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Post by Dave Homewood on Mar 9, 2014 14:07:40 GMT 12
So when/what was the last floatplane to use Hobsonville? The No. 6 Squadron RNZAF Auster floatplane maybe?
Is that new buildings next to the main hangar there?
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Post by Damon on Mar 9, 2014 16:33:08 GMT 12
The family and I went to Viaduct harbour in the afternoon today. I never saw the Beaver above but did see it taxi back to its berth. Does it only have one berthing point in the Viaduct or does it get tied up near the Auckland Maritime Museum on occasion? The girl behind the counter selling tickets was unenthusiastic and vague on my questioning.
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Post by Peter Lewis on Mar 9, 2014 17:39:54 GMT 12
The Beaver currently opearates from a berth alongside a work yard near the Silo Park.
The owners are aware that this is not really a good long-term site for a tourist operation and are negotiating for a higher-profile location in front of the restaurant row that backs on to Jellicoe Street.
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Post by Peter Lewis on Mar 9, 2014 17:50:23 GMT 12
So when/what was the last floatplane to use Hobsonville? The No. 6 Squadron RNZAF Auster floatplane maybe? Probably, unless someone knows of a Cub or a Cessna floatplane that called in at some stage. Is that new buildings next to the main hangar there? No, just poly roofs on small boat storage lockers. The weekend farmers market has now moved down fronm its previous location near the Catalina cafe to the waterfront Landing, occupying what was previously the fabric bay.  |
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Post by Damon on Mar 9, 2014 18:03:48 GMT 12
They are supposed to be keeping those workshop areas arnt they? Those farmers fabric's same as the aircraft fabric yeah...naaah!
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Post by Damon on Mar 9, 2014 18:07:47 GMT 12
The Beaver currently opearates from a berth alongside a work yard near the Silo Park. The owners are aware that this is not really a good long-term site for a tourist operation and are negotiating for a higher-profile location in front of the restaurant row that backs on to Jellicoe Street. Its not really good short term either. No signage ,that I could see and you couldn't see the Beaver from land. And a vague counter seller girl. Bit of a mission for the punters which ever way you look. |
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Post by TS on Mar 9, 2014 20:55:54 GMT 12
Hey I was the old girl landing in Administration bay Motutapu Island this morning. Sounds great.  What a day for a sail.... |
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Post by harrysone on Mar 10, 2014 13:12:20 GMT 12
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Post by Kereru on Mar 10, 2014 14:38:24 GMT 12
The Beaver currently opearates from a berth alongside a work yard near the Silo Park. The owners are aware that this is not really a good long-term site for a tourist operation and are negotiating for a higher-profile location in front of the restaurant row that backs on to Jellicoe Street.  At the Silo Marina next to all the motor yachts and one even has a helicopter on the back. Cheers, Colin |
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Post by Peter Lewis on Mar 10, 2014 17:35:35 GMT 12
when was the last time a water based aircraft operated out of here As far as I know, 2nd April 1967 - Sunderland NZ4107. |
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Post by Dave Homewood on Mar 10, 2014 22:26:36 GMT 12
Did the Russian Beriev Albatross not get up that far in the harbour?
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Post by Peter Lewis on Mar 11, 2014 8:07:08 GMT 12
That's a good question.
I don't think so, but I am open to being told otherwise.
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Post by harrysone on Mar 11, 2014 12:34:14 GMT 12
the Beriev landed at Whenuapai, it didn't land up there. We flew the Catalina up there a few times (flypasts only), including a flypast when the base closed when we flew in formation with a Harvard a Devon and an Iroquois behind (could hear the WHUUP-WHUPP over the two '1830s!!). I doubt the seaplane ramp would support too much these days, it has been cordoned off for boat/vehicle traffic as the structure has been compromised (corrosion/erosion?). Something like this needs preserving/rebuilding & it could also still be used by boaties etc.  Flying back to Westhaven |
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Post by corsairarm on Mar 11, 2014 13:47:32 GMT 12
...lower tide on Sunday  this lead to a very, very slippery ramp!   when was the last time a water based aircraft operated out of here  I was there on Sunday morning when the Beaver came in unloaded two pax and then loaded 4 pax. Unfortunately one of the ladies ended up on her rear end rather quickly. I felt sorry for her as it looked rather painful. Was that your group? |
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Post by TS on Mar 11, 2014 14:24:54 GMT 12
Hmmm..... Just asking I see the pilot has a life jacket on incase of..... Why haven't the Pax.  ? |
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Post by Peter Lewis on Mar 11, 2014 21:59:36 GMT 12
The pax are issued with waistband life jackets.
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Post by harrysone on Mar 12, 2014 9:42:59 GMT 12
Yes that was one of our group that slipped (names will not be mentioned here!) Don't worry, waistband life jackets were worn on board the aircraft as per CAA requirements. Steve was quite concerned about the safety of the ramp for future use at low tide. If they go back to Hobsonville they may consider other options such as a mooring offshore & an inflatable tender to take passengers out etc. |
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Post by Damon on Mar 12, 2014 10:34:25 GMT 12
May I suggest some kind of synthetic carpet ,rolled out down the slipway.5 to 10 metres or so. Might reduce anxious moments for pax.
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Post by Dave Homewood on Mar 12, 2014 10:38:23 GMT 12
Can they not use the ferry braby on the wharf?
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Post by harrysone on Mar 12, 2014 12:39:13 GMT 12
they thought about that, too many nasty piles sticking up... the fixed jetties are also too high & because they are fixed might damage the aircraft as they wont budge with waves or wakes unlike floating pontoons
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