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Post by komata on Apr 7, 2015 8:22:00 GMT 12
Something for those who are interested in such things...
Seen (and heard; of course), in silhouette, possibly at 1,000 ft (although as distance reduces height, this may not be correct) and slightly north of Cambridge at 1158 on 6 April 2015. a lone IH-1 Iroquois, heading eastwards.
Was this the last RNZAF UH-1 to fly operationally over the Waikato (and, inter alia, out of Rukuhia / Hamilton airport)?
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Post by Dave Homewood on Apr 7, 2015 9:51:16 GMT 12
They're around till next month, so maybe or maybe not.
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Post by komata on Apr 7, 2015 10:19:02 GMT 12
Thanks Dave - at least 'a' flight has been recorded (if only because of its 'rarity value').
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Post by delticman on Apr 7, 2015 10:19:07 GMT 12
After the RNZAF UH-1H's have gone there will be at least three still around, operated by Lakeland Helicopters.
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Post by komata on Apr 7, 2015 10:24:13 GMT 12
delticman
Thanks. I thought there was at least one 'civi' UH-1 flying 'somewhere'in NZ (but didn't know where to check), so it is possible it may well have been one of Lakeland's machines.
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Post by The Red Baron on Apr 7, 2015 10:38:09 GMT 12
Beck Helicopters have a couple that are often around about topdressing up this way.
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Post by ZacYates on Apr 7, 2015 14:03:40 GMT 12
Quite right, those are "short cabin" models though and smaller than the RNZAF machines.
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Post by sqwark2k on Apr 7, 2015 22:25:05 GMT 12
That Huey heard over the Waikato over the weekend may have been the one that attended a Veitnam Vets reunion at Whitianga, it parked outside the Mercury Bay RSA.
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Post by Dave Homewood on Apr 7, 2015 22:51:14 GMT 12
Interestingly the RNZAF commentator - S/Ldr Kate Bint - reiterated on the weekend in her commentary of the Huey displays that there was much hope that an example of the type would join the RNZAF Historic Flight. This I heard after speaking with a No. 3 Squadron member who's a forum member here who says there's pretty much zero chance of that happening due to lack of funds and lack of ability to maintain currency of aircrews and groundcrews. I think the latter scenario sadly sounds much more likely. I hope that the Government offers them for tender and the likes of NZ Warbirds and other groups might have the opportunity to purchase and operate some of the fleet.
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Post by tbf25o4 on Apr 8, 2015 14:42:31 GMT 12
It will be interesting to see the disposal process as the Huey's were brought through the FMS system and like the A4's and the M113s will require State Department approval before they can be on sold.
Conversely the Sioux were purchased directly from Bell so can be disposed of as the NZ government sees fit.
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