|
|
Post by Gavin Conroy on Feb 13, 2011 19:35:21 GMT 12
At Christmas time the instructional airframes at WB were parked outside so we went over and took some photos. A heap more can be found at the top of the updates section on my website.  |
|
|
|
Post by Dave Homewood on Feb 13, 2011 20:46:48 GMT 12
There are actually a lot of aeroplanes there now. It's quite surprising.
That scheme so suits the Blunty, why did we never fly them in those colours? :-)
|
|
|
|
Post by strikemaster on Feb 14, 2011 15:52:02 GMT 12
What are the twin engine aircraft? And what are these aircraft actually used for these days?
|
|
|
|
Post by Dave Homewood on Feb 14, 2011 17:44:16 GMT 12
The twins are Mitsubishi MU-2's and the aircraft are used to train RNZAF technical trades (aircraft techs, avionics, safety and surface, armourers, etc). They also train civilains at the school too I believe.
|
|
|
|
Post by luke6745 on Feb 14, 2011 18:09:34 GMT 12
Do the bluntys do engine runs?
|
|
|
|
Post by strikemaster on Feb 14, 2011 18:16:33 GMT 12
Interesting, I wonder why I'd never heard of them in RNZAF service, from WIki;
"The Royal New Zealand Air Force announced 29 July 2009 that it will take delivery of four non-flying Mitsubishi MU-2F fixed-wing training aircraft during third quarter 2009 for use as training aids. The aircraft will be located at the RNZAF's Ground Training Wing (GTW) at Woodbourne near Blenheim."
I'd be keen to know if the SM's have engines intact too? Do any of these aircraft (including the Mitsies) actually fly?
|
|
|
|
Post by Dave Homewood on Feb 14, 2011 18:39:00 GMT 12
None will fly. An Instructional Airframe is legally no longer an Aircraft under military law. At least one of the Devons will be converted back to fly soon though.
|
|
|
|
Post by flyjoe180 on Feb 15, 2011 12:24:28 GMT 12
Nice pic Gavin, good to see the Mitsubishis out in their new colour schemes. Dave, the Strikemaster does look mean in that green scheme.
|
|
|
|
Post by strikemaster on Feb 15, 2011 22:12:15 GMT 12
I just wondered, because there are rules and there are "other" rules. Thought they may have been supplied intact, are the aircraft complete? All Strikemasters are mean. FJ180.  |
|
|
|
Post by Deane B on Feb 15, 2011 22:36:55 GMT 12
Yes the aircraft are still complete, with engines. When I was there we used to take them all out at least monthly and run them. (I left in 2005) Not sure how often they have been run more recently. The Strikemasters are still potentially airworthy especially two which had new wings fitted in the late eighties, not long before they were retired. The training school has lots of spares too, including engines. That also goes for the Devons.
Personally I think the Stikemasters looked better in the original scheme rather than the very dull matt two tone. One of the aircraft is fully re-painted the other is has the two tone scheme only on one half - the other side is original !!
|
|
