ICP Savannahs of New Zealand (2) - Later Models

As I have previously posted, we have had seven of the earlier VG model Savannahs on the New Zealand register.  We also have had a couple of XL models and three S models flying.  

We will be seeing more Savannahs as eight are being actively built around the country including another by the new agent Philip Seale of Westwind Aviation Ltd at Forest Field in Canterbury.

ZK-MHG (c/n 09-02-51-809) was built by Michael H Glen of Christchurch and was first registered to him on 28/2/12.  It was our first XL model, still with the slab sided rear fuselage but with the new cowlings.  It is photographed at Rangiora with small wheels and tyres on 29/2/12...

 then with bigger tyres at the 2013 SAANZ flyin at Ashburton on 9/2/13...

and more recently with even bigger tyres at the 2017 RAANZ flyin at Rangiora, on 1/4/17.

ZK-LCF (c/n 14-06-44-0339) was imported as a factory built aircraft purchased by Lance Weller of Tutukaka and was first registered to him on 21/10/14. 

It was our first S model Savannah with the rounded rear fuselage.  

On 21/12/14 it was sold to Nathan D Hughes of Ohaupo, and it is photographed above at the 2016 Black Sands flyin at Raglan, on 5/11/16.

ZK-CVK2 (c/n 10-7-51-916), an XL model, was built in Western Australia and was registered on the Australian microlight register as 19-7675 on 11/8/10.  

It was imported into New Zealand by the South Eyre Trust of Rangiora and registered to them on 9/2/15.  

It still wears its AUF registration on the tail as in this photo taken at the 2017 RAANZ flyin at Rangiora, on 1/4/17.

ZK-MYN (c/n 14-11-54-0359), an S model, was built by the Savannah agent, Philip Seale of Forest Field near Christchurch (Westwind Aviation Ltd) and was first registered on 19/1/16. 

It is photographed above at the 2017 SAANZ flyin at Ashburton, on 1/2/17.  

It was then sold to Glenn N Martin Ltd of Christchurch and is now based at Rangiora alongside Glenn's other aircraft (the Sting S4 ZK-MTN).

ZK-BIC2 (c/n 14-11-54-0358), another S model, was built by Tony den Haan of Cust (hence the registration Built In Cust), and it was first registered to him on 1/12/16.  

Tony previously owned a couple of Jodel D 11s so maybe he feels that the Savannah is a type of modern Jodel?  It is photographed above at the 2017 SAANZ flyin at Ashburton, on 4/2/17.

And here it is landing at the 2017 RAANZ flyin at Rangiora, on 31/3/17, now with a factory approved rudder extension (an option) for improved directional stability at very low speeds.

That's all of our Savannahs for now, but as I noted above there will be more of them in the future.

The New Zealand Savannah website is found at www.savannahnz.com

Harvard ZK-TVI returns home

North American NA88 Harvard 2A* ZK-TVI (c/n 88-14178) has returned to Ardmore from Wanaka following completion of repairs after being damaged in an incident back on 28-03-2016.

It is seen below outside its Ardmore hangar on Tuesday thanks to Keith Morris.

If we go back a bit earlier we see that is was allocated the US serial of 41-33801 followed by the RAF/FAA lend-lease serial of EX828. 

This was not taken up as the aircraft was diverted to NZ and became NZ1057 with the RNZAF from 08-08-1943.

It is known to have served with 4 Territorial Squadron between June 1953 and May of 1955 after which it was converted to its Mark 2A* status. It went into storage at Woodbourne about September 1972 until being sold by tender to Engine Support Inc of Florida in June 1978. 

Why it did not go offshore I know not but it went to the Silverstream Transport Museum (between Stokes Valley and Upper Hutt).

Above - seen at Silverstream on 22-07-1982.

Charles Darby of Auckland acquired it and moved it to Ardmore in 1988 and then advertised it for sale. 

It is seen below at Ardmore in 1988 thanks to Peter Lewis.

Restored - it entered the NZ civil register as ZK-TVI  on 18-12-1997 with the Harvard 1057 Syndicate at Auckland and was first flown at Rotorua on 23-12-1997.

(The TVI registration comes from the letter 'T' followed by the Roman letters 'VI' which gives the number '6' giving us 'T-6' which is the US military designation).

Ownership was transferred to Liz Needham on 01-06-2006 and then on 20-09-2012 it was listed to Warbird Adventure Rides Ltd (which is another way of saying, husband and wife team of, Frank Parker and Liz Needham.

It is seen below at Ardmore on 24-02-2016.

After its incident at Wanaka it was looked after by Twenty TwentyFour Ltd.

Check out their site at
http://www.twenty24.co.nz/

Above as seen in the Twenty TwentyFour hangar at Wanaka on 10-02-2017.

Question time # 198

Connoisseurs of chocolate fish may wish to identify this aircraft type.

The type and possible registration would be nice.

Also if you can tell me what type of engine this is would be most helpful - because I do not know !

And for whats it's worth  - On the back of this photo, written in pencil, is 'Timaru 1936'.

ZK-LWN at NZTG today.

Noted late this morning at Tauranga by Grayson Ottaway.

The Piper Pa-31-310 Navajo ZK-LWN (c/n 32-8112056) arrive in NZ in June of 1995 and until its recent ownership change to Timara Lodge NZ Ltd of Blenheim from 23-06-2017 had spent all its time at Hastings/ Napier.

It had a brief mention earlier Here.

PILATUS ANNOUNCE THE END OF AN ERA

MEDIA RELEASE  28.08.2017

The End of an Era:

Pilatus Discontinues Production of the Legendary Pilatus Porter PC-6.

It brought fame to the Pilatus name worldwide – the Pilatus Porter PC-6. This multi-role aircraft has been produced at Stans without interruption since 1959, currently in small numbers, i.e. ten machines per year at most. The PC-6 is one of the world's longest-running production stories in the aviation industry. That will come to an end in early 2019 when production will be ceased. Support will be provided to existing customers for the next 20 years at least, thereby ensuring reliable ongoing PC-6 operations.

Pilatus has produced a total of 500 PC-6s in Stans since 1959. Slightly fewer than 100 machines were additionally produced in the USA under licence. The PC-6 delivered an international breakthrough for Pilatus: its short takeoff and landing capabilities and general versatility earned it worldwide fame and a reputation as a robust “all-rounder”. Amongst its many achievements, the Pilatus Porter has flown several cargo and passenger trips at maximum useful load to an altitude of 5700 metres above sea level – a world record that has not been bettered even to this day!

Adjustment to our product portfolio

The Pilatus name stands for “high tech” and latest generation aircraft. In line with this philosophy, our products benefit from ongoing development to ensure they match the most recent standards. Due to the age of the PC-6 and other certification parameters, it is no longer possible to provide this ongoing development in the scope we would wish.

Also in connection with our PC-24 Super Versatile Jet, for which series production is currently gearing up in Stans, and which requires our full attention, we have decided that the PC-6 no longer fits our product portfolio, and that, after 60 years, it is now time to cease production. Employees previously engaged on the PC-6 production line will be assigned to assembly work on our other aircraft types.

Oscar J. Schwenk, Chairman of the Board of Directors of Pilatus, comments:

“I am proud that the PC-6 featured in the Pilatus product portfolio, this aircraft has earned us fame and recognition worldwide. But the time has now come to take a dispassionate look at the facts and admit that every product has a life cycle which must come to an end sooner or later. That moment has arrived for the PC-6. With an eye on the future, however, we now look forward to the imminent market launch of the PC-24 Super Versatile Jet, which embodies, and carries forward, all the original values of the PC-6.”

Last opportunity to order

Pilatus will accept orders for the PC-6 latest until mid of 2018. The number of aircraft available is limited. Existing customers may depend on at least 20 years of support and spare parts for the PC-6, ensuring reliable continuing operations well into the future, in line with the Pilatus motto, “Customer First”.

Below we have photos of three of our less well known Porters.

 Above is ZK-DFJ at Wellington on 10-06-1971.

 ZK-PCI as seen by Andy Heap in January 2001

ZK-PTP at Tekapo on 11-12-1986.

Two from Auckland International on 27-8-17

Britten Norman BN2A-20 Islander ZK-PIY msn 344 seen taxing and on departure yesterday. This aircraft has recently been painted in a special livery to mark Great Barrier Island being made the worlds third Dark Sky Sanctuary earlier this month.
The sparsely populated island with no mains power is regarded as one of the best places in the world for star gazing.
Note the clever alteration of the airline name by operator Fly My Sky.

Convair C580 ZK-FTA msn 168 continues to be reduced to spares by owner Air Chathams Ltd.

 A couple of weeks ago I had a spare hour in Franz Josef village, as you do.
Tine to pop down to the heliport and see what was around.

Squirrel s ZK-HTD/2 and A-Star ZK-HJQ/2, both of The Helicopter Line, were doing the tourist thing.

 Hughes 500 ZK-HVT/2, flying for Fox Franz Heliservices, went off to pick up some trampers

 While Helicopters Queenstown were using ZK-IKO and ZK-IVW as a shuttle service to some works up in the mountains.

All at Glacier Country heliport, 15Aug2017

Christchurch pickings for the week

Below is a selection from my lens taken over the last few days at Christchurch International Airport.

Independent Helicopters of Christchurch had their Aerospatiale AS 350 BA ZK-HIY6 (c/n 1807) at Heli Maintenance yesterday (26th). We can expect a fleet change here shortly.

 Another change (maybe) for the Pacific Aerospace CT/4E Airtrainer ZK-JDZ2  (c/n 241) which has been registered to Pacific Aerospace Ltd of Hamilton since 03-12-2008.

I noted it earlier in the week overflying the City in formation with a Canterbury Aero Club aircraft.

 Meanwhile numerous Beechcraft King Airs waffled in and out.

Above we have the Air Wanganui Ltd's B200 Super King Air ZK-MDC2 (c/n BB-1195) and below is the Beechcraft B200GT Super King Air ZK-VMF (c/n BY-57) as listed to Tasman Aviation Ltd of Motueka.

 With the Antarctic season about to get underway we have the Airbus A319-115 VH-VHD (c/n 1999) as operated by Skytraders Pty Ltd of Tullamarine, Victoria awaiting the starters flag to head south. Also awaiting is the U.S.Air Force C-17 88-8196.

All have feature on these pages previously.

Some from Ardmore on 23-8-17

North American Harvard 2A* ZK-TVI c/n 88-14178 'Harvard 57' seen outside the Warbirds Club Rooms having returned from Wanaka on the 22nd following a rebuild after its accident there following the 2016 Warbirds Over Wanaka Airshow.
The aircraft is registered to Warbird Adventure Rides Ltd, Drury.

An Unknown Twin Squirrel seen leaving the Airwork facility at Ardmore yesterday afternoon. While in Inflite livery it has a panel sporting the old Helilink livery.

Bristol B170 Freighter Mk31 ex ZK-EPG msn 13135 had its nose doors open yesterday and it appears that its interior is being used as space to ship other components to the UK.

Cessna 172S ZK-CTR msn 172S9924 operated by L3 CTS Airline Academy (NZ) Ltd of Hamilton was doing circuits

Ardmore based Piper PA-22-135 Pacer 180 ZK-PAL msn 22-2298 of Ardmore Taildraggers Inc.

Christchurch today 22-08-2017

Tony McFarlin's shot of the day is the Eurocopter EC 120 B ZK-IWC (c/n 1584).

It has been mentioned briefly in these pages previously.

It has been listed with Heliworks Queenstown Helicopters 2012 Ltd since 21-11-2016.

And this is what it, looks like from the other side.

 Also out and about mid afternoon was the BAC Strikemaster ZK-VPR (c/n EEP/JP/4096).

 It has been mentioned previously HERE

Robinson R66 ZK-HUA

Robinson R66  ZK-HUA/3 C/N 0384 was initially registered VH-ZWN/2 with Heliflite Pty Ltd of Georges Hall, NSW, on 27 June 2013. It was cancelled 21 October 2014 and two days later turned up on the NZ register as ZK-HXC/4 with Heliflite Pacific Ltd of Ardmore. Earlier post HERE

It was then cancelled from the register 02 February 2015 on return to Australia where it again became VH-ZWN three days later.  It was cancelled on 06 September 2016 returning to New Zealand this time taking up the marks ZK-HUA/3 with Helisika Agricultural Ltd of Ardmore from 14 October 2016. 

While operating from the registered operator's base, the R66 wears Helinorth titles.

Departing Ardmore 18 August 2017.

ZK-JDZ

The Pacific Aerospace CT/4E Airtrainer ZK-JDZ2 (c/n 241) was at The Canterbury Aero Club today and was photographed by Tony McFarlin.

From memory this demonstrator toured Africa in 2013/14 as I recall that it was at Matsieng in Botswana and also appeared at the 2014 South African Aerospace and Defence airshow at Waterkloof.

Check Here. for the Company spiel.

You can even have it in Chinese if you prefer.

Some Ardmore Visitors 21-8-17

Smart looking Cessna 172S VH-AVR msn 172S10397 registered to Westpac Bank Corporation flew from Australia to Norfolk Island via Lord Howe Island on Saturday before continuing onto Kerikeri and Ardmore yesterday. Am not sure if it is an import or just a visitor.

While clicking VH-AVR I looked up to see Cessna 208 Caravan ZK-TTS msn 20800373 operated by Tandem Skydiving (2002) Ltd of Taupo exiting the runway. Earlier I had see PAC 750XL ZK-TTL from the same company parked and assumed wrongly as it turned out that TTS would join it. Instead TTS went elsewhere and was quickly placed inside a hanger.

Some photos of TTL msn 104 parked and departing Ardmore just after 09.05.

Eurocopter EC 130 B4 ZK-IDN msn 4084 operated by North Shore Helicopters Ltd but wearing Helicopter Me titles seen just after arriving at the Airbus ramp at Ardmore.