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Post by Peter Lewis on Feb 21, 2021 12:44:04 GMT 12
I have been sent an email by Murray, who states: " . . . mention of Cubs fitted with Sorensen spray gear, on your WONZ, Topdressing Super Cubs thread had me searching my collection for an image of ZK-BPM fitted with a Sorensen tank. Attached is an image I took on Ardmore in January 1985, the aircraft was owned by Dave Phillpotts at the time." The Sorensen had a spray rig that fitted under the aircraft. This meant that the rear seat remained in place. The question now arises, why would ZK-BPM have been carrying this gear in the mid-1980s, ten years after it was seemingly retired from agricultural operations?  |
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nobody
Pilot Officer
Posts: 46
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Post by nobody on Feb 23, 2021 15:37:53 GMT 12
I have been sent an email by Murray, who states: " . . . mention of Cubs fitted with Sorensen spray gear, on your WONZ, Topdressing Super Cubs thread had me searching my collection for an image of ZK-BPM fitted with a Sorensen tank. Attached is an image I took on Ardmore in January 1985, the aircraft was owned by Dave Phillpotts at the time." The Sorensen had a spray rig that fitted under the aircraft. This meant that the rear seat remained in place. The question now arises, why would ZK-BPM have been carrying this gear in the mid-1980s, ten years after it was seemingly retired from agricultural operations? What a cool photo Murray! BPM was equipped with the Sorensen spray gear with a view of it going back into agricultural operations. I think fish fertiliser was the "the next big thing" at the time and there may have been plans to distribute it using BPM. As I said in my earlier post, nothing but water ever went through the spray booms. I flew it a few times with the tank fitted, once with the fan on and the tank half full of water. It sank like a brick. With the fan removed and the tank empty it was pretty much flew like any other Cub. |
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Post by delticman on Feb 23, 2021 20:23:00 GMT 12
This was the first time I had ever seen this photo and did wonder about it as there was no spray booms. I had a chat to a long time ag enthusiast yesterday and it was new to him as well and then I ran my thoughts about. A few years back when I was researching the original Bennett Airtruck, it was suggested to me that I go and see Dave Phillpotts. Back in 1959/60 Dave worked at Te Kuiti on ZK-BPV before it flew and once flown he went to Rural Aviation. He said to me that his name was not in the "Topdressers" book and then he said that when he worked for Rural he did ag flying (and this was also confirmed yesterday). In 1964, Rural Aviation purchased Southland Aerial Topdressing in Gore and their Cub ZK-BTF. Rural kept the aircraft until 1966 but in 1965, Dave used to do the odd little job around Taranaki in the Cub, also working as an engineer. Dave in the 1980's and onwards was "Mr Super Cub" and my thoughts shared with my friend were that when Rowleys had the idea of using the Sorenson tank's they got Dave to trial the first one regarding attachment points as none in New Zealand would have ever being fitted. I'd say that most of the Super Cubs in NZ would have had attachment points in the wings already installed for spray gear from new but never used. I cant think of anyone that was with Rowleys at the time is still around, two of the pilots taken too soon. Just a thought. I have been sent an email by Murray, who states: " . . . mention of Cubs fitted with Sorensen spray gear, on your WONZ, Topdressing Super Cubs thread had me searching my collection for an image of ZK-BPM fitted with a Sorensen tank. Attached is an image I took on Ardmore in January 1985, the aircraft was owned by Dave Phillpotts at the time." The Sorensen had a spray rig that fitted under the aircraft. This meant that the rear seat remained in place. The question now arises, why would ZK-BPM have been carrying this gear in the mid-1980s, ten years after it was seemingly retired from agricultural operations? What a cool photo Murray! BPM was equipped with the Sorensen spray gear with a view of it going back into agricultural operations. I think fish fertiliser was the "the next big thing" at the time and there may have been plans to distribute it using BPM. As I said in my earlier post, nothing but water ever went through the spray booms. I flew it a few times with the tank fitted, once with the fan on and the tank half full of water. It sank like a brick. With the fan removed and the tank empty it was pretty much flew like any other Cub. |
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Post by delticman on Feb 23, 2021 20:26:26 GMT 12
With later notes, the shot of ZK-BVO in the Airwork hangar is actually the "Council" hangar but at the city end, that part being used by the Canterbury Aero Club and my thoughts of why it might be there is that the CAC engineers looked after it. |
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Post by planewriting on Mar 3, 2021 16:25:58 GMT 12
For the record I see that Piper PA-18-150 ZK-BTC went back on the register on 1 March 2021 to WJ & NJ Henwood as was expected to happen "one day". Many a year has passed since this aircraft was last flying. Many of us will recall its forlorn sight in the big hangar on Tauranga Airport.
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Post by Deleted on Mar 4, 2021 0:33:49 GMT 12
I've been following BTC's resurrection on Facebook. She looks to be a gorgeous example of the breed after much care and attention!
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Post by Dave Homewood on Mar 4, 2021 7:58:49 GMT 12
BTC is getting its final fit out now. Another excellent restoration from the Henwoods.
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Post by The Red Baron on Mar 30, 2021 21:53:36 GMT 12
BKJ still working for a living the other evening at Tauranga.   |
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Post by Dave Homewood on Mar 31, 2021 0:02:20 GMT 12
That second shot is fantastic!
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kiwicubber
Sergeant
visit me @ www.supercub.co.nz
Posts: 12
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Post by kiwicubber on May 1, 2021 21:42:46 GMT 12
For the record I see that Piper PA-18-150 ZK-BTC went back on the register on 1 March 2021 to WJ & NJ Henwood as was expected to happen "one day". Many a year has passed since this aircraft was last flying. Many of us will recall its forlorn sight in the big hangar on Tauranga Airport. |
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Post by hardyakka on May 2, 2021 0:52:01 GMT 12
ZK-BTC first post-restoration flight was today out at Hamilton airport. After 53 years on the ground she finally went back to the skies where she belongs...   Bill and Neroli should be very proud of themselves for this marathon effort. |
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Post by Dave Homewood on May 2, 2021 7:35:41 GMT 12
Marvellous effort!
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Post by thomarse on May 3, 2021 11:25:36 GMT 12
Just shows you what can be done....There's got to be hope for that airframe hanging in Tauranga then?
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kiwicubber
Sergeant
visit me @ www.supercub.co.nz
Posts: 12
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Post by kiwicubber on Jun 17, 2021 17:34:06 GMT 12
Here are two photos of BTC from the first flight after restoration on 1 May 2021. I did a 1 hour flight from Hamilton back to Hamilton, and after checks by the engineers at Hamilton Aero Maintenance flew to its home base at Te Kowhai. No issues on both flights and to date have flown 8 hours of the engine running in program. Thank you to Evan Yates for these photos   |
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Post by fabricateqld on Apr 3, 2022 1:53:55 GMT 12
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