|
Post by craig on Dec 10, 2014 6:05:50 GMT 12
So what happens to the CT 4's now. Will they be sold to the private sector or donated to the various museums.
|
|
|
Post by Dave Homewood on Dec 10, 2014 7:55:13 GMT 12
They are already owned by the 'private sector' and always have been.
Since they seem to be struggling to keep them airworthy, would anyone apart from museums want one?
|
|
|
Post by ZacYates on Dec 10, 2014 10:18:04 GMT 12
I feel really sad reading that. That's it? The ACF got nationwide flybys, and arguably the Airtrainers have been more visible over the years.
Very sad to see them go, even sadder to see it all over and done with so quietly.
|
|
|
Post by Dave Homewood on Dec 10, 2014 15:31:48 GMT 12
What?? The ACF never flew over here. I feel cheated now.
|
|
|
Post by Dave Homewood on Dec 10, 2014 15:33:31 GMT 12
The Plastic Rats are probably too clapped out to make a National Tour. It would be nice if No. 14 Squadron did a proper National Tour with the Texans when they are all up to speed with them though, by way of introducing the new era to NZ.
|
|
|
Post by Chris F on Dec 10, 2014 16:45:57 GMT 12
i wonder if $150,000 would buy you one,good maintanence records and in private hands they would be flown a lot less..
|
|
|
Post by baronbeeza on Dec 10, 2014 17:52:25 GMT 12
I would be hoping to buy more than one for my $150,000. GA aircraft are worth very little at the moment and indeed some of the jets have changed hands for much less than that. Although I have no idea of the plans for the fleet I am sure they will be up for sale soon, if indeed there is not already some sale agreement in place.
|
|
|
Post by nzjet on Dec 10, 2014 17:53:11 GMT 12
who on earth would buy a airtrainer for $150k considering $70k brought you a aermacchi
|
|
|
Post by isc on Dec 13, 2014 21:21:00 GMT 12
Knock a nought off the end $15,000 sounds nearer the mark. isc
|
|
|
Post by kiwiinoz on Dec 13, 2014 23:16:47 GMT 12
The Plastic Rats are probably too clapped out to make a National Tour. It would be nice if No. 14 Squadron did a proper National Tour with the Texans when they are all up to speed with them though, by way of introducing the new era to NZ. As a maintainer I take offence to them being called Clapped Out, they are probally in far better nick than most civil A/C out there. They would make a great toy at a reasonable price. Always hangared and cleaned with up to date AD's
|
|
|
Post by saratoga on Dec 13, 2014 23:31:06 GMT 12
The term 'clapped out' in reference to RNZAF service aircraft generally means they will be given away for someone else to use for the next 20 years, as per the A-4S and Macchis....
|
|
|
Post by Dave Homewood on Dec 14, 2014 9:36:36 GMT 12
Kiwiinoz, I did indeed use the term "clapped out" with a certain amount of tongue in cheek as it is the term used by that clapped out leader of a clapped out political party about perfectly serviceable aircraft some while back.
However I was also under the impression from media reports and comments on the forum, and in the very rapid way in which they have been replaced, that serviceability and reliability of the CT-4E fleet was no longer up to the required standard for the RNZAF and it was affecting the training programme and the public display programme by the type. Is this true or not?
|
|
|
Post by ErrolC on Dec 15, 2014 14:24:58 GMT 12
Chief Of Air Force @caf_NZ
All @nzairforce CT4 air trainers back in Hamilton. Draws to a close 38years of service to RNZAF pilot training. Great effort.
|
|
|
Post by Dave Homewood on Dec 15, 2014 14:48:54 GMT 12
A historic moment, the end of not just an era for the type but of NZ-built military aircraft. I doubt we'll ever see any more military aircraft built here, apart from UAV's. Well done to all who worked on designing this kiwi legend (led by my late friend Pat Monk), and all who built the two fleets, all who maintained the RNZAF Airtrainers and their ancillary equipment that kept them airborne, and those who flew them, trained in them, trained others in them and displayed them so brilliantly with the Red Checkers. A big chapter closed.
|
|
|
Post by ZacYates on Dec 15, 2014 15:02:51 GMT 12
Hear hear, Dave. They will be much missed and likely unsung in the years to come - machines and personnel both.
|
|
awol
Flight Sergeant
Posts: 21
|
Post by awol on Dec 15, 2014 20:02:31 GMT 12
A sad and proud day both.
I will remember a brilliantly forgiving and resilient little plane that let pilots learn their trade without complaint or vice. I thank the men who fixed it when it was broken (especially if I broke it!), and wish them well wherever their futures take them.
I also spare a thought now for those who did not bring the Airtrainer back home after they signed the 700 for the last time.
I hope to hear the annoying buzz of CT4s pitching into circuits all over NZ for years to come. And whenever I hear it, I will imagine an enthusiastic young guy or girl at the controls having the time of their life - maybe with an old QFI on board who is taking pleasure from helping someone experience the joy of pure flying.
The Airtrainer is of another generation now, old and inefficient. But aren't we all.
I'll miss it.
|
|
|
Post by isc on Dec 15, 2014 20:23:52 GMT 12
Just out of interest, what would the average hours be on the CT-4E's be, and are any major parts like wing spars lifed? isc
|
|
|
Post by baronbeeza on Dec 15, 2014 20:30:16 GMT 12
Just out of interest, what would the average hours be on the CT-4E's be, and are any major parts like wing spars lifed? isc www.caa.govt.nz/aircraft/Type_Cert_Data_Sheets/Type_Certificates.htmInformation with respect to service life limited parts is contained in the applicable Maintenance Manual under Section 05-10-1.2 Airworthiness Limitations. The following components are life limited and must be replaced or inspected as indicated: Model Component Part Number Service Life (flight hours) CT/4 CT/4A S/N 003 – 004 CT/4A S/N 005 – 026 CT/4A S/N 027 – 063 CT/4A S/N 064 – 077 CT/4B S/N 078 – 096 CT/4B S/N CT4-097 & up CT/4E S/N 065 CT/4E S/N 200 & up Wing 07-10101-1/2 07-10101-3/4 07-10101-5/6 07-10101-6/7 07-10101-12/13 07-10101-8/9 07-10101-14/15 10-04015-1/2 10-04016-1/2 10,000 (See Note 5) 14,000 14,000 14,000 14,000 14,000 (See Note 4) 14,000 14,000 14,000 All Wing centre splice (all components) See Dwg No 07-10100 11,000 (Must be dismantled and inspected at 8,000 hours) These limitations may not be increased without CAA approval.
|
|
|
Post by johnnyfalcon on Dec 16, 2014 11:11:44 GMT 12
What's the likelihood of a 'Roaring 40s' - style aerobatic team under the Warbirds umbrella?
|
|
|
Post by Dave Homewood on Dec 16, 2014 12:41:56 GMT 12
So when was the last public Red Checkers team display? The last I have recorded was the V8 Supercars, Pukekohe, on 13-14 Apr 2013
|
|