WONZ 239 - Pioneer Aero Update with Paul McSweeny

[Dave Homewood]

The Wings Over New Zealand Show Episode 239 is now available, as an audio podcast and as a video.

In this special mini-episode I videod a walk-around the hangar with Paul McSweeny of Pioneer Aero Ltd., to give an update on all the projects currently happening and one one its way. The team are finishing up the P-40E for an Italian client, which will fly again post-restoration very shortly. They are working on the rebuild to flight of the ex-RNZAF P-40N-1, NZ3147, which will stay based at Ardmore with owner Brett Nicholls. They are also working on the wings of the John Saunders P-40E, having built the fuselage for that project which is already down at Omaka. And they are starting another P-40E for a Netherlands-based syndicate. Also on the water right now as this is published is the fuselage and centre section of Jerry Yagen’s Douglas SBD Dauntless, which will be restored to fly by Pioneer.

Here's the show page:
cambridgeairforce.org.nz/WONZShow/2021/07/wonz-239-pioneer-update/

[campbellbox]

That was a nice little mini-sode. I really enjoyed the way Paul McSweeny threw out some ideas for what the Dauntless (and sundry escorts) could get up to after it flies but before it returns stateside. It's the sort of "wouldn't it be cool" idea enthusiasts have over a beer, but this is a guy who could actually make that sort of stuff happen. Love it.

[ZacYates]

Exactly what I was thinking, with a big smile on my face as he was saying it!!

That was fantastic Dave, and thank you for making the video available as well. In fact I paused the pod to watch the video, and then continue listening!

It's great to hear a bit more about Brett Nicholls' aircraft, particularly the different ex-RNZAF parts going into the restoration. That will be a very special machine when complete.

As for the Dauntless, I've been a fan ever since my Dad built me the old Airfix kit in Kiwi markings when I was 10 or 11 - ever since then I've wanted to see an example fly here. It's tremendously exciting and I may have thrown my hands up like a sportsfan when Paul first mentioned the project!