|
|
Post by baz62 on Mar 23, 2011 16:34:16 GMT 12
I see on Facebook that Avspecs are saying that if all goes to plan the P40C Tomahawk will debut at Omaka at Easter!! (Hope this is news and everyone isn't going "Geez Baz where have you been hiding???")
|
|
|
|
Post by Dave Homewood on Mar 23, 2011 18:01:22 GMT 12
Gee Baz, where have you been hiding. I was told that ages ago. In confidence though  |
|
allok
Squadron Leader
Posts: 113
|
Post by allok on Mar 23, 2011 21:48:44 GMT 12
I am seriously considering taking my family to this. Haven't been to an airshow since I was a teenager.
Does any one in the area have any recommendations for Motels?
|
|
av8rsm8
Flight Lieutenant
Posts: 93
|
Post by av8rsm8 on Mar 24, 2011 10:02:21 GMT 12
I was in the tent and I remember turning to Teresa and saying "Do you hear something?" Duuuuuuur. Yeah Al is a wag isn't he? ;D & clever wifey was thinking ... that sounds like the Bristol... wonder if they can top that this time? |
|
|
|
Post by skyhawkdon on Mar 24, 2011 11:36:57 GMT 12
I am seriously considering taking my family to this. Haven't been to an airshow since I was a teenager. Does any one in the area have any recommendations for Motels? I think you will find you are a bit late! I hear there is no accomodation anywhere near Blenheim. You could try Nelson or Kaikoura. |
|
|
|
Post by baz62 on Mar 24, 2011 13:58:48 GMT 12
I was in the tent and I remember turning to Teresa and saying "Do you hear something?" Duuuuuuur. Yeah Al is a wag isn't he? ;D & clever wifey was thinking ... that sounds like the Bristol... wonder if they can top that this time? Probably taxi the Bristol INTO the dining tent and ask for a beer? |
|
|
|
Post by Dave Homewood on Mar 24, 2011 19:16:15 GMT 12
CLASSIC FIGHTERS - THE RETURN OF THE AIR STRIKE WING!Enthusiasts attending the Classic Fighters airshow this coming Easter will be thrilled to learn that for the first time in a decade, an RNZAF combat jet is to participate in the airshow. The former RNZAF BAE 167 Strikemaster was a part of the final Strikemaster flypast at Ohakea on 17th December 1992 after which all examples were grounded, many of them being sold overseas. This aircraft, NZ6370, went to Australia where it was flown from Port Macquarrie, NSW, mostly providing adventure flying opportunities for tourists. Late last year the Strikemaster was purchased by Aucklander Brett Nicholls who shipped it to Ardmore airport, arriving there just after Christmas and where it is being prepared for flight by Pioneer Aero Restorations. A concern over one aspect of the Viper jet engine saw the difficult decision made, to source a replacement engine. It was thought that this would keep the aircraft grounded for many months however a replacement engine was located in England and this is being air-freighted to Auckland with the intention of racing against the clock to have the new engine fitted and the aircraft flying in time to make its public debut at Omaka this coming Easter. If the Strikemaster succeeds in making its first public appearance at the Classic Fighters Airshow in Blenheim over the Easter weekend, 22nd to 24th April, it will be the first time an RNZAF combat jet has displayed in public for a decade, since the last Skyhawk display at a major airshow event, which was coincidentally at the inaugural Classic Fighters Omaka airshow held over Easter 2001. Only at Omaka!    Graham Orphan cwd@cwd.co.nz
|
|
|
|
Post by Officer Crabtree on Mar 27, 2011 22:09:02 GMT 12
YES! A JET, I wonder if they will put it against a Camel  |
|
|
|
Post by Radialicious on Mar 27, 2011 22:17:04 GMT 12
Ah the difficult decision to replace the engine, almost as difficult as carrying out the task of replacing the engine.
Keep up the good work team we are all looking forward to seeing a Blunty in NZ skies again.
|
|
|
|
Post by Dave Homewood on Mar 27, 2011 22:56:31 GMT 12
We visited Ardmore today on the way back from the Forum Meet and there were two staff members at Avspecs beavering away feaverishly on the Tomahawk, on a Sunday afternoon. These lads are going all out to try to get the aircraft done, giving up their own leisure time on a Sunday. I have the utmost respect for them for this. There looks to be a fair amount of work yet to be done on it too, so I think they won't be having the next few weekends off either. So the best of luck to them team to get it finished, running and tested in time for the airshow, but if it doesn't make it, you have done your darndest and that's what counts. We - the adoring public - greatly appreciate it.
|
|
|
|
Post by Radialicious on Mar 27, 2011 23:10:55 GMT 12
From what I have seen of all the great Kiwi airshows (especially with regard to Warbirds) is that in the weeks prior there is always a team of people working against the clock to achieve great things. The 1992 debut of the AFC P-40K was a great example of this.
|
|
|
|
Post by Dave Homewood on Mar 28, 2011 14:50:42 GMT 12
You're right there Al. I remember that test flight of the P-40K just before the airshow 9the first time i'd seen a P-40 in the air). I also recall the effort put in for the 2006 Wanaka show to get the three P-40's flying together. That was a sight and sound I'll never forget, just wonderful seeing three of them together, especially knowing that two were ex-RNZAF examples. Hopefully we'll see a similar sight at Omaka this year, the P-40C, P40-E and P-40N. Tomahawk, Kitthawk and Warhawk, how cool would that be? I took this yesterday:  |
|
|
|
Post by Dave Homewood on Mar 29, 2011 9:50:37 GMT 12
|
|
|
|
Post by ErrolC on Mar 29, 2011 10:16:52 GMT 12
Full credit to the organisers for being open about the maybes. |
|
|
|
Post by Deleted on Mar 29, 2011 19:51:52 GMT 12
My shot of the Tomahawk, also taken on Sunday.  |
|
|
|
Post by Radialicious on Mar 29, 2011 20:32:45 GMT 12
I caught up with Jay McIntyre today and he advised that him and his team are keen to add themselves the history list of Kiwi airshow battlers. The FW-190 is clearing MAF in Chch as of today and should be at Omaka by the end of this week. Jay says that JEM Aviation will be doing all they can to have her airworthy by Easter and that includes working weekends. The folks at the bowls club and library will wonder where the boys have got to |
|
|
|
Post by Dave Homewood on Mar 29, 2011 20:39:08 GMT 12
;D
Good luck to Jay and the team.
|
|
|
|
Post by Dave Homewood on Mar 30, 2011 12:04:03 GMT 12
Here's a message from Jessica Cooper of teh DC-3 team: Hi Dave DC-3 Jessie here:) Writing from our OMAKA Airshow Motel. (here to sort out the details). There are two rooms available - would you mind putting it out on "Wings over NZ"? 1 studio unit self contained ideal for a single or a couple $140 per night 1 1 bedroom spa unit queen bed in the living area and 2 singles in the bedroom $160 for two persons or $200 for four perons - per night. Minimum stay required 3 nights. Motel details: Blenheim Palms Motel 0800 25 67 25 www.blenheimpalmsmotel.co.nz Our flight is full...... Jessie |
|
|
|
Post by baz62 on Mar 30, 2011 16:50:45 GMT 12
And I've nabbed it!! Now I can enjoy the show and not put up with Teresa's snoring!! ;D
(I've only got the Spa unit so the other studio one might still be available. Be in quick!)
|
|
|
|
Post by baz62 on Mar 30, 2011 19:27:30 GMT 12
I caught up with Jay McIntyre today and he advised that him and his team are keen to add themselves the history list of Kiwi airshow battlers. The FW-190 is clearing MAF in Chch as of today and should be at Omaka by the end of this week. Jay says that JEM Aviation will be doing all they can to have her airworthy by Easter and that includes working weekends. The folks at the bowls club and library will wonder where the boys have got to And the knitting circle.... |
|
