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Post by mcmaster on Feb 15, 2019 8:59:27 GMT 12
I missed the Richmond airshow but was lucky enough to see the RAF Tornados at Williamtown who based themselves there during the visit to NSW. Certainly the variety of aircraft has yet to be seen again.
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Post by Dave Homewood on Feb 15, 2019 9:19:15 GMT 12
As I said earlier a chap called Leslie Heard on the Wings Over New Zealand Show Facebook page claims one flew over a Taupo airshow in the 1980's and then headed back to Guam. When I queried that statement and asked for proof, and he replied:
"Not sure if I had any photos of the B52 back then, I remember they grounded all aircraft and we waited about 20 minutes for it to arrive. It did a slow pass and a high speed pass, it didn't land they said it would have been airborne for 24 hrs when it arrived back in Gaum. I guess they refuel in the air."
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Post by rone on Feb 15, 2019 9:47:04 GMT 12
Dave H, you're guessing right, no B52 has ever been 'over' New Zealand previously. And with reference to the B52 at Darwin, a cousin of mine 'signed it in' when it arrived at Darwin. He worked for Aus. Customs at the time. The museum hangar was 'built around' it, he informed me. If my memory is correct,I think there is a mention of that in the write up about the a/c. It is certainly a big piece of aeroplane. It is one of two ever given to museums outside of USA.
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Post by Dave Homewood on Feb 15, 2019 9:51:55 GMT 12
What dates were there Airshows at Taupo in the 1980's?
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Post by johnnyfalcon on Feb 15, 2019 10:27:17 GMT 12
As I said earlier a chap called Leslie Heard on the Wings Over New Zealand Show Facebook page claims one flew over a Taupo airshow in the 1980's and then headed back to Guam. When I queried that statement and asked for proof, and he replied: "Not sure if I had any photos of the B52 back then, I remember they grounded all aircraft and we waited about 20 minutes for it to arrive. It did a slow pass and a high speed pass, it didn't land they said it would have been airborne for 24 hrs when it arrived back in Gaum. I guess they refuel in the air." I lived in Taupo for most of th 1980s and was actively flying from there. I remember all the shows that were held there. I seem to recall an announcement of some kind referring to the imminent arrival of a special guest type, and waiting... But for the life of me I don't remember what it was for which I waited! Must have been a significant type... But with clarity i recall Syd Lane's gyro copter displays, Toby Clark looping the H500 HSO, the Hunter which broke down on arrival and an engine change (I believe) performed in time for the next day's display, the C206 floatplane DXC with the rear doors off and the topless model exposed sitting in the doorway, the Pitts Special that ran off the runway, the P-51 display low over the pine trees on the Eastern side of the field...etc but there's no sign of a B-52 anywhere in my memory banks. ...there'll be; green alligators, and long-necked geese, some humpty-backed camels and some chimpanzees... |
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Post by Dave Homewood on Feb 15, 2019 10:51:55 GMT 12
I cannot help thinking you'd remember such an event, John. But it is puzzling as to why he might post that info.
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Post by skyhawkdon on Feb 15, 2019 11:17:58 GMT 12
Warbirds Over Wanaka has been opened by "Stealth Bombers" over the years, a lot of commentary hype, "look to the left for a special arrival" followed by a big explosion on the airfield. No aircraft seen, so it must have been very high! I suspect the Taupo "B-52" was something similar. Just an airshow stunt.
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Post by Mustang51 on Feb 15, 2019 11:46:50 GMT 12
Delticman................."Good work that man....."
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Post by Dave Homewood on Feb 15, 2019 12:07:52 GMT 12
Yes Don, one of the most annoying of all the airshow tropes, that one.
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Post by joey05 on Feb 15, 2019 12:51:03 GMT 12
And the B52 MAY have been a C5 or C141 (that’s my pick). 1980s was a few years ago and memories do warp over time. Any records of those around that time?
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Post by joey05 on Feb 15, 2019 12:53:46 GMT 12
From what I can see the Taupo air show was held in January 1985
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Post by baronbeeza on Feb 15, 2019 12:53:58 GMT 12
Yeah, like the Harrier going past the Officers Mess at Wigram, just metres from the entrance door. About 1983/84 possibly. Whenever the Invincible was parked up North.
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Post by Deleted on Feb 15, 2019 13:10:13 GMT 12
Our friend on Facebook said it was around 1985, I suggested that date is doubly amazing given the ANZUS split had just happened.
As I said there, I can't wait to see everyone's photos of what would've been a major event in NZ aviation history.
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Post by altmikey on Feb 15, 2019 13:56:09 GMT 12
RNZAF and Black Falcons fb pages both now detail that the Texan is scheduled to conduct a solo display on Fri/Sat/Sun at Wings over Wairarapa.
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Post by johnnyfalcon on Feb 15, 2019 16:44:03 GMT 12
From what I can see the Taupo air show was held in January 1985 There were several during the 1980s - but some were very casual events |
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Post by Dave Homewood on Feb 15, 2019 18:17:47 GMT 12
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Post by FlyingKiwi on Feb 15, 2019 19:19:22 GMT 12
That would appear to be a tropical cyclone...
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Post by Dave Homewood on Feb 15, 2019 19:19:24 GMT 12
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Post by Dave Homewood on Feb 15, 2019 19:29:09 GMT 12
Yes it sure would appear that way Leo, there are colours there I have never seen on a forecast chart before.  |
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Post by johnnyfalcon on Feb 15, 2019 20:06:47 GMT 12
If that is accurate, NZ particularly Nth Is is in for a hammering! Check out the forecast pressure of the centre of the low...964 hp!
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