All fingers accounted for

Saturday was another day to head to Masterton airfield and continue my flight training on the Piper J3C-50, ZK-AHD, with Wairarapa Flying Tigers.

Today's flight was more upper air work - stalls, steep turns, slow flight, slips and an overhead rejoin. I was also seated in the rear seat, which was an interesting experience with limited visibility, but one I'll get used to since this aircraft is flown solo from the back seat. Next lesson will likely be lots of circuits. That'll be a lot of fun!

Not only that, but I am also learning some of the ground stuff, like starting the engines of the J3 and the de Havilland DH82A Tiger Moths. These aircraft don't have starter motors [it seems to be just additional dead weight to carry around 😁], so they start using the Armstrong method, or swinging the propellers by hand. Fun times, and at the end of the day, all fingers are accounted for.

Only two photos from today, of two of Wairarapa Flying Tiger-operated de Havilland DH82A Tiger Moths, ZK-ANL and ZK-BLK. Once up to speed on the J3, this will be the next bit of fun.

de Havilland DH82A Tiger Moth, ZK-BLK, operated by Wairarapa Flying Tigers

de Havilland DH82A Tiger Moth, ZK-ANL, operated by Wairarapa Flying Tigers

Two flying tigers

Yesterday I went on a trip to Masterton. I flew the Nanchang CJ6A, ZK-MAO, over there and back. In between times, I had a nice meal at the Kittyhawke cafe.

I also got to see these two de Havilland DH82A Tiger Moths, ZK-ANL and ZK-BEW, starting up for a flight. One day 👍

It is great to see these awesome aircraft still being used regularly. There's even a chance I may end up flying them one day. Stay tuned.

de Havilland DH82A Tiger Moth, ZK-ANL, ZK-BEW, operated by Wairarapa Flying Tigers

They are also available for joy rides if you are interested. Wairarapa Flying Tigers is the place to go to find out more.

If you're a pilot and are interested in flying these wonderful aircraft, you can use the same website to make contact with Wairarapa Flying Tigers.

A fun time in Masterton

For the first time in many years, Wairarapa and Wellington Aero Clubs held an inter-club competition last Saturday. These used to happen regularly, but haven't for a few years now. There is even a rather large and impressive cup, the Liverton Cup, on offer.

The competitions

The day consisted of three competitions taken from the excellent [I may be biased!] set of competitions run by Flying NZ for their regional and national competition events. We also used the relevant safety standards promulgated by Flying NZ, especially for the landing grid set-up and operations.

The three competitions were:

• Precision circuits [based on the Wigram Cup Senior Landing comp]
• Non-instrument circuits [based on the Wigram Cup non-instrument circuit comp]
  
• Forced landings without power [based on the GM Spence competition rules]

To give different people a fair go, there were three categories, Junior [student pilots], Senior [licenced pilots] and Special [CPL, instructors and other "special" people 😆]. It was a friendly get-together, with an emphasis on having fun and learning something and serving as an introduction to pilots from both clubs who had not experienced competitions before.

I had planned to spend most of my day running the landing grid... but I found out partway through the day that someone had entered me into the precision circuits and forced landing competitions. They also decided that I would also use the Nanchang CJ6A, ZK-MAO. Funny people.

Nanchang CJ6A, ZK-MAO, operated by Wellington Aero Club

As it turned out, I only had time for the forced landing competition. I flew it fairly well and had a lot of fun doing it. Rumour has it, I may have landed on the grid also, which was very helpful for the end result.

That might be the last time anyone enters me in a competition without asking first 😁.

Kiwi Coffee and Kai Catering

Kiwi Coffee and Kai Catering provided delicious food in the afternoon and evening. Yum! Apparently they cater all over the place, and I'm sure Wairarapa Aero Club will be happy to have them back another day. The owners of the food truck came along for a ride in Wellington's Cessna 172N, ZK-EKE - a nice little 20 minute trip. Check out their FB page for some photos and video of the flight.

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

Flying Tigers

The Wairarapa Flying Tigers were out in force, providing rides in their two DH82A Tiger Moths. Very impressive machines, and I know everyone enjoyed their rides.

I signed up as a member of Flying Tigers a while ago, but being busy, yet again I managed to fail miserably at going for a ride. Sad. Another day.

The end result?

Everyone had fun and I'm sure most people learnt something [I learnt that I should be more careful about applying sunscreen everywhere exposed... Grrrr!].

I actually had fun gliding the Nanchang onto the ground - that last 500' is always the fun bit. I also flew the Nanchang to/ from Wellington - again, good fun.

Congrats to Wairarapa Aero Club who took out the Liverton Cup this year. We'll be back next year to take it back!

Flying NZ Cook Strait regional flying competition

Last weekend I was up in Whanganui for the Flying NZ Cook Strait region competitions.Unlike the previous four years, I wasn't the Competition Director [Thanks Leroy for doing that this year. Well done!], but I was given the role of Chief Ground Judge [so LOTS of time out on the landing grid], as well as competing in the Wigram Cup Basic Panel Instrument Flying competition.

A fun day and one that was well organised by Flying NZ and the Wanganui Aero Club.

For me, the weekend started with a flight to Whanganui in Wellington Aero Club's Cessna 172N, ZK-EKE on Friday. My competition was done in a Piper PA38-112 Tomahawk, ZK-TAW on Saturday and the flight home on Sunday was again in EKE.

I didn't get any pictures during the competitions - I was too busy with managing safety on the grid and ensuring the judging was up to standard, but I did get some on Saturday evening and on the flight home.

First up is the de Havilland DH112 Venom, ZK-VNM. This was pulled out of its hanger and turned some Jet A1 into noise and kinetic energy. Nice!

de Havilland DH112 Venom, ZK-VNM, operated by Wanganui Sea and Air Charters

This Supermarine Aircraft Spitfire Mk 26 Replica, ZK-SPT, was pushed out of it's hanger to make room for the competition presentation dinner. What an awesome machine!

Supermarine Aircraft Spitfire Mk26 Replica, ZK-SPT

It looked great in the dark also!

Supermarine Aircraft Spitfire Mk26 Replica, ZK-SPT

I am always impressed at the quality of photos on my new iPad Mini 6. here are a couple as we passed over Paraparaumu airport and a cockpit photo of EKE.

NZPP - Paraparaumu airport

NZPP - Paraparaumu airport

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

Oh yeah... competition results. I managed a First Equal in my competition. I'm quite stocked with that! I guess the practice helped. Well done to Mads from HBECAC who was also first equal - a great guy and friendly rivalry [rumour has it, I might has tried to convince Mads that I was so bad, that he would win even if he didn't compete... 😁😁😁 ... didn't work!].

De Havilland DH112 Venom

I'm just going through my photos from the past few weeks when I pulled out these photos of the De Havilland DH112 Venom, ZK-VNM. I think you'll agree that these are well worth showing!

The first is on takeoff, the others later on. It's helpful to have a decent zoom lens on the camera!

De Havilland DH112 Venom, ZK-VNM

De Havilland DH112 Venom, ZK-VNM

De Havilland DH112 Venom, ZK-VNM

Taildraggers at Timaru

Welcome to Timaru!

There were a number of taildraggers at the Nationals, a few of which are photographed here. Many of these were used in competitions, including for the Jay Peters Professional Pilot Competition [although I think a couple of A Cats might have shared a PA38 at one stage. Scary thought! :-)].

First up is a Piper PA18-90, ZK-BTU. This is operated by Wanganui Aero Club and was the Super Cub I took for an hour of solo circuits on Wednesday evening. Fun times!

Piper PA18-90 Super Cub, ZK-BTU, operated by Wanganui Aero Club

Maule MX7-180A, ZK-MUL is registered to a Great Barrier Island address.

Maule MX7-180A, ZK-MUL

This beautiful Vans RV6, ZK-VRV, is also privately operated, this time out of Paraparaumu Airport.

Vans RV6, ZK-VRV

Is it even possible to have a gathering of great aircraft without a De Havilland DH82A Tiger Moth? Quite possibly not. ZK-BRL is is New Zealand built example and is operated by East Canterbury Aviation.

De Havilland DH82A Tiger Moth, ZK-BRL, operated by East Canterbury Aviation

This next aircraft is also a Vans RV6, although in this case an RV6A, denoting the nosegear version. ZK-RVF is registered to a Tauranga address.

Vans RV6A, ZK-RVF

Finally, here are two more Super Cubs. Both of these aircraft were used for competitions flying and some private flying or training.

ZK-BNL is a PA18-150 and is operated by Canterbury Aero Club. I was told that it has a 160hp engine in it.

Piper PA18-150 Super Cub, ZK-BNL, operated  by Canterbury Aero Club

Piper PA18-150, ZK-BNM. This Super Cub is operated by South Canterbury Gliding Club.

Piper PA18-150 Super Cub, ZK-BNM, operated by South Canterbury Gliding Club

Finally, here's a brief video of ZK-BNL landing on the grid during one of the competitions. Enjoy!

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

Tigers on the loose in the Wairarapa

I took a quick flight up to Masterton today to take a look at a De Havilland DH82A Tiger Moth and to have a chat with the Sport and Vintage Aviation Society [SVAS] about the possibility of flying this and their De Havilland Canada DHC1 Chipmunk :-) More on that at a later date.

Needless to say, I was very impressed with the Tiger Moth and the Chipmunk. The Chippie is in a hanger undergoing maintenance at the moment, but the Tiger Moth was out in the open on what was occasionally :-) a sunny day. The aircraft itself is registered to a partnership at a  Masterton address but is used by SVAS.

De Havilland DH82A Tiger Moth, ZK-ANL, operated by Sport and Vintage Aviation Society

De Havilland DH82A Tiger Moth, ZK-ANL, operated by Sport and Vintage Aviation Society

De Havilland DH82A Tiger Moth front cockpit

De Havilland DH82A Tiger Moth rear cockpit

A little bit newer was my transport for the day, a Cessna 172S, ZK-CEO, which is operated by Wellington Aero Club.

Cessna 172S, ZK-CEO, operated by Wellington Aero Club

Fun Flying Day and Competitions at Masterton - 2

Following on from the previous post, here are some pictures of the Kapiti Aero Club-related aircraft. I don't think I got photos of the all, but here's what I got.

Cessna C172F, ZK-CHN, operated by a private owner

Cessna A152, ZK-JEN, operated by Kapiti Aero Club

Cessna A152, ZK-KID, operated by Kapiti Aero Club

Cessna A152, ZK-KID, operated by Kapiti Aero Club

Also, there were a number of local aircraft out flying, including a couple of Tiger Moths! These are operated through the Sport and Vintage Aviation Society and one of them was doing dual flights for our visiting pilots! Unfortunately, having a cold, I didn't go up, but maybe another day!

De Havilland DH82A Tiger Moth, ZK-ANL

De Havilland DH82A Tiger Moth, ZK-ANL

Whanganui Airport Open Day - Warbirds

Aside from the DC3, which is a genuine warbird in its own right, there were two other interesting warbird aircraft that visited.

First up was the de Havilland DH112 Venom Mk 1, ZK-VNM, which is operated by Wanganui Sea and Air Charters.

de Havilland DH112 Venom Mk1, ZK-VNM, operated by Wanganui Sea and Air Charters

de Havilland DH112 Venom Mk1, ZK-VNM, operated by Wanganui Sea and Air Charters

Second up was the Consolidated-Vultee PBY-5A Catalina, ZK-PBY, operated by The Catalina Company of a Papakura address. Unfortunately I missed getting photos of the fly past... you'll just need to trust me when I say it looked awesome!

Consolidated-Vultee PBY-5A Catalina, ZK-PBY, operated by The Catalina Company

Open Day at Whanganui Airport on 31 July!

News just in is an open day at Whanganui airport on 31 July!

This is not only a general open day for the airport, but also to celebrate the arrival of Air Chathams, which takes over the Whanganui to Auckland route from 1 August! Looking at the advert, it looks to be a fun day which a range of activities including scenic DC3 flights around the city!

While unconfirmed at this stage [ie: definitely subject to change!], it appears likely that the following range of Air Chathams and other visiting aircraft will be there:

Air Chathams aircraft

• Saab-Scania SF340A, ZK-KRA
• Fairchild SA227-AC Metroliner
• Douglas DC3C-S1C3G, ZK-AWP [available for scenics!]

Other visitors

• Consolidated-Vultee PBY-5A Catalina, ZK-PBY [The Catalina Company]
• de Havilland DH-115 Vampire Jet
• One or more Yakovlev Yak-52's

A range of local aircraft will also be there, including the Wanganui Aero Club and other local operators. It should be a good day!

Information will be updated as more details come to hand.

A beautiful de Havilland DH82A Tiger Moth

I had reason to drive back to Masterton airfield yesterday evening and while there, I got to see this beautiful de Havilland DH82A Tiger Moth, ZK-ANL!

I think you'll see form the photos that this aircraft is in great condition, having been refurbished/ restored within the last 12 months or so, and is New Zealand's only spray-equipped Tiger [all of the spray gear was in a trailer].

Many thanks to Wayne for telling me a bit about the aircraft's history. I am trying to find a comprehensive web-based history of this machine, so if you know of one, please send me the link :-)