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Post by kiwithrottlejockey on Mar 21, 2014 14:27:11 GMT 12
I personally feel that Wanaka peaked around 2002. Up until that point, each airshow had been getting better and better, but after 2004, it has gradually slipped year by year.
I feel that Omaka equalled Wanaka in 2003 (their second Classic Fighters) and has got better and better.
Wings Over Wairarapa has had its good years and its bad years, but last year I reckon they absolutely excelled and beat everything else before (and since). Okay, they had an eclectic lineup (such as the 2x Vampires, Venom and Mosquito formation, never seen before, and will almost certainly never be seen again), but the general organisation of the airshow was way up there too. The Gold Pass setup in 2012 was by far the best I have ever experience, way surpassing the Gold Pass enclosure at any Warbirds Over Wanaka or Classic Fighters airshow. They will struggle to beat the aircraft lineup again (in particular the Mosquito), but if they stick to the same format as last year, they are onto a real winner.
Then, there is The Vintage Aviator Ltd's regular airshows at Hood, which while being of a lessor scale and more intimate, are something really, really special.
I feel extremely privileged to live in Wairarapa these days with what is occurring here, and also just across Cook Strait in Marlborough.
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Post by ErrolC on Mar 21, 2014 14:34:04 GMT 12
... The Gold Pass setup in 2012 was by far the best I have ever experience, way surpassing the Gold Pass enclosure at any Warbirds Over Wanaka or Classic Fighters airshow. They will struggle to beat the aircraft lineup again (in particular the Mosquito), but if they stick to the same format as last year, they are onto a real winner. ... What aspects of the Gold Pass at Wairarapa made it stand out for you? BTW, the platters of finger food being taken around the Tauranga GP were great! |
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Post by 185skywagon on Mar 22, 2014 7:50:46 GMT 12
EIGHTY FIVE BUCKS !! Plus the extra fees and postage took it to about $100 !!! FOR ONE DAY !!!! Are these guys having a laugh or something ? That has got to be the most expensive airshow in the world. And with all due respect, its shit ! (by comparison to many).
Theres nothing spectacular or unique in the line up, just the same old regular stuff, oh plus the hawk trainers (woopty doo) not like we've never seen jet TRAINERS at wanaka before....
Im really quite annoyed about this, if it wasn't for the fact I have already made commitments to go, I would can it. I sure hope they pull a hidden ace up their sleeve, say something seriously unique, never seen at wanaka before or anything to justify the above world class prices for a substandard airshow. This will definitely be my last.
Perhaps they've got the blue angles lined up for a surprise appearance...
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Post by slackie on Mar 23, 2014 2:46:02 GMT 12
Cost me about $100 for SEVEN days entry at Oshkosh '13!! Now THAT was $$$$ well spent!
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Post by kiwithrottlejockey on Mar 23, 2014 13:30:38 GMT 12
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Post by aeromedia on Mar 23, 2014 15:52:21 GMT 12
Yeah, it is expensive, but then there are costs that have to be met by someone. If you take 10 steps back and look at it, what an incredible "privilege" it is that we have this to enjoy. I often say, remember Wigram in the mid 80's. When Sir Tims P51 debuted. I had to pinch myself it was happening in the modern age, and to think what has followed, unimaginable at the time. How quickly some regard absolute gems as "same old same old." I will NEVER allow that attitude to prevail in my own regard to any of these shows where WWII Warbirds appear, no matter how many times I've experienced them.
So by all means, feel hard done by by your 85 bucks or whatever, but never forget what the true cost is for the OWNERS.
They're paying by far the biggest price for a ticket.
You're getting a bargain.
I rest my case.
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Post by Dave Homewood on Mar 23, 2014 17:16:36 GMT 12
Yes that puts it into perspective nicely Peter. Well said.
Maybe this year those who go won't be privileged with anything new in the warbird world, but the fact that there IS a warbird airshow is a bonus I guess. Look at the reaction in the USA over the past year or so where that country lost most of its airshows and air display teams that they'd taken for granted for so many years. We are indeed lucky we have a vibrant scene with great people who own and share great aircraft.
I'll still be waiting till June and Ardmore though.
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Post by Mustang51 on Mar 28, 2014 13:50:04 GMT 12
I'd like to put in my two bob's worth as well and support what Pete and Dave have said. Yes expensive but also yes, warbirds. Like Pete said about Sir Tim's Mustang when it made its debut (and I wish I could have been there)I remember a time over on this side of the ditch when the only warbirds flying were the two target towing Mustangs - and them infrequently - together with the venerable C.47, which at that time was not a warbird. The dramatic changes since the meeting held in Wodonga all those years ago is nothing but 'fantastic". Privately owned Sabre jets, Canberra bombers, P-40s, Mustangs, Sea Fury and the like were things of real fantasy back then. Even when we went to get the B.25 and fly it back across the Pacific I was totally gobsmacked at Stockton two days after I arrived (Calif) when two P.40s, a Sea Fury, a T.28 and a P.63 arrived for a bbq at the airport - for a bbq !Something like a "goat with two tails" comes to mind.
The warbird owners anywhere have very shallow pockets and long arms to support their particular habit and we are very priviledged to be able to see them at shows like Wanaka, Omaka, Masterton and all the shows over here. It does cost us a lot to see them - and yes I was one of the paying public - but the alternative would be to go backwards to the dull days when the most excitement you got at an airfield was a visiting Tiger or something of that ilk. (Nothing against Tigers here).
Same old, same old? I would travel across the ditch a dozen times a year if I could to see Frank and Liz's and Stu's P.40s, Graham's P-51 and as for TVAL........ I see a particular Spitfire fly every two weeks and have probably seen it fly hundreds and hundreds and hundreds of times since its debut with Col then down at Temora. I never get sick of the sight or the sound of that machine and even when it is merely test flying at Temora all the maintenance guys at the museum come out to see and hear it.
I know that Pete and I are lucky to get the best seats in the house now but I did pay before I was lucky enough to be asked to do what we both do. Everyone is privileged to see these machines fly and sometimes it does cost us perhaps more than what we may think is 'fair'. Those costs we pay also help to support the aircraft that we love to see and without putting our hands into our pockets we would not be able to see them at all or rarely. $Oz2.25 a litre to put gas into my little 172 last time...... what's it cost to fuel a Mustang, overhaul a Merlin, replace prop blades on a Spit.
We are privileged. It does cost. Alternative is not to go, save your cash, dream when you read Classic Wings, Aeroplane or Flypast and nothing else.
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Post by Brett on Mar 28, 2014 14:38:31 GMT 12
Your argument seems to be comparing the ticket price vs no warbird air shows at all. That isn't appropriate, as other similar air shows exist at a much lower cost. The question is why does Wanaka cost so much more than a comparable air show?
On a related note, does anyone know where the profits go from WOW? Classic Fighters funds the AHC, does WOW have a similar mandate?
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Post by skyhawkdon on Mar 28, 2014 18:19:04 GMT 12
It is run by a community trust now so I imagine some of it will go back to the Wanaka community with the rest funding the on-going promotion activities and staff of the trust between shows.
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Post by aeromedia on Mar 29, 2014 8:02:11 GMT 12
On a related note, does anyone know where the profits go from WOW? Classic Fighters funds the AHC, does WOW have a similar mandate? I think you'll find most, if not all airshows, struggle to make any money at all in real terms. The fact is, it's getting harder and harder. I was told by an extremely reputable source several years ago that Wanaka had NEVER made any money. Ever!!!! Obviously shortfalls made up by other means. |
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Post by Dave Homewood on Mar 29, 2014 11:33:16 GMT 12
In the past the Wanaka organisation has publicly stated that the profit always went into the Wanaka community for local projects. So the organisation may not have made any money but the community has done so to the tune of millions over the years, hasn't it?
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Post by kiwithrottlejockey on Mar 29, 2014 12:13:24 GMT 12
That's why you have sponsors.
If you look at an airshow purely in terms of gate-takings and trade-stall site rentals versus the actual costs of running the airshow, they they would ALL make a HUGE loss. By having sponsors, they get their names in front of the punters and the airshow can show a cash surplus.
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ul450
Flight Sergeant
Posts: 27
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Post by ul450 on Mar 31, 2014 9:10:38 GMT 12
Just thought I would drop this in here:
I am looking to see if anyone would like to cruise down to Wanaka on either the 16th, 17th - Would like to take someone down that is semi experienced in flying :-)
Let me know if you might be keen, leaving from NZRT.
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Post by Mustang51 on Mar 31, 2014 11:52:42 GMT 12
Brett, not comparing ticket price/no warbird shows. What I have seen and experienced is that if you loose a big show, those that are left basically have to pick up the slack. If they cannot, then the operstors who are already shelling out very big bucks (do you know what it costs to insure a Spitfire)have to look at peeling back their operating costs to some extent. This results at best in limiting appearances and at worst to selling off the toys. No-One, no matter how well heeled, is immune to cashflow. Who would have thought that Kermit's Fantast of Flight would now be severely limiting (not totally closing)public access now due to cashflow. The less opportunities to display the aircraft, the less the cash to help what the operators put in, the less the aircraft flies. The old adage ".. For the want of a nail..." comes to mind. I am not advocating mindlessly throwing money at tickets that are exorbitent but unless you have been directly involved in a big show's organisation you cannot believe just how much it costs to run a show of the size of Wanaka, Masterton, Omaka.
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Post by chewy on Apr 12, 2014 13:38:59 GMT 12
I am going to Warbirds over Wanaka. The organizers have been very good when it comes to people with reduced mobility. WE get parking close to the gate and they provide transport to get us closer to the action.
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Post by aeromedia on Apr 13, 2014 14:53:36 GMT 12
Graeme Frews Yak 3 just departed Ashburton after refuelling enroute to Wanaka.
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Post by Mustang51 on Apr 13, 2014 15:19:11 GMT 12
Excellent........... cannot wait to get there Tuesday evening. Quick shop for supplies and off to the Speight's Alehouse (or whatever its called now) for a big steak. Anyone know the weather down there just now?
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Post by aeromedia on Apr 13, 2014 16:12:38 GMT 12
Hope for a quick gidday down there Pete. Have a good trip over. The forecast right through the week and weekend not great, but Wanaka usually performs on que. Fingers crossed!
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Post by Mustang51 on Apr 13, 2014 17:22:41 GMT 12
Thanks mate.......... a quiet brown tranquilizer or two with you would be great
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