A lumpy approach and a BAC 167

Just a couple of very quick videos from earlier today.

I went for a flight in Piper PA28-161, ZK-KAT. It was lumpy [I cleverly found all the downdrafts in the area!]. The first video is around 30 seconds of the approach and landing.



This second video is of a very cool aircraft which taxied past me after landing. Nice!

Current and ex military

It's time for a bit of a catch up after a few weeks of no posting. This post has two aircraft, one which is currently operated by the RNZAF and one which was formerly operated by the RNZAF.

First up is the current aircraft, a Lockheed C130H Hercules, NZ7002, operated by the RNZAF.

Lockheed C130H Hercules, NZ7002, operated by the RNZAF

Next up is the ex-military aircraft, a BAC BAC167 Mk88 Strikemaster, ZK-BAC. This was arriving after a short hop from Whanganui.

BAC BAC167 Mk88 Strikemaster, ZK-BAC, operated by RNZAF Strikemaster Ltd

Ex and current RNZAF aircraft at Wellington

Two aircraft caught my eye today. The first is an ex-RNZAF jet aircraft, the mighty BAC BAC-167 Strikemaster, ZK-BAC, which is registered to RNZAF Strikemaster Ltd, of a Lower Hutt address. The "blunty" had at least a couple of flights out of Wellington today.

BAC BAC-167 Strikemaster 88, ZK-BAC

BAC BAC-167 Strikemaster 88, ZK-BAC

Second up was a current RNZAF aircraft, a Beech B200 King Air, NZ7123 which arrived this evening.

Beech B200 King Air, NZ7123, operated by the RNZAF

Blunty at Wellington!

The big surprise today was the arrival of a BAC BAC-167 Strikemaster Mk88, ZK-BAC! This aircraft came from Omaka [about 11 minutes!] earlier in the day before heading to Whanganui and back. It is registered to RNZAF Strikemaster Ltd of a Lower Hutt address.

As you can see, I got a good close up look at it [thanks Charles] and it's awesome up close :-)

Not sure there's a lot I can say about it - I think the pictures speak for themselves. The cockpit is snug but quite comfortable even for my 6'1" height, and it's, just, wow :-) About the only things missing are some stores on the wing pylons and the ejector seats have been disabled. You can't have everything, I suppose! :-)

Ohakea Open Day # 7: Static Displays

An airshow would not be complete without a number of static displays, and this open day was no exception. Unfortunately I was not as interested in the static displays, and so few pictures. These static [or trade] displays showcased the diverse roles performed by members of the RNZAF on a daily basis. There were also the obligatory recruiting stands from the RNZAF, Navy and New Zealand Cadet Force.

One of the more interesting displays [for me] was the avionic flight workshop. This showcased a wide range of activities that these people get up to, from instrument repair trough to night vision systems. The basic flight sim on offer was being well utilised by the kids.

Other items in the static display included several of the aircraft that also participated in the flying programme - more on those in other posts. There were also some dedicated display aircraft.

First of these are the McDonnell Douglas A4K Skyhawk, BAC 167 Strikemaster and the Aermacchi MB339CB. The Skyhawk used to be New Zealand's fighter jet until the Labour Government of 2001 decided to abandon our strike capability [they are now wrapped in latex at Woodbourne aerodrome]. The Aermacchi was the lead-in jet trainer which fell to the same fate [although look here, as some of these are still flying from Ohakea today]. The Strikemaster was New Zealand's lead-in jet trainer until replaced by the Aermacchi.

The last picture is of an immaculate Singaporian C130 Hercules. When I say immaculate, I mean immaculate. Although I didn't get to see inside [the line was about 1 hour long...!] this C130 was polished top to bottom. Quite a different finish from the RNZAF Hercs and their matt grey finish.