More from Blackbird 2009

[Gavin Conroy]

Here are more photos from Blackbird 2009.

Didn't get to spend much time at Dip Flat but we had a great 1 hour flight that included Air 2 Air, winching, mountain flying as well as low level flying so it was great fun.
Special thanks to the RNZAF and in particular Nigel, Phil, And Paul.

[b10m]

My heartfelt sympathy Gavin. Having to ride around in noisy Military helicopters all day, How tedious.
That fellah in photo number 6, looks like he has just been potties.

[corsair67]

Fantastic shots, Gavin. I love how the heat haze from the exhaust stands out so well in the cold air. In my opinion, these Iroquois look to be the best maintained in the world - a real credit to all the guys and girls who put in the hard work to keep them flying.

In the third shot, is that a smoke grenade that they've dropped from NZ3812?

NZ won't be quite the same without the Iroquois flying around in a few years time.

[Gavin Conroy]

Hi Craig,
Yes that is a smoke grenade to mark wind direction and here is another to assist the crew during pick up.

[baz62]

Nice shots Gavin, look great with the mountain scenery as a backdrop.
Baz ;D

[flyjoe180]

Beautiful photos as usual Gavin, I saw your article in RNZAF News.

[Dave Homewood]

I've seen a lot of Iroquois photos over the years but these must be the most beautiful ever! Awesome work Gavin. I like the missile shot, I hope they went and picked that canister up afterwards.

It's interesting seeing the hot refuel, I've not witnessed that before. Do the air refuellers always wear the mask and gloves and goggles when refuelling or just for these hot refuels? He looks like one of those Navy gun turret guys with that protective gear on.

[Gavin Conroy]

Here are a few more.
Not to sure regarding refuelling the aircraft hot or cold but think I have seen the aircraft fuelled when the engine is not running and all of the extra gear wasnt worn then but things may have changed.

The first picture really tested my 100-400 lens out and I used that a lot during the day and its one lens I could never do without.

The empty grenade was picked up as where it lands is where the winch operation took place so pick up is easy.
They do take out the rubbish that may be left behind.

[b10m]

Hi Mum?

[baz62]

Aug 16, 2009 9:15:27 GMT 12 b10m said:

Hi Mum?

Not you too........... ;D
Man those are some clean Iroqouis, they really look after them don't they! Awesome shots Gavin that Lens does the job for sure (plus knowing when to push the little button ;D )

[Gavin Conroy]

Thanks Baz, at least I dont dream about these like you do with Bristols, thats really hard case mate.
Long taxi thats for sure.

The TVNZ guys were on the same flight etc so I think the Hi Mum was for put their benefit and put there by a crew member who wanted to get a message passed on but its the first time I have seen a Huey tagged, but in saying that, at least frost come off easy

[slackie]

Yeh...less "permanent" than the Globemaster tagging at WP!!