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Post by ZacYates on Feb 3, 2015 15:36:04 GMT 12
Just idly wondering after seeing some close-upish photos of the static example at Hood: are these the NZ-registered(serialled?) first prop aircraft we've had fitted with ejection seats, and the first RNZAF machines with ejection seats since the ACF was disbanded?
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Post by Barnsey on Feb 3, 2015 15:43:26 GMT 12
Yes, and yes
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Post by suthg on Feb 3, 2015 20:54:16 GMT 12
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Post by bell407 on Feb 4, 2015 20:26:05 GMT 12
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Post by Radialicious on Feb 4, 2015 20:39:00 GMT 12
I'm curious if these machines will require a new training area to be 'constructed' in the nearby airspace or if the areas previously used by the Aermacchi will be reactivated.
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Post by ErrolC on Feb 4, 2015 21:38:37 GMT 12
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Post by Barnsey on Feb 5, 2015 14:25:45 GMT 12
It'll be interesting to see what they do. I think there'd be limiting vertical restrictions to the north and west of OH due to the air traffic climbing out of Palmy or transiting northwards.
From my Aussie PC9 days, we weren't allowed to go above FL250 due to lack of pressurisation, and whilst the T6 is pressurised, a turboprop won't perform well in the training role above that level anyway, which does limit the need for unrestricted upper level airspace like we had in the Macchi / A4 days. I seem to remember that the Pearce PC9 areas were usually limited to 15000 and most of the training never needed to go above this, but this was partially because there were Hawk areas overlaid on top. In any case, I think the need for greater vertical manoeuvring by the T6 would restrict the usage around and above the old Airtrainer areas.
The Macchi / A4 training areas were to the east of the Tararua Ranges (outside 40nm OH, I think), which was OK when you're in an aircraft that transits at 350+kts, whereas the T6 transits at around 250kts which will lead to wasted hours. However, I'd think that the lack of air routes on the east coast and the ability to have unencumbered high level airspace would lead them to resuming those areas, as compared to the issues in trying to get higher airspace to the NW of Ohakea. The distance gives the stude more time to get his head around the recovery, or more time for the instructor to conjure up simulated failures, which is a plus!
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Post by atea on Feb 6, 2015 1:38:45 GMT 12
Not strictly on topic but Barnsey's post has bought back some memories! Our family farm was near Eketahuna and we used to get some amazing low flying from both the A4's and the Macchi's. Low and fast down the valley was the order of the day. I can remember them being at eye level looking out from the house which while raised slightly from the surrounding terrain certainly couldn't have been said to be on a hill. A shame we will probably never see anything like it again.
I have seen the T6's heading back to Ohakea from the east with reasonable height over Palmerston North so they are obviously heading east of the Tararua's at times.
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Post by Dave Homewood on Feb 6, 2015 10:13:51 GMT 12
Did they do the same sort of low level jet flying over farm land back in the days of the Vampires and Canberras?
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Post by Deleted on Feb 6, 2015 10:19:16 GMT 12
My grandfather use to either live or work on one of those farms that the vampires use to buzz, he said it was quite impressive.
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Post by suthg on Feb 6, 2015 12:25:51 GMT 12
There was SSE track from Ohakea over the Tararuas and then out to Cape Palliser - low level over the Sth Wairarapa and buzzed just clear of our east-west 3km long ridge with our white water tank a distinct target as they then headed out over the sea and around to the Cape and then up along the coastline past Castlepoint to a closing vector west with Ohakea again. It used to be a public domain flight path but I have not found it recently.
I have been caught discing our 800m long airstrip with an 75HP noisy diesel MF185 when a flight of four or five Skyhawks passed low overhead - you don't get a chance to get frightened to witness their approach, just the thundering as they passed overhead and disappeared obviously with some grins!!
Perhaps this flight path will be used again?
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Post by Barnsey on Feb 10, 2015 16:09:13 GMT 12
Back in the day: The published fixed Low Flying Route of the day (e.g. Thursday Route 2) disappeared with the creation of the NZ Military Low Flying Area (NZMLFA). In essence, anywhere within NZ territory but clear of built-up areas, controlled airspace and special use airspace was deemed to be the NZMLFA and we were cleared down to 250' AGL. Within Military restricted areas and low flying areas, and >5nm from the coast we were cleared to 50' AGL.
I don't know what they use now as their low flying regulations.
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Post by lesterpk on Feb 11, 2015 13:24:39 GMT 12
Seems fromt he photos we've ditched the ALPHA helmets for these aircraft. All the shots I've seen the aircrew are using the Gentex HGU-55/P, this would be the first time in 20 odd years the ALPHA wasnt the sole brand/type in use in the RNZAF.
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Post by ErrolC on Feb 24, 2015 22:13:46 GMT 12
At Avalon Airshow
Check out @vkthreepi's Tweet:
Sent from my D5503 using proboards
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Post by area51 on Mar 4, 2015 22:03:53 GMT 12
Both aircraft arrived Ohakea this evening, the first at 1900 and second at 1906 having crossed the Tasman from the Gold Coast via Norfolk Island.
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Post by beagle on Mar 5, 2015 19:44:17 GMT 12
that makes 9 ?
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Post by suthg on Mar 5, 2015 22:25:50 GMT 12
Yes, I think it is 9 now, 2; 2; 3; 2
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Post by Peter Lewis on Mar 8, 2015 8:11:26 GMT 12
Bending this thread slightly:
When I passed through Hamilton in late January there were some ex-RNZAF Airtrainers parked (covered) in the grass area between Superair and the Aerospace hangar on the aero club side of the airfield.
Presumably these had been returned to Aerospace at the termination of the lease.
When I was at the airfield yesterday, they had gone.
Any idea where? Inside - exported - whaterever? They did not appear to be visible anywhere else on the field.
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Post by Dave Homewood on Mar 10, 2015 10:27:10 GMT 12
They have been ferried to Napier, according to a post on Facebook that Noel Kruse has put up. he was one of the ferry pilots.
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Post by ZacYates on Mar 30, 2015 13:22:47 GMT 12
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