HBBPC 2020 - Tricycle aircraft

As you might expect at an event promoting strip flying, there were a lot of taildraggers entered, although there were also a lot of tricycle undercarriage aircraft. Many of them were C172's, although there were a few different types on offer.

Here are a few of them.

First up, a Cessna 172A, ZK-CKX, which is registered to a Timaru address. Being an A model, it certainly is old, but that's no impediment to a precision landing comp.

Cessna 172A, ZK-CKX, registered to a Timaru address

Next up is a Piper PA38-112 Tomahawk, ZK-EQH, which is operated by Marlborough Aero Club. It's a really good example of a Hatchet having been well looked after by the aero club.

I think this was flown by several pilots in the precision landing comp and from memory there was an instructor on each flight. The reasons include one competitor being an Englishman who doesn't have a New Zealand licence and a couple of Marlborough Aero Club students. It's great to see some students having a go!

Piper PA38-112 Tomahawk, ZK-EQH, operated by Marlborough Aero Club

Next up are three of my favourite aircraft from the comps. They are all Zenair CH701 STOLs and just looking at them you can see they are built for short takeoffs and landings. Needless to say they pulled off some impressive performances on the day, with ZK-NVY, ZK-JUG [previous post] and ZK-TIA getting 1st, 2nd and 3rd places in the microlight category of the STOL comp.

I think if I were to own a microlight, one of these would be high on the list!

Zenair CH701 STOL, ZK-TIA, registered to a Rangiora address

Zenair CH701 STOL, ZK-SLO, also registered to a Rangiora address

Zenair CH701 STOL, ZK-NVY, registered to a Merivale [Christchurch] address

Healthy Bastards Bush Pilot Champs 2020

Last Saturday was the annual Healthy Bastards Bush Pilot Champs at Omaka aerodrome.

The champs have been running for eight years and this was the second time I attended, although to spectate, rather than compete, this time. The event is becoming a fixture on the aviation calendar with entries increasing every year. I think I might have to have another go next year - at least in the precision landing comp, but maybe the takeoff and landing comp also.

The day, of course, was filthy hot with very little breeze. Really for these events [including I would suggest the spectators] you want 20-30 knots wind and colder conditions Still, it is what it is and a fun day appeared to be had by all.

Anyway, this and next few posts will have a selection of pictures from the day. Enjoy!

First up is the Boeing-Stearman A75N1, ZK-KJO. This is an awesome looking WW2-era trainer from the USA. I reckon it would be fun to fly, and who doesn't like an aircraft with a nice big radial at the front?

Boeing-Stearman A75N1, ZK-KJO, operated by Classic Aircraft Sales Ltd

Next up is an entry from Wellington Aero Club and their CFI trying out the precision landing comp. Cessna 172N, ZK-EKE, is not quite what it seems, with a 180Hp engine and a STOL kit. This was the aircraft I flew to and from Omaka, although as noted above, I wasn't competing.

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

The Healthy Bastards would not be the Healthy Bastards without Dr Dave and his passion for every pilot being a healthy bastard. This Cessna 172 is Dr Dave's personal transport which he uses to fly IFR all around the country, conducting aviation medicals and capturing dinners. Interesting perhaps is that it is an R172K, which I believe means it is a Reims model.

Cessna R172K, ZK-RJG, operated by Bulls Flying Doctor Service

Always a crowd favourite are the Zenair CH701 STOL aircraft. ZK-JUG [pictures of ZK-SLO and ZK-NVY will be in subsequent posts] is about to land. These aircraft are impressive... another aircraft I would like to fly one day! This one is registered to a Kaiapoi address.

Zenair CH701 STOL, ZK-JUG

Anyway, that's it for this post. there will be several more over the next couple of weeks with some of the interesting range of aircraft that competed.