Bombardier VH-8MR into Christchurch today

 The Bombardier BD-700 1A10 Global Express 6000 VH-8MR c/n 9792 arrived in from Brisbane this afternoon.This is a 2017 example which was listed to the manufacturer Bombardier Aerospace as C-FUFT3 on 13-03-2017 and was delivered to Global Jet Austria GmbH on 19-12-2017 to become OE-LMA.

It joined the Australian register on 22-09-2023 as VH-8MR with ML Aviation Ltd of Brisbane and is operated by Business Aviation Solutions Pty Ltd also of Brisbane.

Douglas DC-3 ZK-JGB at Omaka.

 Lord Nelson spotted the Airscapade Affairs Douglas DC-3 ZK-JGB2 c/n 4363 at Omaka today        30-10-2024.

It has been parked up at the National Transport & Toy Museum at Wanaka for some time.

It was recently serviced there by JEM Aviation team from Omaka and was then flown up to Omaka on 11-10-2024.

It has been mentioned HERE several time previously.

Rangiora surprise this afternoon

 Pacific Aerospace Cresco 08-600 ZK-LTB c/n 022 outside its hangar.

It has featured many times on this blog.

The surprise catch for the day was the NZAI Fletcher FU24-950 ZK-EGS c/n 241.

This was first registered to N.Z.A.I at Hamilton on 12-07-1977 for listing to Air Services (Wairarapa) Ltd at Masterton on 07-12-1977. It changed tie down points at Masterton from 11-01-1978 when it joined Air Contracts (1969) Ltd.  On 15-08-1980 it was listed back with Air Services (1979) Ltd.

Super Air Ltd of Hamilton took it over from 01-11-2006.

It flew into Rangiora yesterday, minus its Super Air title, via Blenheim and Palmerston North and points further north.

'Kev's Taxi' appears below the cockpit.

Ownership passed from Super Air Ltd to Roy Hill of Oxford on 29-10-2024.

Roy also operates the Gippsland GA-200 ZK-MAW and the Piper PA-28-140 ZK-CUD.

Eurocopter AS 350 B3 ZK-IBR returns to "The Ice".

 Southern Lakes Helicopters Ltd's Eurocopter AS 350 B3 ZK-IBR c/n 4899 has headed south for another season in Antarctica. This helicopter is no stranger to the cooler climes having done at least five seasons (possibly more) down there.

Originally registered as ZK-IDF4 with Heli-Works Queenstown Helicopters Ltd on 23-07-2010 it quickly transferred over to Souther Lakes Helicopters Ltd from 02-11-2010 only to return to Heli-Works Queenstown Helicopters on 04-10-2011. 

They re-registered it as ZK-IBR on 19-06-2012 to free up the IDF4 registration for their new AS 350 B3 c/n 7421 which became ZK-IDF5.

ZK-IBR reverted back to being operated by Southern Lakes Helicopters from 01-11-2013.

ZK-IBR was flown from Te Anau to Christchurch International on October 16th - had its rotor blades removed and was stowed aboard the C17 Globemaster III (10-0218) - flown south - and was flying in the McMurdo, Scott Base area by the 19th.

Looking up the tail end of the Globemaster III.

Note the five abreast central seating up forward and the folded seats along the fuselage side.

Below

Not a lot of room to spare at the rotor head.

North American P-51D ZK-TAF to be Exported

Following on from the recent Warbirds exports of the two Kittyhawks, P40E ZK-RMH and P40N ZK-CAG as well as the 2 seat Spitfire Mk IX ZK-WDQ and the Avro Anson Mk 1 ZK-RRR, the long lived (in NZ) North American P-51D ZK-TAF is also heading off shore. 

It will be heading to Australia to join the Hunter Fighter Collection at Scone in NSW. after being purchased by Ross Pay of Pay's Aviation who is also the Chairman of the Hunter Fighter Collection, and it will join two other Mustangs on display there.  The Mustang will be flown across the Tasman by Steve Death (who also delivered Mustang ZK-SAS "Dove of Peace" across to Australia in June 2022).

The Mustang was built in late 1945 for the USAF but did not see service with them.  In 1951 it was transferred  to the RCAF with whom it served until 1959.  Then after several US owners it arrived in New Zealand as N769MD in 1984 for Sir Tim Wallis.  It first flew here as N769MD on 24/1/85 and became the foundation aircraft for Sir Tim Wallis's Alpine Fighter Collection, being painted as NZ2415 in the colours of the No 3 (Canterbury Territorial) Squadron of the RNZAF .  It was registered as ZK-TAF in May 1986.  It is photo'd above arriving at the 25th Anniversary Walsh Flying School airshow at Matamata in 1991.

Ownership transferred to Graham Bethell in 1990 and he has owned it all these years for which we should all be thankful as he has flown it in many New Zealand airshows and air displays over that time.  Here it is at the still amazing Mosquito airshow at Ardmore on 29 September 2012 along with three other now departed warbirds.  Sadly, such is the reality of the modern warbird scene.

The last time I saw Graham Bethell display his old faithful Mustang ZK-TAF/NZ2415 was at the 2023 Classic Fighters airshow at Omaka on 8/4/23.

Thanks for the memories Graham.

The delivery of Daher Kodiak ZK-KDI.

 The Daher Kodiak 100 c/n 100-03313 appeared on the US register s N321KD with the manufacture in Mid 2022 and was delivered to Fluid Aviation LLC of Kalispell. Montana in March of 2023.

Southern Wings Aircraft Sales Ltd listed it on 23-07-2024 and prepped it for its NZ ferry including a repaint into Glenorchy Air Services & Tourist Co Ltd paint scheme.

Across the Pacific: Operations Manager Megan George’s Journey with our latest Daher Kodiak 100

At Glenorchy Air, every flight is a journey. Earlier this month, our Operations Manager Meagan George, embarked on a unique flight experience that took her across the vast Pacific from Hawaii to New Zealand to bring the newest addition to our fleet to Queenstown, just in time for the busy summer season. Megan was in good company with our ferry pilot John Smith. This is the 3rd aircraft John has flown from the United States to New Zealand for us – he’s been in this business for over 50 years!

Hilo International Airport
Hilo, Hawaii, USA

Kiritimati Cassidy International Airport
Kiritimati (Christmas Island)

Faleolo International Airport
Samoa

Auckland Airport
Auckland, New Zealand

Ardmore Airport
Auckland, New Zealand

Queenstown Airport
Queenstown, New Zealand

The Daher Kodiak 100: Adventure meets luxury

The Daher Kodiak 100 is designed and built for adventure. Manufactured in Sandpoint, Idaho, USA, they are built to perform in the most challenging environments. Powered by a reliable 750hp Pratt & Whitney PT6-34 engine, the Kodiak 100 excels in short takeoffs and landings. Its robust design can handle all types of terrain and its spacious cabin comfortably accommodates 9 passengers. 

 

Equipped with state-of-the-art avionics, the Kodiak ensures both safety and efficiency. Whether flying over the Southern Alps of New Zealand or over the Pacific Ocean, the Kodiak 100 combines performance, durability, and versatility, making it the perfect aircraft for our operations.

"I have wanted to do a ferry flight for years - my two favourite things combined - aviation and travelling to new places. I absolutely loved it and was totally amazed I didn't see a ship or plane anywhere on all three days. I sailed across the Pacific in my pre-aviation days. Flying across it in a non-commercial jet was always a dream."

Megan George, Operations Manager

The big island of Hawaii

Departing Christmas Island

Landing on the island of Samoa

Ofolanga, Tonga

Hunga + Nuapapu, Tonga

Arriving at Auckland Airport

The Journey Across the Pacific

Megan’s journey began in the tropical skies of Hawaii, flying over remote stretches of ocean, making two stops along the way to refuel and rest. 

• 8 October: Merced Regional Airport (MCE) → Hilo International Airport (PHTO) – 13 hours flight time
• 9/10 October (crossing over the International Date Line): Hilo International Airport (PHTO) → Kiritimati Cassidy International Airport (PLCH) – 7 hours flight time
• 11 October: Kiritimati Cassidy International Airport (PLCH) → Faleolo International Airport (NSFA) – 8 hours flight time
• 12 October: Faleolo International Airport (NSFA) → Auckland Airport (NZAA) – 11 hours flight time

• 12 October: Auckland Airport (NZAA) → Ardmore Airport (NZAR) 
• 14 October: Ardmore Airport (NZAR) → Queenstown Airport (NZQN)
• 15 October: Queenstown Airport (NZQN) → Wanaka Airport (NZWF)

"The logistics behind a flight involving multiple countries - all the paperwork required, immigration and refueling at each stop, accommodation, etc. is huge, but once airborne, it just becomes a glorious view of ocean and clouds. I loved it! Thanks John for doing all the important stuff and letting me tag along!"

Megan George, Operations Manager

Welcome to New Zealand

After days of flying over some of the most isolated parts of the world, Megan, John and N321KD arrived safely on New Zealand shores. Now in Wanaka at Performance Aviation, her new registration will become ZK-KDI once she receives regulatory approval shortly. Ready to adventure with us this summer? Book your flight here.