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Post by chbessexboy on Jul 17, 2018 19:45:18 GMT 12
I have just acquired an Aerodyne Systems Vector 600 series microlight and wonder if there are any other survivors in New Zealand.
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Post by dustyredgodfrey on Jul 18, 2018 19:39:08 GMT 12
Give Russle Brodie a call.Its great to see these pioneering craft preserved,congratulations
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Post by chbessexboy on Jul 18, 2018 21:20:28 GMT 12
Give Russle Brodie a call.Its great to see these pioneering craft preserved,congratulations Thanks. These are the 'vintage cars' of microlight's evolution. I'm looking forward to going back to basics. |
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Post by Dave Homewood on Jul 18, 2018 21:53:35 GMT 12
I have already spoken with Ross Brodie about this thread, and they don't have one in their collection. But I am sure they'd be happy to chat about it,
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Post by chbessexboy on Jul 18, 2018 22:16:27 GMT 12
I have already spoken with Ross Brodie about this thread, and they don't have one in their collection. But I am sure they'd be happy to chat about it, Thanks Dave, I've dropped him a line. I'm actually missing the tail feathers so it would be really good to find another example to copy. |
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Post by rossbrodie on Jul 20, 2018 9:29:40 GMT 12
As Dave said, unfortunately we don't have a Vector here, we've been on the look out for one for a few years though. It's great to see some interest in getting some of the first generation microlight's back into the air!
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Post by dustyredgodfrey on Jul 20, 2018 19:56:21 GMT 12
So when are going to see a first gen microlight flyin at NZRI? I'll bring the drifter👍🏻
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Post by chbessexboy on Jul 22, 2018 18:02:33 GMT 12
I've been told that there were only three Vectors imported to NZ. One was owned by a Mr Faulkner of Tauranga, who flew it regularly, re-powered it, re-covered it a couple of times, and eventually hung it in his shed. I wonder if anyone knows who this is (or was) and if the a/c survives?
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Post by chbessexboy on Jul 28, 2018 9:20:43 GMT 12
My search for another Vector has turned up an Ultralight Flight Mirage. This was a development of the Vector with a conventional tail. I am now busy making room alongside FJC for FEQ. I'm working towards the prospect of seeing these two "first generation" single-seaters fly in formation.
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Post by madmax on Jul 28, 2018 13:04:44 GMT 12
On the subject of first gen. microlights, what about the Skycraft Scout which was very basic and used wing warping for role control. Several of those were imported and would make great museum exhibits.
Also the Vector agent was based at Tauranga, an English chap whose name escapes me. I meet him several times and wrote an article about Vectors for Aviation News back in the late seventies or early eighties
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Post by chbessexboy on Jul 28, 2018 14:20:58 GMT 12
On the subject of first gen. microlights, what about the Skycraft Scout which was very basic and used wing warping for role control. Several of those were imported and would make great museum exhibits. Also the Vector agent was based at Tauranga, an English chap whose name escapes me. I meet him several times and wrote an article about Vectors for Aviation News back in the late seventies or early eighties Would love to see a copy of that article and also track down that agent - could it be Mr Faulkner? |
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Post by madmax on Jul 28, 2018 15:09:03 GMT 12
Sorry, I'm unable to assist with a copy of the article. No, the name Faulkner does not ring a bell. Come to think of it I'm sure the company selling the Aerodyne Vector was a partnership made up of a Kiwi and Englishman.
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Post by Peter Lewis on Jul 28, 2018 18:34:41 GMT 12
The first registered owner of Vector 610 ZK-VEC was Haddow Investments Ltd., Tauranga in October 1982.
After then passing through the hands of two private owners, it ended up with G R Faulkner, Tauranga, in August 1992.
Finally cancelled as WFU 18Sept1988.
Vector ZK-FJC started out with H Bell, Waiomo, Thames 18Jun1984, then he moved to Waipukerau in July.
Registration revoked by CAA 28Jun2001
Other Vectors registered were ZK-AMV ZK-EXJ ZK-FDP.
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Post by chbessexboy on Jul 28, 2018 19:15:11 GMT 12
Many thanks Peter.
"H Bell" was Hillary, and FJC may have been purchased by her father Albert, known as Bert. I'm told she flew it only once or twice before scaring herself and selling it to Kim Tolhurst. He was not a pilot but hopped it a number of times and flew the length of the runway at Yp before being obliged to stop the practice. It therefore has almost no time on it -an 'almost new' 30-year-old machine.
I have made inquiries with a company in Quebec who can supply tail skins to their pattern, so FJC may yet fly again.
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Post by chbessexboy on Jul 29, 2018 11:43:02 GMT 12
I spoke to Graeme Faulkner last night who sold Vector VEC when Tauranga airspace became too busy to fly that type of a/c in. Unfortunately no idea of its present whereabouts.
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Post by madmax on Jul 29, 2018 16:38:33 GMT 12
Hi Peter, The name Haddow Investments jogged my memory. The principal and agent for the Vector was an Englishman by the name of Arch Haddow
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Post by Dave Homewood on Aug 12, 2018 22:04:18 GMT 12
chbessexboy asked me to post this. he says: "It may be a unique picture (these days) of an Aerodyne Vector (FJC, left) and an Ultralight Flight Mirage (FEQ, right) together."  |
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