew for a banner tow [I let the hook out :-)]... a lot of fun!

Anyway, here are a few pictures of the aircraft and the flying around Whanganui! Thanks Nathan for the ride! First up is the outside view of the aircraft. Beautiful!

PZL Warszawa-Okecie PZL-104 Wilga 35, ZK-PZM

Next is the overhead panel in the aircraft.

PZL Warszawa-Okecie PZL-104 Wilga 35, ZK-PZM, overhead panel

Good to see the recommended towing speed of 115 km/hr [62 knots] is clearly placarded!

PZL Warszawa-Okecie PZL-104 Wilga 35, ZK-PZM, towing speed placard

This is the view towards the aero club as we attempted to hook the banner.

The Wilga's panel, with most of the instruments, knobs and dials.

PZL Warszawa-Okecie PZL-104 Wilga 35, ZK-PZM, panel

Next up are two scenic pictures of Whanganui. The Durie Hill War Memorial Tower followed by the Bastia Hill Water Tower.

Durie Hill War memorial Tower, Whanganui

Bastia Hill Water Tower, Whanganui

* not really any chocolate fish on offer :-(

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