Just Aircraft Super STOL ZK-DKL

Just Aircraft Super STOL ZK-DKL2 (c/n JA-491-05-16) has been registered today, 31/7/19, to Mr D B Adgo of Upper Hutt.  It is not shown as having a previous identity so I guess it was built here from a kit.  There are now 10 Super STOLs registered in New Zealand (including one XL model).

In this remarkable photo it is being transported over the Remutaka Hill in early July, presumably heading for Masterton.  Maybe it is from dashboard cam but it is a well framed photo.  This was posted on Facebook and I understand that the photographer is not THE Peter Jackson.

Rod Lewis's Mosquito is Grand Champion WW II Aircraft at Oshkosh 2019

It was no surprise to me that Rod Lewis's DH 98 Mosquito FB VI N474PZ (ex ZK-BCV) has been judged the Grand Champion World War II aircraft at Oshkosh 2019.  It is another gold wrench for Avspecs!

 A screenshot from Richard Hood's Facebook post from Oshkosh.

The Mosquito in all its glory over the Wisconsin countryside near Oshkosh.  It is flying with the underwing wing rockets which is the first time I have seen this.

And basking in the sunrise at Oshkosh - out in a class of its own!

Huge congratulations to Warren Denholm and his team at Avspecs for another magnificent world-class restoration.

Piits S 1E ZK-PEG at Bridge Pa Dawn Flyin 28-7-2019

Jordan Elvy travelled up to the Hawkes Bay and East Coast Aero Club's dawn flyin at Bridge Pa yesterday where there was good weather and a good attendance of aircraft.  Most have been posted here previously but one that caught my eye was John Luff's Pitts S 1E from Wanganui.  I haven't seen a recent photo of it outside.  Its history can be seen at:  https://nzcivair.blogspot.com/2011/11/pitts-s-1-specials-of-new-zealand.html

Although it is registered on the CAA website as a Pitts S 1E, it can be seen that it is heavily modified with a Falcon symmetrical wing, and it also has an extended rudder.  Single seat Pitts's seem to have been prominent lately.

CLASS R 80 Bush Caddy (Only One) of New Zealand

The next type of sport aircraft to be registered in New Zealand and the last new type for 2010 was the R 80 Bush Caddy.  This is another example of the many varied types of sport aircraft we have had registered here.

The Bush Caddy was designed as a Canadian bush plane that can be operated on either wheels or floats (and in its most recent iteration it can be either a taildragger or a tri-gear and can be converted between both in a short time).  The aircraft was originally designed by Jean Eudes Poitvin of Quebec in 1994 and was produced by his company Club Aeronautique Incorporated (CADI).  In 1998 the rights to the design were purchased by Canadian Light Aircraft Sales and Service (CLASS), also in Quebec, who modified the name to Bush Caddy while the R 80 comes from Rotax 80 HP.  In 2011 the rights to the aircraft were purchased by Bushcaddy who have developed the aircraft into 5 models up to a four seater with a 1,200 pound payload.  The company is still in business and exhibited at Oshkosh 2019.

The construction of the Bush Caddy is aluminium with a strong cockpit cage.  And the specifications are:  length 22 feet 1 inch (6.73 metres), wingspan 32 feet (9.8 metres) with a wing area is 168 square feet.  Empty weight is around 710 pounds (322 Kg) with a MAUW in New Zealand of 1,200 pounds (544 Kg).  With the 80 HP Rotax 912 the cruise speed is around 105 mph and the stall speed is around 34 mph.

We have had only one R 80 Bush Caddy in New Zealand and because of its timing, I think it must be a CLASS Bush Caddy.

ZK-LIL (c/n CA 01-117) was built by Graham Johnston of Leeston and was first registered to him on 19/12/10.  It is photo'd above at the 2013 SAANZ flyin at Ashburton, on 9/2/13.

And here it is at Rangitata Island on 27/8/15, showing some of the construction technique.  Unsurprisingly, Graham has named his Bush Caddy "Lilly".

Outward bound from NZCH

A quick drive around Christchurch airport yesterday afternoon (26-07-2019) found three aircraft about to depart the scene.

 Airbus A320-232 ZK-OJC (c/n 2112) arrived in Christchurch from Sydney on completion of its last revenue flight for Air New Zealand on 20-06-2019.

Is has had all its ANZ decals removed and is on end of service maintenance before heading off to its new owner/operator.

 Now no longer 'airside' and parked on the cul-de-sac on the western side of the Airport are the two wingless Aero L-29's ZK-SSU (c/n 396100) and ZK-VAU (c/n 094019).

Pitts S 1C ZK-RMR Has Flown

Robert McNair's lovely Pitts S 1C ZK-RMR was test flown successfully from Ardmore on 13 July, flown by test pilot Richard Hood.  It is photo'd below with its engine cowlings fitted.

Robert told me that the Pitts was started by Andrew Philpotts but he took over the project and worked on it for around 8 years.

It looks really great! 

Grounding lifted for the Gippsland Airvan.

Civil Aviation Authority has lifted its grounding on the Gippsland GA8 Airvan.

Here's an article from 1 NEWS NOW

A six-day ban on all 21 Gippsland GA8 aircraft operations in New Zealand has been lifted today, the Civil Aviation Authority says.

The temporary suspension was put in place on last Saturday as a safety precaution following a recent parachuting accident in Sweden where nine people died. The action was also taken by the airworthiness authorities in Europe and Australia.

"Based on the limited information available immediately after the accident, the 21 GA8 aircraft operating in New Zealand were grounded, as well as a number operating overseas. There were 63 aircraft grounded in Australia for the same reasons," Director of Civil Aviation Graeme Harris said.

The precautionary suspension was triggered after initial information from the Swedish showed the aircraft had broken up in flight.

However, the director said he had received further information that there was no evidence to indicate a potential unsafe condition. As a consequence, the GA8 aircraft type would now be safely allowed to return to normal operations.

"They can now be assured that the initial concerns expressed following the accident in Sweden have been addressed."

"We do not take these steps lightly," he added. "The flying public, operators and pilots of the affected aircraft need to be satisfied that these aircraft are now safe to fly."

CAA's Australian counterpart, the Civil Aviation Safety Authority, has an airworthiness engineer in Sweden observing the accident investigation.

Mr Harris said feedback had been beneficial. "We will continue to monitor the investigation into the GA8 accident and will take appropriate action should any related safety issues become apparent in the future," he said.

Sunday Lunch

Last Sunday was a fine mid-winters day, so what better way to enjoy it with an outing across  the Firth of Thames to Pauanui for lunch?

Our chariot of choice was the Auckland Aero Club C172S ZK-JMY

Although the weather was clear at Ardmore, a bit of fog and cloud buildup on the western side of the Coromandel Ranges pushed us to track a bit to the north, and then down the eastern coast to land on RW23 at Pauanui.

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There was a steady trickle of aircraft arriving and departing from the field during the day, and as the very light wind and changed to an easterly we were able to watch the comings and goings while we walked along the beach.

Beech F33A Bonanza ZK-EDS came to NZ back in 2003 via Canada, USA and Australia

while Cardinal RG ZK-KCW spent a number of years in South Africa. It was the current Whangarei-based owner's first aerial visit to Pauanui

Cessna R182 Skylane RG ZK-LAB is Ardmore-based

 The Thorp S-18 ZK-MBY first flew back in 2007, and after some years in Northland has been operated by an Ardmore-based syndicate since 2017

This C172P spent over 30 years as ZK-FLA before adopting the ZK-MDX markings last year. First time I have seen it as such

 Ardmore Flying School's 172R ZK-ZAT is clearly sign-written that it now consumes Jet A-1, not Avgas

Plus of course our chariot for the day, ZK-JMY which has had  quite a number of operators between the time it appeared in 2001 and when it settled at the aero club in 2014

A really good days outing, and a really nice lunch at Pauanui village.

A Couple of Other Airtrainers at DTI Ardmore 24-7-2019

Following the recent sales of the two CT 4E Airtrainers ZK-PTA and ZK-PTB, Dennis Thompson International now have two more examples for sale: 

ZK-PTG (c/n 206) is ex NZ1991

and ZK-PTI (c/n 208) is ex NZ1993.

You can just make out Red Checkers on the cowling of ZK-PTI.

On their tails are a ram's head on the starboard side,

and a pelican on the port side.

Another New Zealand Link to Oshkosh 2019 - Kip Aero Sopwith 1 1/2 Strutter Replica

I have discovered another nice link to New Zealand aviation at Oshkosh 2019.

This link is the Kip Aero full size Sopwith 1 1/2 Strutter replica N5539 (US registration and RFC serial number) which is painted with a Kiwi on the side.

And the New Zealand connection is that the engine is an exact replica  Classic Aero Machining Services (CAMS) Gnome Monosoupape 100 HP rotary that is manufactured in Blenheim.

Bazflyers to Oshkosh 2019, and a Couple of Others

With Oshkosh 2019 in full swing I thought I would highlight some aircraft with New Zealand connections:

The aircraft and crew that has the closest connection to New Zealand is Piper PA 24-250 Comanche ZK-BAZ2 that Barry (bazflyer1) and Sandra (bazflyer 2) Payne of Taupo have flown from New Zealand to Oshkosh around the Northern Pacific rim.  They have a really good website www.bazflyer.com which incorporates a blog on which you can follow their progress.

After Oshkosh Barry and Sandra will continue around the world as an Earthrounder flight, and for which they have designed the above fin roundel.

However there are other aircraft at Oshkosh with New Zealand connections:  above, Rod Lewis's Mosquito FB VI N474PZ touches down.  This was registered ZK-BCV earlier this year.

And the New Zealand designed Falcomposite Furio N861SA is also there.

You can see live feed from cameras at Oshkosh at:

https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=B7r7RrHUWUQ  for the Vintage area

https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=L-PGb9zqa34  for the Warbird area, and

https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=S8kM9ILLcRk  for the Microlight area.

Police 1 at Onehunga 24-7-2019

On the other side of the motorway from the AHRT base at Ardmore, the New Zealand Police now base their helicopter operations at the Advanced Flight heliport in Onehunga, having also withdrawn from Mechanics Bay.

I was there just at the right time yesterday to catch the new Bell 429 Police 1 lifting off.

The new Eagle helicopter fleet consisting of three Bell 429s was unveiled on 12 July, being Police 1, Police 2 and Police 3.  They will provide 24/7 air services coverage for Auckland, and also be faster to attend other areas of New Zealand when required.

ARHT at Ardmore Today 24-7-2019

A nice day at Ardmore today saw the Auckland Rescue Helicopter Trust's new base being worked on with lots of tradesmen working on the hangars and the ancillary buildings.  The AHRT have now completely moved out of Mechanics Bay.

Outgoing BK 117s ZK-HKZ3 and ZK-HES4 were parked out.

However there was no sign of the new Leonardo AW 169s.  

Then AW 169 ZK-HLH4 arrived back from flight training.

I was told that AW 169 ZK-IZB was out on an emergency job.

Pauanui

A fine weekend on the Coromandel attracted a number of aircraft to Pauanui airfield including, down from Whangarei, the 1973 model Cessna 177RG Cardinal RG ZK-KCW,  which hasnt been noted here before.

And up from Tauranga the Vans RV4 ZK-RVVdid a touch and go

ULBI WT-01 Klassik Wild Thing (Only One) of New Zealand

The next type of sport aircraft to be registered here was Jersey Seipel's ULBI WT-01 Klassik Wild Thing ZK-DTT2 (c/n 052).  The WT-01 Klassik Wild Thing was introduced by ULBI (Ultra Leight Bau International GmbH) of Hassfurt, Germany in 1997.  It was supplied as a kit or a fully built up aircraft and quite a number were built, but ULBI went out of business in 2014.

Jersey's built his Wild Thing in Germany where he registered it D-MDTT.  The aircraft was based on the Murphy Rebel however it is much lighter than the Rebel (MAUW 544 Kg against the 750 Kg of the Rebel).  It is fitted with a 6 cylinder Jabiru 3300 engine.

The specifications for the aircraft are:  length 6.6 metres (21 feet 4 inches), wingspan 9.2 metres (30 feet) and a wing area of 149 square feet.  Empty weight is around 273 Kg (600 pounds) and MAUW in New Zealand is 544 Kg (1,200 pounds).  Cruise speed is around 90 mph and the stall speed is around 35 mph.

Jersey immigrated to New Zealand along with his aircraft in 2010, and he registered it as ZK-DTT2 on 15/10/10 as a Class 2 microlight.  Its first flight in New Zealand was on 11/11/10 at Parakai.  In the above photo Jersey proudly stands in front of his Wild Thing in its North Shore hangar, very early on in its New Zealand life, on 28/11/10.   

In these 2 photos, ZK-DTT2 taxies at North Shore on 24/12/11.

And takes off.  The performance is sprightly with the Jabiru 3300.

I have not seen it out at North Shore for quite a while, but it is still registered.

Gippsland Airvans grounded.

The NZ Civil Aviation Authority has grounded all 21 Gippsland Airvans registered in NZ.

Read Newshub item HERE

Three aircraft at Tauranga today

Hairy Mole Rat has supplied these photographs showing three newly registered aircraft. 

All three being listed on the 15th July.

Above is the AutoGyro Cavalon ZK-RDP3 (c/n V00374) as registered to the D P and S J Laing Family Trust of Dunedin. 

It replaces a similar machine (ZK-RDP2) damaged in March last year.

The two new Tecnam P2008 JC's for the New Zealand Airline Academy at Oamaru.

Above is ZK-MBN3 (c/n 1146) which replaces an earlier P2008 of the same registration that is now registered as ZK-LBI.

Below is ZK-TLT2 (c/n 1147) which is also a replacement for an earlier P2008 of the same registration that is now ZK-DDY2.

Check out the earlier ZK-MBN/ZK-LBI and ZK-TLT/ZK-DDY HERE

More tech stuff on the new P2008 JC HERE

ZK-NGZ

Rod Vaughan caught the BRM Aero Bristell S-LSA UL ZK-NGZ (c/n 306/2018) at Thames the other day.

Below we see the NZ agent Martin Henton with his aircraft after a weather diversion on a flight from Gordonton to Waihi Beach.

Martin advises that the Bristell's have proved very popular in Australia with some 70 so far sold.

ZK-NGZ has featured several time previously on this blog. See HERE