|
|
Post by Dave Homewood on Sept 17, 2015 13:43:43 GMT 12
This 2015-2016 season The Vintage Aviator will be hosting ‘Flying Weekends’ at Hood Aerodrome in Masterson. It will take place the last Saturday and Sunday of every month from November to April.
This particular one is Saturday 28th and Sunday 29th of November 2015.
The flying weekends are casual so make sure to bring your own seat and refreshments. Tickets are sold $20 for adults and $10 for children. Flying will be scheduled from 10.00am – 12.00pm and 2.00pm to 4.00pm Saturday and Sunday, with a Saturday only option of 6.00pm – 8.00pm if flying that day has been held up with weather. Hangar tours will also be offered outside of flying hours. The guided tours will be $15 for adults and $10 for children.
|
|
|
|
Post by Deleted on Nov 20, 2015 15:00:14 GMT 12
This is now a week away. I'll monitor weather forecasts next week before I commit to which day I'll go.
Anyone else heading down/up?
|
|
|
|
Post by ErrolC on Nov 20, 2015 15:42:49 GMT 12
If Ardmore got rained out, I was considering it. Ardmore currently looking ok!
|
|
jamo
Warrant Officer
Posts: 43
|
Post by jamo on Nov 20, 2015 21:30:20 GMT 12
I'm going, flying weather or not. Its been a long winter and I am hoping to see the DH4 and the new Sopwith Camel, even if only in the hangar
|
|
|
|
Post by Deleted on Nov 21, 2015 14:20:01 GMT 12
Ditto - seeing the DH4 would make my year.
|
|
|
|
Post by Deleted on Nov 26, 2015 17:47:48 GMT 12
The weather's looking better for Sunday but I'm leaning toward Saturday so I don't have to rush home.
|
|
|
|
Post by delticman on Nov 26, 2015 20:47:33 GMT 12
Rush home!!! It will be daylight all the way.
|
|
|
|
Post by Deleted on Nov 27, 2015 8:41:17 GMT 12
Yeah, but I have work Monday and driving takes it out of me! Plus if the weather's not so flash early on they may do an evening slot.
Thanks for your email btw!
Metservice says "Rain clears morning, then fine. Strong northwesterlies." for tomorrow, and for Sunday "Fine. Winds gradually tending northeasterly.". If someone could interpret MetVUW that would be handy to know too!
|
|
|
|
Post by Deleted on Nov 28, 2015 9:02:00 GMT 12
So I'm here - it's warming up, the sun's poking through, there's no wind, and when I drove past I saw Bevan and the crew pulling out various wood-and-fabric contraptions.
Today will be a good day!
|
|
|
|
Post by delticman on Nov 28, 2015 9:44:25 GMT 12
Amazing, hope it's like that tomorrow.
|
|
|
|
Post by Deleted on Nov 28, 2015 13:07:51 GMT 12
Before lunch Tiger Moth '92 flew the weather check, followed by the DH.5, an Se5a and an Albatros D.Va. The Nieuport 11 did an engine run for the crowd - all 12 of us - and then John Lanham gave a guided tour of the flightline. Around 1pm the wind got nasty but it's easing off so hopefully - once the pilots have had their lunch - flying will resume. We have lovely blue skies and it's not too warm. Plus a piston Fletcher flew when I arrived, so the day can hardly get much better  |
|
|
|
Post by Brett on Nov 29, 2015 17:39:04 GMT 12
A photo of a caravan at Masterton.  |
|
|
|
Post by delticman on Nov 29, 2015 17:48:03 GMT 12
A nice period shot there with the big bucket loaders.
Great to catch up with everyone and trade winter news.
|
|
|
|
Post by ErrolC on Nov 29, 2015 19:41:47 GMT 12
|
|
|
|
Post by errolmartyn on Nov 29, 2015 20:05:34 GMT 12
A photo of a caravan at Masterton. Ah yes, a rara avis indeed, the lesser spotted and little-known Sopwith Caravan caught out in the open by a sharp-eyed ornithologist. Errol |
|
|
|
Post by Deleted on Nov 30, 2015 7:29:42 GMT 12
Unfortunately the New Camel wasn't allowed outside on Saturday, but I still went away happy. I saw one of the aircraft I was hoping to - the original Hanriot HD.1 - but unfortunately John Lanham said the newbuild Airco DH.4 ZK-DHA is having engine issues so also wasn't seen outside. While discussing the Nieuport 11 he also mentioned there are also two Fokker Eindeckers in the works. Exciting stuff! Here's a selection of my photos:  For those unfamiliar with Hood, this is the unassuming public hangar from the carpark.    The aforementioned Hanriot:   The original Be.2f restored by Stuart Tantrum:  The Be.2c - I love the skids.     The very lovely new Be.2, subtype and rego unknown to be but I'm sure delticman will educate me:      These three flew on Saturday along with an Se.5a:  The Nieuport XI performed an engine run while a friendly pilot - whose name I missed - explained everything we were seeing.   Then John Lanham took seven of us on an informal flightline tour, letting us get up close and personal (and unlimited photo-taking opportunities) as well as educating us on type histories and what each is like to fly. It sounds like the Bebe is a delight, likewise the Se.5a, whereas the E.V/D.VIII is a tricky little so-and-so.    Unlike the TVAL mini-airshows of the past, the two resident WW2 fighters stayed put in the hangar. Both are smaller up close than I remembered! It was great to have a close-up look at them and pay silent tribute to them both.       And finally, the people. I recognised a handful of pilots including WONZ member Bevan Dewes, seen here topping up the D.Va with oil while Keith Skilling guides him. There were a number of ground crew around also, but the pilots all doubled as crew anyway so it's hard to know who's who!  So while yesterday was the flying day by all accounts, I still had an excellent day on Saturday. I totally recommend coming along to one of these. |
|
|
|
Post by suthg on Nov 30, 2015 7:49:48 GMT 12
Thanks for the pics Zac - reminds me why I should be back home occasionally! Are these gold coin entry days or is it worthy of a $10 note? I would think they go to a lot of trouble to have them all moved about and several running - fuel alone is a major cost. Thanks for sharing.
|
|
|
|
Post by Deleted on Nov 30, 2015 8:30:16 GMT 12
$20 per adult. Even with my 3.5hr driving (one way) it's well worth it! I can't recommend it highly enough. Next one is Boxing Day and the 27th.
|
|
|
|
Post by Brett on Nov 30, 2015 10:07:47 GMT 12
Ahh, the typical Summer weekend chores: -mow the lawn -oil the squeaky cat-door flap -wash one of the BE-2s |
|
|
|
Post by Deleted on Nov 30, 2015 11:00:09 GMT 12
I didn't take photos of the guy giving the D.Va a sponge bath, I felt guilty and wanted to offer my help! I also never thought I'd see Keith Skilling hosing down a Be!! Everyone chips in, it's not the mental image I used to have of pilots lording over the "help" at all.
|
|
