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Post by Dave Homewood on Jul 8, 2010 15:25:07 GMT 12
I took these on some special day at Wigram in 1992, but I cannot recall what the occasion was. They brought in one of every type of RNZAF aircraft for this event except for a Boeing 727. I don't think it was the day before a Wings and Wheels, it was more an inhouse celebration like maybe 75 years of flying training or 55 years of the RNZAF, or something of that nature. It was the first time I ever got to see a Maachi in the flesh so it was exciting for me, and it was its first visit to Wigram I believe. I think it was too late to be the official opening of the runway? Does anyone know the date and occasion?   Even a Devon was pulled out of 2TTS for this event    Not a great shot but it shows that NZ1015 displayed too.  I'm not sure if this is the same day but probably, the Historic Flight's Tiger Moth. The guy in overalls was the F/Sgt in charge of the Flight, I forget his last name but he was known as Pedro.  |
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Post by Dave Homewood on Jul 8, 2010 15:43:29 GMT 12
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Post by skyhawkdon on Jul 8, 2010 17:11:49 GMT 12
Very interesting photos there Dave. Sad to think none of those aircraft are still flying with the RNZAF (except the Historic Flight Harvard and Tiger Moth!).
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Post by classicman on Jul 8, 2010 17:42:15 GMT 12
Sorry, I just have to vent a little after seeing those photos. I know I am preaching to the converted, but I cannot believe we have a squadron of those tidy looking 339s just mothballed away. When you compare it to its predecessor the leap in capability was enormous, and quite in keeping with our modest defence aims.
Even if you still took the ACF out of existence to satisfy ideology or financial constraints, these wee aircraft could add so much balance to other aspects of the entire NZDF. And they are sitting there, already paid for.
Sigh
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Post by corsair67 on Jul 9, 2010 1:07:21 GMT 12
Dave, great photos there.  |
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Post by Dave Homewood on Jul 9, 2010 1:14:57 GMT 12
Thanks for the comments.
With luck Don, the Historic Flight may be adding a Devon to its fleet again someday soon. But yes, it is a bit of a shock to realise all the modern aircraft in the line-up are now retired. Also there that day was a Hercules and an Orion plus the Sioux and Iroquois fleet I'm sure, so at least they remain in service (for a bit).
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Post by Ykato on Jul 9, 2010 14:06:18 GMT 12
GREAT PHOTO'S DAVE THANKS FOR POSTING THEM THEY ALL VERY COOL PHOTO's - Cheers.
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Post by Dave Homewood on Jul 9, 2010 14:24:18 GMT 12
I love the weathering on the Bluntie's drop tank.
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Post by flyjoe180 on Jul 9, 2010 19:36:07 GMT 12
Agree, very interesting and nostalgic photos Dave. Thanks.
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Post by kiwiscanfly on Jul 10, 2010 3:54:22 GMT 12
very nice look into history there  Thanks and just one question is there still an Andover at the Air Force Museum?? |
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Post by skyhawkdon on Jul 10, 2010 10:01:01 GMT 12
Yes!
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Post by Dave Homewood on Jul 10, 2010 10:21:51 GMT 12
Yes, but not the same one as seen above.
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Post by corsair67 on Jul 11, 2010 14:01:31 GMT 12
I love the weathering on the Bluntie's drop tank. It shows just how fast they can go! ;D |
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Post by Dave Homewood on Jul 11, 2010 14:50:48 GMT 12
Probably more likely form sitting on the tarmac in the Ohakea rain. ;D
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Post by Dave Homewood on Jul 11, 2010 15:45:52 GMT 12
Nobody has yet been able to offer a date for this event. The Wigram Wings and Wheels occurred on March 8th, 1992 but I'm sure this was not the day before that, as the aircraft were not set up like this for that show, and also the weather looks more wintry. In march 1992 we had the Cricket World Cup being played and i recall that airshow day was hot and brilliant weather, and we watched Mark Greatbatch hitting six after six in the shade of a tent in the airshow carpark where I was working, and I'm certain that golden weather does not match these more wintry shots.
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Thanks