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Post by mcmaster on Feb 21, 2024 21:12:04 GMT 12
So no RAAF participation at all? If so, sad given the support provided in the past.
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chrisr
Squadron Leader
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Post by chrisr on Feb 22, 2024 11:55:20 GMT 12
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Post by Deleted on Feb 23, 2024 12:58:08 GMT 12
Excellent news. That paint scheme looks neat and I must have one of those shirts! Agreed be interested to find out if you can get them from somewhere without being there? I contacted the Barnstormer/NZ-AUS team on Facebook and they said a website is coming  |
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Post by Dave Homewood on Feb 23, 2024 17:59:42 GMT 12
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Post by Deleted on Feb 24, 2024 8:43:42 GMT 12
Glorious!
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Post by colford on Feb 24, 2024 22:25:09 GMT 12
Re the RAAF's C-27J Spartans, some, not all, of the Spartans were grounded in early December following discovery of cracking around attachment points for the vertical fin and horizontal stabilisers. USCG grounded all their C-27Js after cracks were found in some of theirs, but Italian Air Force inspected theirs and found no cracks. Inspections allowed some of the RAAF C-27Js to continue in service, with one participating in Exercise Cope North 2024 in Guam during January 2024. So getting one for a static display at Wanaka would probably be considered low risk and achievable - no handling display - if other commitements did not require the aircraft to be elsewhere on higher priority tasking.
Given issues in PNG highlands in recent weeks and requests for Australian policing and ADF support to PNG Police and PNGDF, that has potential to require utilisation of available RAAF Spartans to support Australian aid if provided.
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Post by Dave Homewood on Feb 24, 2024 23:05:35 GMT 12
Do the Spartans have a VIP kit that can be fitted? Wondering if some senior officers will be coming with it.
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chrisr
Squadron Leader
Posts: 134
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Post by chrisr on Feb 25, 2024 8:55:23 GMT 12
At previous Warbirds Airshows the RAAF have brought over a King Air.
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Post by Mustang51 on Feb 25, 2024 10:00:29 GMT 12
Think the VIP kit for the RAAF C27s is a thermos
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Post by ErrolC on Feb 25, 2024 10:11:33 GMT 12
At previous Warbirds Airshows the RAAF have brought over a King Air. I guess this counts as 'near-region international engagement' - still better than a C-27, except for the option to wander around for a bit. www.airforce.gov.au/aircraft/ka350-king-air |
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chrisr
Squadron Leader
Posts: 134
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Post by chrisr on Feb 27, 2024 18:12:46 GMT 12
The C-27J is now listed as attending on the Warbirds over Wanaka site
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chrisr
Squadron Leader
Posts: 134
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Post by chrisr on Mar 5, 2024 15:48:25 GMT 12
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Post by Deleted on Mar 6, 2024 13:11:33 GMT 12
Excellent news! Having just listened to the pod I thought I was excited before, but Ed's enthusiasm is so contagious that now (like Dave) I'm all fired up and ready to go! I went to check the programme for the Air Force Heritage Flight to update that thread and I saw there is now no mention of the P-40 in the programme, either as part of the Pacific Theatre display with the Avenger and Corsair or the previously-listed "Battle of Milne Bay" scenario where it would be firing its guns. |
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Post by Dave Homewood on Mar 7, 2024 9:06:29 GMT 12
 Another crowd favourite getting near the end of some major engineering work in time for Wanaka "PLONKY" Gets New Engine Brendon Deere and his team at the Biggin Hill facility at RNZAF Ohakea can't wait for Warbirds Over Wanaka this Easter. They've been on a mission to have not one but two magnificent aircraft on the flightline and that mission is nearing the end. First up was the stunning restoration job on ex-RNZAF P-51 Mustang NZ2423. The aircraft was finally test flown late last year and is set to make its airshow debut at Wanaka at the end of this month. And while the spotlight has been on the Mustang, sitting patiently in the corner at Biggin Hill has been the Grumman TBM-3E Avenger waiting for some much needed love and attention. Affectionately known as “Plonky”, the Avenger has moved several steps closer to flight with the fitting of a new engine and refitting of cowls and the propellor. Final hydraulic tests and engine runs are now being done to prepare it for it's first Wanaka airshow since 2016. We can't wait to have this impressive aircraft back on the flightline for the first time in eight years. The Avenger is one of three Air Force Heritage Flight of New Zealand aircraft which will be at Wanaka. Biggin Hill's Spitfire and P-51 Mustang NZ2423 are also making the journey south (pictured below is pilot Sean Perrett in the cockpit of the Mustang)   PRESSURE ON SATURDAY TICKETS Warbirds Over Wanaka organisers are facing the very real possibility of not having gate sales on the Saturday of the international airshow for the first time in the event’s 36-year history. There has been huge interest in the first Wanaka airshow in six years after 2020 and 2022 were cancelled due to Covid. General Manager Ed Taylor says while they will have gate sales on the Sunday and the practice day Friday they can’t say the same for Easter Saturday. “Saturday is always our most popular day but for some reason it’s way more popular this time around. I just think airshow fans have decided they’re not prepared to wait another day and are snapping up Saturday tickets flat out,” says Ed. If the trend continues there is a possibility there will be no gate sales on the Saturday. “The only thing I can tell people is if you want to guarantee a General Admission ticket for the Saturday then you should get them soon,” says Ed. Re-seller site warning
Airshow organisers are repeating their warning about people buying tickets from any site other than Ticketek. We have heard of people paying hugely inflated prices for Warbirds tickets on re-seller sites such as Viagogo and there's no way to know if the tickets are actually real or not. Please make sure you are on the official Ticketek website before you buy your tickets.   Fans go crazy for Mosquito The chance to see a WWII Mosquito fighter-bomber fly has resonated with Warbird fans on both sides of the Tasman. Ticket sales jumped when news of the Mosquito became public a couple of weeks ago. Australian Ross Birnie is one Warbird enthusiast who still can't quite believe he's finally going to see the 'Wooden Wonder' fly. "The line-up at Wanaka this year was pretty stunning already but the Mossie is just the icing on the cake. I know there are a lot of fans over here in Oz scrambling to get to Wanaka," says Ross. Andy takes out Advanced title Warbirds Over Wanaka Display Planner, Andy Love, is pretty chuffed with himself taking out the Advanced title at last weekend's National Aerobatic Championships at Masterton. Andy is one of the most enthusiastic people around and here at Wanaka we are super proud of him taking out this title. Airshow Event Manager Andrena Davis says Andy puts so much effort into making sure we have "the right aircraft in the right place at the right time". FLYING INTO THE AIRSHOW A reminder to those wanting to fly private aircraft into the airshow for one or multiple days - you will need to book a parking space. We have limited aircraft parking this year. To gaurantee your park book via our website: www.warbirdsoverwanaka.com/getting-wanaka/private-aircraft-coming-to-wow/NO CASH OUT FACILITIES Warbirds Over Wanaka will continue to accept CASH AND CARDS for all purchases at the airshow. However, we will NO LONGER have cash out facilities at the event. This means NO ATM machines at the airshow next Easter. So if you want to use cash you will need to bring it yourself. If you don't want to use cash then all purchases will be able to be made using cards. We urge our international visitors to look at getting an international debit card, for example a Wise card, which you can load up with NZ currency before getting to the airshow.   |
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Post by McFly on Mar 7, 2024 17:43:02 GMT 12
"Three aircraft landing at Base Auckland (Whenuapai) after a practice for the upcoming Warbirds over Wanaka Airshow later this month. Boeing 757 & two C-130 Hercules."
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Post by markrogers on Mar 7, 2024 20:10:31 GMT 12
Is Rob Mackley's Lockheed 10 Electra going to be there?
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davem2
Flight Lieutenant
Posts: 98
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Post by davem2 on Mar 7, 2024 20:43:24 GMT 12
No it isn't.
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Post by musclebob on Mar 13, 2024 13:00:45 GMT 12
I've not been to this for some years. Is there a bus service from Wanaka to the airport and back each day? The site refers to pre-booked shuttle buses, is that the only option?
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chrisr
Squadron Leader
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Post by chrisr on Mar 13, 2024 16:53:48 GMT 12
This was on their Facebook page yesterday "If you're not keen on driving out to Wanaka airport for Warbirds consider booking a seat in a shuttle bus with great local operator Yello! Transport. Click here to book your shuttle for Easter: yello.co.nz/event-transport/" |
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Post by Dave Homewood on Mar 19, 2024 17:06:06 GMT 12
 THE MOMENT WE'VE ALL BEEN WAITING FOR At 3.25pm on Monday, March 18 the ex-RNZAF Mosquito NZ2308 lifted off from Ardmore Airport for its first flight in nearly 70 years. Monday's first flight was the culmination of a 15 year restoration started by the late Glyn Powell and finished by Warren Denholm and his team at Avspecs for its new American owners Rod Lewis of Lewis Legend Aviation along with Charles Sommers. Warren has declared the first flight a success and more testing and flying is planned over the next few days to ensure the aircraft is ready for its big flight south next Wednesday or Thursday to Wanaka. The test and airshow display pilot is legendary American Steve Hinton. For many Warbirds fans having the chance to see the Mosquito fly is a once-in-a-lifetime opportunity.  SUNDAY SELLING OUT!! Hot on the heels of selling out Saturday, airshow fans are now snapping up the remaining Sunday GA tickets. We often get questions around the flying programme on the Saturday and Sunday. We can tell you that our programme on both days is exactly the same. The only change would come if an aircraft, for whatever reason, was not able to perform on one of those days. The demand for this airshow has been exceptional and we have pulled together a stunning line-up. So if you want to be there to witness a Mosquito fly at Wanaka for the first time, experience the thrill of the mighty F-16 Fighting Falcon Jets, the skills of the American Eagles jet display team or witness one of the world's best aerobatic pilots Jurgis Kairys then you need to get to Ticketek and get your tickets today. premier.ticketek.co.nz/shows/show.aspx?sh=WARBIRDS24 Family Friday OptionIf you want to experience all the excitement of the airshow but in a more relaxed atmosphere consider coming along on Friday (March 29) which is our practice day. On Friday all the aircraft are here with many of them flying throughout the day including the Mosquito and USAF F-16. All our ground exhibits are open including the Future of Aviation showcase, the RNZAF camp and the chance to look through a Royal Australian Air Force Spartan. Friday is a great day to bring the family with all children 16-and-under FREE. Later in the afternoon everyone heads from the airport into town for our free Lakeside Air Display rounding off an amazing day of aviation awe and excitment. Ticketek has plenty of tickets for Friday including seats in the Silver Pass Grandstand.  BIG BIRD IS BACK Can't wait to see this beautiful big bird back in the skies above Wanaka. The USAF C-17 Globemaster Demonstration team is returning to Wanaka from its home at Joint Base Hickham-Pearl Harbour in Hawaii.   |
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