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Wanaka
Apr 24, 2012 14:44:10 GMT 12
Post by Dave Homewood on Apr 24, 2012 14:44:10 GMT 12
One of the real thrills for me in 2006 at Wanaka was seeing the origianl Bleriot XI flying, so I'm not that keen on the idea of making it all "heavy" stuff. Interesting visitors that aren't loud and fast like that also make Wanaka unique.
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Wanaka
Apr 24, 2012 14:56:27 GMT 12
Post by kiwithrottlejockey on Apr 24, 2012 14:56:27 GMT 12
One of the real thrills for me in 2006 at Wanaka was seeing the origianl Bleriot XI flying, so I'm not that keen on the idea of making it all "heavy" stuff. Interesting visitors that aren't loud and fast like that also make Wanaka unique. That original Bleriot XI also visited NZ to fly at a Wings Over Wairarapa airshow, but I cannot recall which year. I have a vague idea it may have flown at two separate Warbirds Over Wanaka airshows if my memory is correct. |
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Wanaka
Apr 24, 2012 15:04:21 GMT 12
Post by Dave Homewood on Apr 24, 2012 15:04:21 GMT 12
Yes it has been to at least two Wanakas. But my point was it doesn't have to be loud and fast and heavy to be something different and interesting.
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Wanaka
Apr 24, 2012 15:27:59 GMT 12
Post by kiwithrottlejockey on Apr 24, 2012 15:27:59 GMT 12
One of the most fascinating things I've ever seen at an airshow was in 2005 when the Pither monoplane replica made a short hop at Classic Fighters. It actually took me by surprise as when it was pushed down the flightline with a pilot onboard and the engine running, I thought that was the display. Imagine my surprise when I suddenly looked up from the Gold Pass grandstand and saw it on its takeoff run, followed by it lifting into the air.
Another real surprise was when Simon Spensor-Bower did a similar short hop with the ‘non-airworthy’ Oscar fighter at Warbirds over Wanaka. I can remember the airshow commentator saying, “you didn't see that!” but we knew jolly well what we had just seen and it made my day!!
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Wanaka
Apr 24, 2012 18:20:04 GMT 12
Post by JamesStokes on Apr 24, 2012 18:20:04 GMT 12
I reckon it's very hard to compare Wanaka and Omaka. They are entirely different experiences. I personally much prefer Omaka, but again that's personal preference. So long as Omaka's cost stays down, I'll attend religiously as I have done for all the shows bar '07 and '09. I went last year and even though there were several disappointments on the debut front, I was still thoroughly impressed by the effort. I have been to Wanaka, but considering the price I am not prepared to spend a small fortune on the same thing I could see at Omaka. Especially if we are lucky with NH799 being completed in time for next Easter, as well as the Anson, and provided the 190 doesn't have any more mishaps with the cooling fans, and the huge number of WWI types, Omaka (even just under a year away) is shaping up to be a brilliant show, yet again. To be honest, I'd say Wanaka has had it's peak as mentioned, but by the looks Omaka is only just getting started. And in regard to scenery, yes Wanaka has something no where else in New Zealand offers, but doesn't Omaka as well? They are both very unique settings for airshows to take place and it's great that this has been taken advantage of.
It's a real shame that Wanaka this year didn't seem to have any big stars (ignoring the Avenger and Yak) but there's always hope. And who can blame the organisers and possible antendees? These are pretty tough times in the economic world, and who knows... we might just get lucky in 2014. Fingers crossed.
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Wanaka
Apr 24, 2012 20:33:14 GMT 12
Post by mumbles on Apr 24, 2012 20:33:14 GMT 12
Another real surprise was when Simon Spensor-Bower did a similar short hop with the ‘ non-airworthy’ Oscar fighter at Warbirds over Wanaka. I can remember the airshow commentator saying, “you didn't see that!” but we knew jolly well what we had just seen and it made my day!! Remember that well ;D |
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Wanaka
Apr 24, 2012 20:35:55 GMT 12
Post by mumbles on Apr 24, 2012 20:35:55 GMT 12
To me, Wanaka hasn't changed much, everything else has. Most shows have borrowed from its successful formula and now it doesn't have the same independence it once had. I agree that it would be time to consider adding to its uniqueness somehow, perhaps by specializing in heavy warbirds only, but to me it will always be something special. Onwards and (especially) upwards! Agreed. I love Wanaka (and the lower SI in general) as a venue and spectacle, I just wish it was a bit easier to get to. Stupid Cook Strait...  |
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