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Post by Mustang51 on Dec 19, 2017 14:08:02 GMT 12
I thank everyone not just for their thoughts at me undertaking the commentary there but especially the fact that as an Aussie, I am so well accepted in my second home. Makes me feel good. Perhaps one day I may be offered a return that I would accept with open arms but it is just good to know that you guys think I am up to the task.
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Post by delticman on Dec 19, 2017 14:33:03 GMT 12
I thank everyone not just for their thoughts at me undertaking the commentary there but especially the fact that as an Aussie, I am so well accepted in my second home. Makes me feel good. Perhaps one day I may be offered a return that I would accept with open arms but it is just good to know that you guys think I am up to the task. Tell us you have a kiwi dad and your good to go. |
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Post by Mustang51 on Dec 19, 2017 15:35:23 GMT 12
Can't do that but my very best mate here at work, Sharron, is born and bred in Leeston !That aside, I do totally understand the need to have that Kiwi flavor to what is a fantastic airshow
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Post by johnnyfalcon on Dec 19, 2017 17:27:20 GMT 12
...you guys think I am up to the task. Understatement! And, since I personally can count on one hand the Kiwi commentators that have similar quality delivery, I don't think NZ is in a position to be picky about 'state of origin'. We have regularly hosted some quality commentators from elsewhere that I feel add a spice of flavour to the staple Kiwi dish. The measurement should be delivery and audience consideration not accent. |
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Post by Mustang51 on Dec 20, 2017 7:31:46 GMT 12
Thanks for the votes of confidence. I try hard............ Or is it as my dad told me.... I am very trying....
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Post by Dave Homewood on Jan 16, 2018 16:40:36 GMT 12
WOW Lakefront EventMonday, 15 January 2018, 11:20 am Press Release: Warbirds Over Wanaka Wanaka: Live ‘moose’ capture and a spectacular Royal New Zealand Air Force finale have been confirmed for this Easter’s Warbirds Over Wanaka International Airshow lakefront event. The lakeside event was first held in 2014 and has proved so popular it is now an integral part of the airshow attracting thousands to vantage points around the Wanaka lakefront late afternoon on Good Friday. Warbirds Over Wanaka General Manager, Ed Taylor, says the original idea behind the event was to promote the airshow and also to put on a free event for the local community. “We wanted to give local families a chance to come down to their lakefront and get a taste of the airshow for free. But our airshow visitors have also loved the innovation and it’s now part and parcel of the whole event” says Ed. This year’s lakeside event will feature a scenario which involves a live ‘moose’ capture. This will include the appearance of a helicopter from the early days of deer recovery in the region. “We have a team trying to track down a descendant of the herd of moose which were released in Fiordland back in the early 1900’s. There have been no confirmed sightings of the animals in many years but we have a team working on it. If they are unsuccessful they have assured me they will find a substitute,” says Ed. Another expected highlight for the lakefront event will be Royal New Zealand Air Force involvement for the first time. “The RNZAF are hoping to have one of their Seasprite helicopters put on a winching display over the water plus have the mighty Hercules close the show with a spectacular flare display. This flare display set against the magnificent Wanaka lake and mountain backdrop should be truly stunning” says Ed. The event will also see the return of the Catalina Flying Boat landing on the lake. This was a big crowd favourite from 2016. The 30th anniversary Warbirds Over Wanaka International Airshow is being held this March 30th, 31st and April 1st at Wanaka Airport. The free lakeside event will be held at 4.30pm on March 30th. For more information and tickets go to www.warbirdsoverwanaka.com© Scoop Media www.scoop.co.nz/stories/CU1801/S00093/wow-lakefront-event.htm
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Post by Dave Homewood on Jan 22, 2018 15:56:40 GMT 12
Woohoo!! F-16S FOR WANAKA22 January 2018 - by mandy deans  Wanaka: Warbirds Over Wanaka International Airshow organisers have announced a major coup for their 30th Anniversary airshow this Easter. The United States Air Force has confirmed its intention to have the world-renowned F-16 Fighting Falcon Jet Demonstration Team attend Wanaka from the Misawa Air Force base in Japan. Also displaying at the Airshow will be the C-17 Globemaster Demonstration Team out of Hawaii. Warbirds Over Wanaka General Manager, Ed Taylor, is thrilled to have two displays from the US, especially the F-16s. “A big thanks to the USAF, this display is going to be an absolute highlight for us, especially given we’re celebrating 30 years since the very first Wanaka event.” “The Fighting Falcon has awesome power and manoeuvrability. The demonstration team pilots are at the top of their game and can really show off all those amazing attributes.” “There is nothing like seeing and hearing these aircraft up close and personal. The bonus will be seeing them perform against the magnificent Wanaka mountain backdrop.” Both the F-16s and the C-17 will operate out of Christchurch International Airport for the duration of the Airshow. “We must acknowledge the support of the Royal New Zealand Air Force and Christchurch International Airport in helping make the US visit happen.” “Christchurch Airport is hosting the Americans on the ground as they’re unable to land at Wanaka. The RNZAF will help out with flying members of the US contingent through to the Airshow at various times over the weekend,” says Ed. The American aircraft will ensure the biggest ever line up of modern military aircraft at Wanaka. The RNZAF intends to have one of the largest turnouts of its aircraft types at the Airshow, the Australians are debuting a Spartan transport aircraft along with Hawk Jets while the French are coming back with the CASA. As with all military participation, attendance is subject to aircraft availability and operational requirements. www.warbirdsoverwanaka.com/2018-airshow/news/f-16s-for-wanaka/ |
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Post by ErrolC on Jan 22, 2018 16:47:16 GMT 12
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Post by Dave Homewood on Jan 22, 2018 17:17:51 GMT 12
Are you heading down this year Errol?
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Post by ErrolC on Jan 22, 2018 18:28:11 GMT 12
Yes I am.
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Post by Deleted on Jan 22, 2018 20:04:14 GMT 12
Fantastic news, bravo to the WOW team and the USAF for making this happen. I can't imagine how awesome it'll be to experience the F-16 flying at Wanaka, that sound reverberating off the hills!
I can't believe some people, I commented on the WOW page that if the display's similar to Ohakea people will be in for a treat. Some plonker replied "WTF the F16 show at Ohakea was a disgrace, nothing against the pilots as I am sure it was not their call what they did but they could have got them both in the sky at least." Yeah rightio mate, I seem to remember applause at the end of the display and gasps and excited chatter during!
Anyway, great news for folks who are going down to Wanaka - also nice to see the C-17 will be back, the Ohakea display was a surprise highlight for me.
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Post by hardyakka on Jan 22, 2018 21:19:06 GMT 12
Fantastic news, bravo to the WOW team and the USAF for making this happen. I can't imagine how awesome it'll be to experience the F-16 flying at Wanaka, that sound reverberating off the hills! I can't believe some people, I commented on the WOW page that if the display's similar to Ohakea people will be in for a treat. Some plonker replied "WTF the F16 show at Ohakea was a disgrace, nothing against the pilots as I am sure it was not their call what they did but they could have got them both in the sky at least." Yeah rightio mate, I seem to remember applause at the end of the display and gasps and excited chatter during! Anyway, great news for folks who are going down to Wanaka - also nice to see the C-17 will be back, the Ohakea display was a surprise highlight for me. Wow! That dude was harsh.... I thought the Viper display at Ohakea was great. The commentary was a bit OTT for our more reserved Kiwi sensibility but the flying was top-notch. The wording of the announcement for WoW18 seems to indicate a multi-ship presence at the show. I assume they will track in from Chch each day...? The guys with L-39s and Vampires say they have difficulty operating out of Wanaka due more to the tight parking than anything else. Maybe the airport tarmac area is getting enlarged. Maybe one ship will land there and be on static display. They are going to really need to bring the noise if they want to out-decibel the Aussie F-111 display from previous years. Setting off car-alarms is one thing, I want some busted windows this time around! (Kidding!) Maybe they are just toying with us. Easter Sunday is April the 1st this year. Perhaps they'll launch an R/C model F-16 and yell "April Fools" over the PA  |
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Post by skyhawkdon on Jan 23, 2018 6:49:47 GMT 12
They can't land at Wanaka (runway not long enough and the surface isn't suitable for the weight and tyre pressure). The same reason a Skyhawk never landed there.
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Post by Deleted on Jan 23, 2018 7:43:25 GMT 12
The commentary was a bit OTT for our more reserved Kiwi sensibility I'd always heard about how ludicrous US commentators were but never believed it, so I couldn't help but laugh out loud at that guy's script and delivery. But at least you knew he was having fun! (And yes, I've decided not to reply to that guy on Facebook. I've never heard a crowd reaction after a display like the folks around me when the F-16 did its thing. I'm not sure which display that guy saw.) The press release said they'd be operating out of Christchurch and thanked the airport operating company and the RNZAF for their help in making it happen. |
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Post by ErrolC on Jan 23, 2018 8:00:29 GMT 12
Wow! That dude was harsh.... I thought the Viper display at Ohakea was great. The commentary was a bit OTT for our more reserved Kiwi sensibility but the flying was top-notch. The wording of the announcement for WoW18 seems to indicate a multi-ship presence at the show. I assume they will track in from Chch each day...? Previously the PACAF F-16 team has had one display pilot but two jets - didn't one go tech on the way to Ohakea, which is why they were late (waiting for replacement from Japan)? It's unlikely you'll see both F-16's at the show at the same time. Decent chance of a KC-135 at Christchurch I would think, as they will need some support gear (as well as gas to get here, obviously). |
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Post by skyhawkdon on Jan 23, 2018 12:01:40 GMT 12
This announcement has been the final straw for me. I was going to be absent from WOW this year due to other commitments but now have permission to fly in for the Sunday show - ye ha!
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Post by corsairarm on Jan 23, 2018 15:28:50 GMT 12
OH well I guess I am just going to have to miss it. It looks like it is shaping up to be a good show. I will just have to enjoy Hawaii i.e. Arizona memorial, USS Missouri and the Pacific Aviation museum instead  |
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Post by ErrolC on Jan 23, 2018 17:36:48 GMT 12
So is it worthwhile getting to the airfield on the Thursday? It is fairly cool at Omaka as you can see stuff going on from next to the museum, but is there anywhere equivalent at Wanaka? Are you able to park anywhere useful on nearby roads?
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Post by kiwithrottlejockey on Jan 23, 2018 17:55:15 GMT 12
I have occasionally headed to Wanaka Airport on the Thursday afternoon and I have usually just driven straight onto the airfield (via the main gate) and found somewhere to park.
On the one occasion there were too many cars parked on the airfield and I couldn't find a space, I simply drove out and parked on the side of the road outside the airport.
I'm on the direct Air NZ flight from Wellington to Queenstown (arriving at 13:35hrs), so by the time I pick up the rental car and drive over the hill to Wanaka, then check into my accommodation, I should be at the airfield by about 15:00hrs or shortly afterwards.
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Post by jp on Jan 23, 2018 18:49:19 GMT 12
What WWII Warbirds are in the line up? I've heard a Polikarpov mentioned, and the Catalina....Mosquito? Fw-190? Spit XIV?
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