Wanganui Aero Club "You Can Fly" open day 21/01/2018
Jan 23, 2018 9:05:27 GMT 12
Dave Homewood, flyinkiwi, and 2 more like this
Post by ZacYates on Jan 23, 2018 9:05:27 GMT 12
Untitled by Zac Yates, on FlickrWanganui hasn't had a "decent" airshow since the RNZAC pageant in February 1989 but the local aero club has been holding open days every so often, and as this weekend was Wellington Anniversary (we count as Wellington) they decided it was a good time to do another. As it happens, Anniversary Weekend is also the Vintage Whanganui event which includes Air Chathams sending DC-3 ZK-AWP down to make scenic rides all weekend. What a happy coincidence!
Untitled by Zac Yates, on Flickr
Untitled by Zac Yates, on FlickrThere were no organised flying displays but a viewing area was roped off outside the clubrooms and hangar and some owners took up their machines for brief handling displays, and locally-based aircraft were parked up for people to look at. The club ran discounted trial flights so their Tomahawk and C150 were up and down all day.
By the time I left around 1.15pm there was barely anywhere to park and there were loads of families out enjoying a day out at the airport. One thing that cheered me was that there were half-a-dozen or so teenagers in aero club gear - in the past I'd always seen this club as a literal old boys' club so it was great to see younger folks in amongst it.
I'm not sure I've seen a Tri-Pacer before, so this was a nice surprise!
Untitled by Zac Yates, on FlickrI've seen this Super Cub in club Facebook posts, and it was parked next to the Tri-Pacer.
Untitled by Zac Yates, on FlickrThe Stratford Aero Club sent down their Titan T-51 Mustang scaled replica, which made a pass or two.
Untitled by Zac Yates, on FlickrMurray Shaw had his lovely Airtourer on display.
Untitled by Zac Yates, on FlickrJohn Luff had three of his aircraft on the flightline including his lovely Glasair (John was opening her up to get some air inside!):
Untitled by Zac Yates, on FlickrAnd his Maule, which does glider tow work with the club:
Untitled by Zac Yates, on FlickrThere were also two Bantams (I like Bantams):
Untitled by Zac Yates, on Flickr
Untitled by Zac Yates, on FlickrRichmond Harding brought over his ex-topdresser Tiger Moth and his Spitfire Mk.26b replica and displayed both. The Spitfire replica sounds more throaty than you'd expect, and really moves!
Untitled by Zac Yates, on Flickr
Untitled by Zac Yates, on Flickr"Star" of the day was another of John Luff's aircraft, the DH Venom. It was my first time watching it start, and while the compressed air system isn't as spectacular as I understand the cartridge system to be, I imagine it's much cheaper.
Untitled by Zac Yates, on Flickr
Untitled by Zac Yates, on Flickr
Untitled by Zac Yates, on FlickrHighlight for me was the PZL-104 Wilga, owned privately in Wanganui but used by the club for banner tows and, I think, glider ops.
Untitled by Zac Yates, on Flickr
Untitled by Zac Yates, on Flickr
Untitled by Zac Yates, on FlickrThe CAA site says the same owner has Pitts ZK-JAG, coincidentally the same Pitts I flew in with a friend in Queenstown one Wanaka show year!
Untitled by Zac Yates, on FlickrJAG joined longterm Wanganui resident PEG, it's nice to have two Pitts based here!
Untitled by Zac Yates, on FlickrIt's not the biggest event on the Kiwi calendar but it was a welcome addition to my long weekend, truly exciting for me to see and hear a Wilga in person, and just wonderful to see so many younger folks getting into or just watching aviation in my hometown.
I only use my phone to take photos at shows so my apologies for the quality.
