Post by Dave Homewood on Dec 15, 2009 11:47:14 GMT 12
As 2009 draws to a close I'd like to take a minute to reflect on the airshow year that has been, which after the many disappointments due to weather, etc, in 2008 has been a hugely better year.
I first want to say a huge thanks to all the people who have organised, flown at, worked at and been involved with the running of a number of really fantastic and special airshows and events this year. Well done to everyone.
I personally want to thank a load of great friends who have helped me to enjoy the airshows I attended too, either with providing transport, accommodation, passes, etc. and most of all great company and interesting conversation.
For me the highlights this year from the various airshows include:
- Finally getting to see an FA-18 Hornet displayed at the Whenuapai Open Day. Just superb, the noise still rings in my ears.
- Seeing the C-17 displayed at Whenuapai, the majesty of seeing it barely hanging in the sky like a blimp and then cranked up to wing over and be put through its paces. Awesome.
- The sight of the Red Checkers and the Warbirds Harvard Aerobatic Team flying together as a massed unit. Now that was just awesome and unprecedented to my knowledge.
- Brendan Deere's Spitfire being displayed by two of New Zealand's best display pilots at Omaka, John Lanham and Keith Skilling. The highight being the incredible twilight display by Keith. That's an indellable image of beauty.
- Seeing the Caribou for the last time. Sad to see it go, but great to know I was at its final NZ display.
- The Red Checkers this year for every display I've seen have really nailed it. I think they have been the best team so far, certainly of all the teams I've watched over the years. But nothing has been better than the twighlight display at Omaka. That was a totally unforgettable display, one I still marvel at. True skill. I think that display alone must elevate them into the top five aerobatic teams oin the world, surely.
- Keith Skilling in the Corsair, every time his display delights me, and every time I come away thinking "Wow!"
- Dave Phillips in his Tiger Moth displaying at Armistice in Cambridge, on the Sunday. The best low level aerobatic display ever I reckon. He's a true master of his aeroplane.
There have been many, many other magic moments but these are the ones that really stand out for me. Once again thanks to all who have contributed to a wonderful and safe airshow year.
Roll on 2010.
I first want to say a huge thanks to all the people who have organised, flown at, worked at and been involved with the running of a number of really fantastic and special airshows and events this year. Well done to everyone.
I personally want to thank a load of great friends who have helped me to enjoy the airshows I attended too, either with providing transport, accommodation, passes, etc. and most of all great company and interesting conversation.
For me the highlights this year from the various airshows include:
- Finally getting to see an FA-18 Hornet displayed at the Whenuapai Open Day. Just superb, the noise still rings in my ears.
- Seeing the C-17 displayed at Whenuapai, the majesty of seeing it barely hanging in the sky like a blimp and then cranked up to wing over and be put through its paces. Awesome.
- The sight of the Red Checkers and the Warbirds Harvard Aerobatic Team flying together as a massed unit. Now that was just awesome and unprecedented to my knowledge.
- Brendan Deere's Spitfire being displayed by two of New Zealand's best display pilots at Omaka, John Lanham and Keith Skilling. The highight being the incredible twilight display by Keith. That's an indellable image of beauty.
- Seeing the Caribou for the last time. Sad to see it go, but great to know I was at its final NZ display.
- The Red Checkers this year for every display I've seen have really nailed it. I think they have been the best team so far, certainly of all the teams I've watched over the years. But nothing has been better than the twighlight display at Omaka. That was a totally unforgettable display, one I still marvel at. True skill. I think that display alone must elevate them into the top five aerobatic teams oin the world, surely.
- Keith Skilling in the Corsair, every time his display delights me, and every time I come away thinking "Wow!"
- Dave Phillips in his Tiger Moth displaying at Armistice in Cambridge, on the Sunday. The best low level aerobatic display ever I reckon. He's a true master of his aeroplane.
There have been many, many other magic moments but these are the ones that really stand out for me. Once again thanks to all who have contributed to a wonderful and safe airshow year.
Roll on 2010.
