Dad's general aviation photos

[Dave Homewood]

Hi guys,

This is a mix of photos found in Dad's stash of goodies. I don't know the dates or places for most, nor the subjects of some. Any clues are most welcome.

Now, I think these first ones may be at Max Clear's airstrip at Te Kowhai. Dad and his mate Dave used to go to several Microlight events. Dave eventually boguht one and became a pilot in the 1980's, then gave up.

EDIT: Numbered at Bruce's suggestion
1


2
Dad's mate Dave Margan is seen in this photo with the red, white and black jacket.


3


4


5
Richard Pearse??? ;D


6


7


This one fooled me, I thought it was Wigram at first from this photo, But it can't have been. So I think this glider event was at Waharoa. Am I right?

8


9


10


11


12


13


14


15
Some bigger hardware


16


17


18


19
Airshow at Rukuhia (now Hamilton International)


20
What and where is this?

A clue is the hangar has Mountain Helicopters written on it, but it's North Island. Taumaranui? Taupo?

[Bruce]

You need to number the pics Dave, then its easier to answer!

Microlights:
These appear to be TeKowhai in the very early 1980s. I cant positively identify all the types, But there is a Rotec Rally and Eipper quicksilver at a guess. The flying shots of the canard type show a Teradactyl (Thats how they spelt it) which were amongst the first microlights to arraive circa 1980.
The Gliders are indeed at Waharoa (matamata) and it appears to be a national championships going by the number of aircraft seen. Cars and Fashions indicate circa 1982?
The bigger aircraft next in the list appear to be at either TeKowhai or Ken castletons airstrip at Kihikihi. Matamat may also be an option, perhaps at the same time as the glider comp. Cessnas DNU and EJZ were Waikato aer club machines - C152 EJZ is still in use but converted back to standard nosewhell config. The extra structure for ldg gear attachments still is fitted, making that one a bit heavier and more sluggish in the climb - I did a lot of my PPL training in it.
The Airshow at Hamilton is very significant for me - held in 1980 (I think) this was when I had my very first aeroplane flight - in the Bandit shown! This aircraft was the first Bandit in NZ and had only just arrived a few months before the airshow. It took local scenic flights, which my Dad treated my Brother and me to - pehaps I'm inside when the photo was taken! This aircraft is now at the Tauwhare Military Museum. - Must be significant....
Finally the last photo shows Bob Maisey's Rand KR2 homebuilt at its home base at Taupo. This is powered by a little 4 cylinder Walter Micron engine originally fitted to a Tipsy Belfair. This aircraft (nicknamed Carrot) is still aound but not flown much these days.

Hows that for local aviation knowledge....

[Dave Homewood]

Well done Bruce, lots of info there. I have now numbered the photos, not that you needed it.

I remember when the Bandeirante arrived, as one of Mum's best friends from school is married to Malcolm Campbell, who started Eagle. There was a lot of excitement back then when he stepped up to a bigger airliner, from the Pipers he'd been using. I'm glad the photo of it had some meaning for you. Pity the plane's so derelict at Tauwhare. It needs to go indoors and be completely restored if it will last much longer, but the owner, Andy Moreland, hasn't the money to do it and wants to get rid of his museum.