Ardmore 05 January 2009

Recently imported Agusta A119 MKII Koala ZK-ISR c/n 14710 was being inspected outside the Airwork hanger before winding up and departing towards the east. This new machine is registered to Heli Solutions of Tauranga who briefly (Dec 07 until Oct 08) operated an older model of the same breed, ZK-IHS.

Murphy Rebel ZK-DKZ carried out some circuits, first time I've come across this grunty sounding machine. It was registered to a Mr DK Horton in August 2008.

At Ardmore Yesterday

Newly repainted Aero L 29 Delfin ZK SSU was doing touch and go landings at Ardmore on Sunday afternoon. I understand it was recently painted at Whangarei, and the North Shore example ZK SSS will also be flying to Whangarei for a repaint

Jodel D9 ZK KMM

Jodel D9 ZK KMM taken at Waipukurau on 31 December 2008. It is now almost 25 years old having first flown on 15 January 1984. It was built by Keith Morris over a period of 10 years at Lower Hutt, Te Aroha and Levin, and is still in orginal condition having flown in excess of 800 hours.

Question time # 33

What's this then ?
What's it on ?
What's it do ?
& while you are at it. What is the registration of this aircraft ?

Dutch Porter model

One to test this blog administrators limits on "NZ Civil Aircraft" is this shot of a radio control model of the Pilatus PC6 B2-H4 Porter PH-JFD found in the hangar housing the L-29 at Timaru.
It is based on the real PH-JFD c/n 909.
Check out www.pc-6.com/history/909.htm
Whilst on this site check out the following c/ns 523, 628, 634, 653, 656, 693, 809, 824 & 841.

Aero L-29 Delfin ZK-VAU

I dropped into Timaru yesterday (03-01-2009) for a potty stop & cuppa tea and found the Aero L-29 Delfin ZK-VAU , c/n 094015 was out to play.

It has been receiving some TLC since its arrival in Timaru and is begining to look a lot smarter, although this work has made the markings harder to read. I noticed (but did not note down) a number on the deflector plate to the starboard engine intake - possibly the c/n ! The "45"below the cockpit has almost been rubbed away.

It is housed in its new hangar which will shortly also hold (Once Wigram closes) the owners Piper PA-31-325 Navajo ZK-NOW2 , c/n 31-7912032.

Question time # 32 resolved

Matt has added the final part to QT # 32.
It is indeed Richard Lane's NZ Aerospace CT/4B Airtrainer ZK-JMF , c/n 086.
First flown at Hamilton as NZ1938 on 28-10-1976 it served with the RNZAF from 24-12-76 until bcoming ZK-JMF with Aeromotive Ltd on 14-09-2000.
The Massey University School of Aviation at NZPN had it in their name from 23-01-2001 until transfer back to Aeromotive on 12-03-03.
Richard I Lane of Christchurch took over from 22-09-03.

GD Convair 440/580 VH-PAL

General Dynamics Allison Convair 440/580 VH-PAL , c/n 501 pulled into Timaru on 01-01-2009. Still carrying the name "Joan -'The Jet Prop' " this was ZK-PAL2 with Pionair Adventures Ltd from 24-09-03 until 15-08-08 when it transferred to Pionair Australia Pty Ltd.

Kiwi connections at Camden # 2

Also at Camden on 16-12-2008 with ZK-HYX was the Rick Lucas (Helipro) Kawasaki BK117 B-1 ZK-HYT4 , c/n 1030, wearing the number "267". [This was previously ZK-HGQ3 between 01-03-07 and 13-05-08]
Eagle eyes may note the Wildcat Bell 212 C-GSGT , c/n 30771, {no ZK connections} in the background beyond ZK-HYX.

Did the two BK's fly across the ditch ?

Pic supplied by Dave Wise.

Question time # 32 UPDATE

Yes Anonymous & Mike:
It is not a tin pigeon but a CT/4B Plastic Parrot.
But I haven't seen any sign of a ZK registration yet.
It's ex RNZAF & currently on the NZ civil register (does that help ?).