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Post by baronbeeza on Feb 19, 2012 16:56:14 GMT 12
Buy Now, Fly Now! Booking Period : 15 February 2012 - 26 February 2012 Travel Period : 22 February 2012 - 30 April 2012 Christchurch to Kuala Lumpur NZD 249.00 (Incl fees and taxes). This is for flights this week even. Book and go. The guys down here in ChCh really do have an advantage at the moment. KL to Singapore can be had for between 15 to $50. KL to London is $236 Incl this week also. Perth is $129. www.airasia.com/nz/en/promotion/rx1550204.page?mb
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Post by Dave Homewood on Feb 19, 2012 17:06:02 GMT 12
What has this spam got to do with the Ohakea airshow??
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Post by baronbeeza on Feb 19, 2012 17:27:53 GMT 12
I doubt those that travel think it is spam. We were just saying how it has never been cheaper to travel to the airshows than sit here moaning about why other countries should come here to appease our spotters.
Some of these guys may need to discover a life outside the bedroom door.
I realise this is not related to the airshow but it does illustrate how the expense of travelling from the South Island to Ohakea compares to other options.
For those interested in the Vietnam War for example, you could do two weeks travelling up there for $20 a day.
For myself, Ohakea looks decidedly ho-hummm.
I think the Wanaka airshow every two years is well worth attending. The attendance figures alone bear testament there.
People from Australia will be reading this and thinking ... wow
Can we really get to Wanaka (from Perth) for just a little over $400.
I accept that they would probably not be interested in Ohakea.
Feel free to move the post Dave, it would be nice if it gave the guys in Aussie a chance to see it.
The Singapore Airshow is on. We could be there mid-week for $300 each way.
How much is it going to cost me to get to Palmy ?
I certainly don't mean to promote one particular airline.. it is just that one does stand out for the budget traveller.
Don mentioned his experience. Many may be unaware of how easy it is to travel internationally at the moment.
Others here may even be able to beat these fares.
I am sure the aviation buffs from Asia and Aussie that may be reading this could be interested in them also.
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Post by Dave Homewood on Feb 19, 2012 19:27:29 GMT 12
It just seesm completely irrelevant to the thread as neither end of the flights listed are to Ohakea or Palmerston North.
Flying from Chch to Malaysia, Malaysia to London, Malaysia to Singapore - completely off topic. Practically spam.
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Post by typerated on Feb 19, 2012 20:58:09 GMT 12
Boring, just another airliner. Bring the Lancaster! ;D It is not what they bring but what it represents. The RAF struggles to support its own airshows so sending anything out here in the RAF's current situation is a major undertaking and I for one appricate the effort. Obviously bringing the Lancaster is a none starter, as is bringing fast jets or the red arrows or other such nonsense. It was always going to be a heavy of some sort. Would you rather them have declined the invite? |
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Post by bell407 on Feb 19, 2012 21:44:07 GMT 12
Boring, just another airliner. Bring the Lancaster! ;D It is not what they bring but what it represents. The RAF struggles to support its own airshows so sending anything out here in the RAF's current situation is a major undertaking and I for one appricate the effort. Obviously bringing the Lancaster is a none starter, as is bringing fast jets or the red arrows or other such nonsense. It was always going to be a heavy of some sort. Would you rather them have declined the invite? I personally love fast jets and would love to see the Red Arrows again, last time was in South Africa in 1995. I would love for my 9 year old son to see them as well, as he wrote to them and drew them a picture which I posted off and we received an awesome gift pack from them about a month later (The little bugger then jumped on the band wagon and done the same for the Blue Angels and Thunderbirds and got some stuff sent over from them as well) Anyway, although I would love to see some fast jets from the UK, I am absolutely appreciative of any effort made by any air force to send anything they can and would hope they are made aware of how appreciative we are for any efforts made. |
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Post by baronbeeza on Feb 19, 2012 21:52:14 GMT 12
RNZAF Aircraft
Flying Displays:
Red Checkers
Boeing 757
Kiwi Blue Parachute Team
C-130 Hercules
P-3K Orion
UH-1H Iroquoise
SH-2G Seasprite
A109 LUH
B200 King Air
Historic Flight Tiger Moth, Harvard and Sioux
Static Displays:
NH90
Upgraded C-130 Hercules (LEP)
International Aircraft
Flying and Static Displays:
Royal Australian Air Force F-18A Hornet
United States Air Force C-17 FFS.... is this what the RNZAF considers an airshow ? This is from the RNZAF website and I have no idea what they think an Iroquoise is. I hate to knock it but let's look at this rationally, - is there a draw card amongst that ? I feel a little sorry for the likes of Steve Moore who are trying to promote the event. Hopefully they may be able to get some of the foreign visitors to think about participating in the flying display. I think it is accentuated by having a world class event just a week later. How many of those in the North Island are going to skip Ohakea and head off to Wanaka instead ? I guess the next question could be; Who would be endeavouring to take in both ? It doesn't seem that long ago that we had this going on while we were trying to work.. www.defencetalk.com/forums/military-photos-videos/exercise-pitch-black-2010-a-10520/If you want to see fast jets you only have to travel a few extra hours. The price is much the same regardless. I still think that point is lost on many here. |
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Post by Dave Homewood on Feb 19, 2012 22:02:50 GMT 12
So we won't see you there then, you'll be off overseas gathering taller poppies no doubt?
Quite frankly I'm excited by the line up, they can't offer more than what they actually have and that list represents pretty much every type in service, plus visitors and it forgets to mention the warbirds that are listed elsewhere. So what is your problem?
It's been three years since the last big RNZAF airshow at Whenuapai and many of us haven't had a chance to see most of the planes on the list since then. I am excited by the prospect of seeing these aircraft in the line up.
I guess some people have been to far too many foreign airshows and no longer appreciate what we have here.
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Post by baronbeeza on Feb 19, 2012 23:13:41 GMT 12
I know we agree on it Dave.
The line-up is very similar to what we had in the 80's. We are now 30 years along the track but against that we have what we have. It will not be changing much either.
The military stuff on display will be ok to the new generation, as it should be for anyone the first time out.
No, I won't be going to Ohakea. I took pics of us with an AWACS and clambering over an F-15 as well as an F-111. That was even before the underarm incident so it is going back a bit.
I see the modern day RNZAF not only being constrained by budget but also obviously the aircraft types.
Perhaps for the first time we are now seeing that with the loss of the Macchis and the A-4s it is difficult to stage a great event. (In terms of military fast jet at least).
Against that we have had the massive surge in warbird activity. It is literally going to save the day for this airshow. Brendon's fleet will be a brilliant spectacle for example.
I just feel that for us mainlanders, and the ones I have spoken to, we have Omaka and Wanaka. Sure we miss Masterton but the two southern events are enough.
My reference to fast jets was in the context that they are still about, just not in our skies.
Ok we have the Hunter, Vampire, A-37 and numerous others but we are not seeing the cutting edge stuff.... nor are we likely to.
We may see some Navy aircraft in coming years but once again that will be limited.
Very soon we will have a generation of impressionable youngsters that have never seen a military fast jet.
I think we are already seeing it with some of the comments appearing on threads like these.
The thing is that some of the fast jet activity is not so far away at all.
The way I am seeing threat assessment at the moment is that any future activity is going to be concentrated in the NT, possibly into the northern areas of WA.
I have been trying to say that for anyone really interested in this stuff you could easily and quickly draw up an itinerary that would take in Pitch Black and then trip up and experience the history of one of our more recent wars.
I know several forum members here have been to Darwin in the past year or so, what they may not have realised is that the airfares onwards are just over $100.
Singapore is the cheapest at $110 plus taxes and Saigon is next cheapest at $120 something plus taxes. This is flying with the 'Orange star on the tail'.
Military aviation about the world is marching on.. sure not expanding as fast as in previous decades but I am reasonably confident NZ will not be a part of it.
Dave queried the relevance of KL. It is a really good hub for access to much of this action. Just look at what was on display at Bangalore in 2011... then look again at those ticket prices I posted.
I don't know prices within India, but I suggested $20 (US) would be realistic for visiting Vietnam. $8 to $12 for a hotel with breakfast. $5 an evening meal with beers. Travel can run to about $6 a day.
If India is at all close to those prices then it has to be affordable.
The flip side...
Look at what is coming out of the restoration hangars... we are now seeing types that we could only dream about years ago.
I cannot think of any comparable country that can match us for the fleet of WW1 and WWII aircraft we seem to be amassing. In years to come we will have visitors flocking to NZ just to see them. The RNZAF did show great foresight in establishing the museum and getting involved with sir Tim and the likes.... undeniably. And just look where we are now as a result.
I really think it is a credit to the people about at the time that made the effort.
I should count myself one of that number... indeed I was.
The modern day RNZAF will not have the noise and speed of years gone by, their role these days is taking them away from that.
I can't think of any reason for the twenty and thirty year old enthusiasts, those with a little disposable income, not to consider attending a major military show in a neighbouring country.
I feel strongly about sitting here and expecting them to come to us. It will be a long wait. (and rightly so).
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Post by Deleted on Feb 20, 2012 16:34:10 GMT 12
I'm excited.
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Post by campbellbox on Feb 20, 2012 18:10:20 GMT 12
I'm bloody excited. I got so excited I dug out some photos from the 50th at Whenuapai.  Clearly the memory of the pic was better than the actual photo. I've also got a shot of a Mirage and an F111, but their quality is even more dubious. I am somewhat disappointed they have not painted an Orion in a... um... diamond scheme? But I think I'll get over it.  |
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Post by dakman on Feb 20, 2012 18:41:52 GMT 12
Barronbeeza makes a very good point about what people expect at RNZAF displays The newer younger people will enjoy a day at a Air Force base as Idid in the sixties . This weekend in Napier have noted the Cheqeurs . the Harvard team the p40 . Mustang 15 ,Tiger Moth aerobatics the low pass of the Albatross at 500 feet along the parade D H 89 SWR on joy riding etc For me that was a air display . so regret can,t get too enthusiastic
about attending the Oheakea show wish them well tho and the recruiting people too
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Post by skyhawkdon on Feb 20, 2012 18:50:22 GMT 12
Dakman - spelling policeman here - please take more care with the old English and spelling. We also like full stops and capitals  . Text speak abbreviations are not appropriate here. Thanks. |
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Post by Dave Homewood on Feb 20, 2012 19:36:18 GMT 12
Barronbeeza makes a very good point about what people expect at RNZAF displays I really have no idea of the point he's trying to make, but I'd expect to see the RNZAF represented at an RNZAF airshow - especially on a big anniversary. Personally I have very low interest in seeing foreign modern jets and wouldn't really travel abroad to watch an airshow unless I had other reasons to go there. I want to see our Air Force showing itself off, and the warbirds showing what the RNZAF did in the past. Definitely they will. And when at home the RNZAF airshows go the extra mile compared with when they visit away-airshows. Ohakea 2012 is going to be great, and being the 75th Anniversary it will be fantastic. The Red Checkers. |
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Post by dakman on Feb 20, 2012 20:53:19 GMT 12
Sorry Guys posted in a hurry tonight.
Regret the format errors . long day .
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Post by corsair67 on Feb 20, 2012 21:03:36 GMT 12
Okay, I'll bite! ;D Baronbezza, what do you really expect at an RNZAF Air Show nowadays - after all the bloody cuts and belt-tightening they've been through over the past 30 years??? I actually think we should all be excited to simply celebrate the fact that the RNZAF has even managed to survive for 75(+) years - considering all the disinterest, mean-spirited politiking and tight-fistedness directed towards the air force by various NZ governments over the years. If any air force deserved the title "Per Ardua Ad Astra", it is certainly the RNZAF!  In geographic reality New Zealand really is at the arse end of the world; and I for one would hate to consider the huge logisitical nightmare it is for any foreign air force to bring their aircraft all the way to Ohakea for a one day air show. Even for the USAF to bring three F-16s, two F-22s and a C-17 out to Avalon from Japan and Korea in 2011 required the support of at least three (maybe four?) tankers and at least one other C-17 or a C-5 to carry all the support equipment and consumables to last a week - and Australia's geographically only in the lower colon region! ;D Anyway, I have enjoyed every one of the RNZAF air shows that I have been to over the past 35 years, simply because I get to see what the pilots and groundcrews of the RNZAF can do with what they're got to work with. Sure, it's not all cutting edge, or the latest high-tech stuff; but seeing the pride these people put into their jobs more than makes up for that. So, stick that in your pipe and smoke it! ;D ;D |
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Post by baronbeeza on Feb 20, 2012 21:36:22 GMT 12
Hey Corsair, what you just said was exactly what I stated. I was directing my comments at guys that have never assisted in any way to organise a RNZAF airshow and yet expect to see Raptors and the likes...
How does that work again ? I have been on the organising committee of at least two RNZAF airshows... I am wondering what some of the others here actually know about them.
The line-up for the Ohakea show sounds very familiar to what we had, but now the guys are having to work without the bang of the jets.
Can anyone forget Gavin Howses' handling display in the Bluntie ? Marvellously skilful flying.
I did say I felt sorry for the likes of Steve Moore and cast that have to promote a major event with such little.
This is the 75th.... a major event...... or at least it should be.
Never was so much expected by so many from so few !
I was saying that if you want to see fast jets then you may need to open your eyes.. they are all about us.
Rather than expecting a friendly neighbouring country to spent money and effort how about the other option... spend just a few hundred and go and see for yourself if you are that interested.
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Post by Dave Homewood on Feb 20, 2012 22:42:01 GMT 12
Well I must say you didn't make that point at all clear in a series of confusing posts beeza. Must be your officer training I guess. |
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Post by baronbeeza on Feb 20, 2012 22:58:51 GMT 12
I know exactly what I said....... It was not me that misread the Raptors being on display etc. I was saying that with Wanaka being on the following week it is hard for us down in the South to make the trip north. Basically most of us can't justify it. I don't see a major drawcard for Ohakea unfortunately. And yes I did say that many will be excited and looking forward to it. Many of the younger generation are going to fall into that category. But Farnborough is on in just a few months... Until Don mentioned that the cheap European flights were getting canned I had no idea. I remember being at the '86 Farnborough airshow and seeing two familiar faces in the crowd, LAC's Shaw and Collinson. Both girls had been at Wigram, one in MT and other in Comms. Was it Carolyn and Jan ? By coincidence it was the young MT girl that had got reamed out by the Base Commander during the Wings and Wheels just a few months earlier. It was me that stepped in and told the Base Cdr what I thought about his actions. It was his PA that had taken his car.... I do know a thing or two about Air Show politics. There were certainly a few issues to work through for that event. Seriously. As for noise, and bang for buck. I would have been chatting with the girls when this thing started up and taxied out just metres away from us. www.flickr.com/photos/rac819/6093714424/ |
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Post by mcmaster on Feb 20, 2012 23:29:05 GMT 12
Looks to me like a pretty good lineup actually, sure everyone has their wishlists, its part of the buildup.
Compared to the last RAAF show I went to you have a C17 flying display, nothing that big flew at ours and you have a fast jet solo and a top warbird lineup, id be there in a flash! especially as its the RNZAF 75th show ...something its not if you fly off to whereever.
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. Text speak abbreviations are not appropriate here. Thanks.
