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Post by planewriting on Nov 14, 2022 15:24:36 GMT 12
The Vintage & Classic Glider Club of NZ (Vintage Kiwi) Inc has taken ownership of the Schleicher K-13, ZK-GFX. A syndicate is being formed within the club, giving the syndicate members the opportunity to carry on gliding in this two seater glider. It would appeal particularly to those members who do not necessarily have their own glider but would like to do more gliding in company with current pilots. Home base will be Matamata Aerodrome, Waharoa however it could well be seen operating from other aerodromes. Looking back, this glider was first owned by Air Training Corps. Wellington, Far North Gliding Club (Inc) Kaitaia, Kaikohe Gliding Club (Inc), and L H Stephens of Papakura who refurbished it. It's now entering only its 5th ownership since its first registration on 5 December 1969. |
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Post by planewriting on Jan 4, 2023 12:52:56 GMT 12
The K-13 will be able to be flown by any current type-rated Vintage Kiwi members however a syndicate (of six) has been formed and has purchased the late Ben Stimpson's hangar at Matamata Aerodrome (Waharoa). There is some finishing work to be done to GFX and this is planned for March 2023.
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Post by planewriting on Jan 28, 2023 16:15:09 GMT 12
Engineer Bob Lock, from the Hutt Valley, has been up in Matamata lately and has been doing some of the finishing work required on ZK-GFX to bring it back to airworthy standard.
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Post by madmax on Jan 29, 2023 8:59:53 GMT 12
Heartening news
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Post by planewriting on Nov 11, 2023 8:57:21 GMT 12
Engineer Bob Lock, from the Hutt Valley, has been up in Matamata lately and has been doing some of the finishing work required on ZK-GFX to bring it back to airworthy standard. Bob has been up to Waharoa several times throughout 2023 and has progressively worked on the K-13, which is now nearly at the stage to fly once more after an accident at Kaikohe on 26 February 2009. After an audit it will test flown, hopefully in December. A dedicated K-13 trailer has been constructed so that the glider can travel to where ever in New Zealand the annual rally is being held. Having the K-13 available will mean it can be used by non current pilots with a certified and current Vintage Kiwi member. It could fly locally or go on a cross country jaunt. Watch this space. Meantime the syndicate owned hangar is being adapted so that we can roll the glider in and out of the hangar on runners. The Olympia ZK-GAA, which shares the front third of the hangar in a derigged state, will need to be moved to elsewhere in the hangar to free up access to the two seater K-13 while still leaving leave room at the back of the hangar for a resident privately owned glider. Main work now is to reinstall the seats, new instrument panels, new canopy and the keel skirt. When that and one or two minor jobs are completed, the paintwork will be cut and polished. After rigging it will be weighed etc and signed off and test flown in the very near future. At Waharoa 22Nov2023 |
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Post by Dave Homewood on Dec 3, 2023 17:39:20 GMT 12
From Peter Layne: "Vintage Kiwi Glider Club members have now put the wings and elevator back on the two-seater K-13 for the first time since its 2009 accident in Kaikohe. It will need further work which includes installing a new canopy, instrument panels and straps before it returns to the air. A striking new paint scheme is also planned."  |
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Post by planewriting on Oct 17, 2024 8:47:47 GMT 12
On Friday, 11th October 2024, the V.K two-seater ASK13 GFX successfully passed her CAA audit and now has her None terminating C of A reinstated.
So yesterday, Wednesday, 16th October 2024, GFX had her acceptance [test] flight. It was her first flight since 26 February 2009, when it had a major accident and was cancelled from the register. Auckland based gliding engineer Lindsey Stephens lovingly restored GFX almost to completion but unfortunately ill health got in the way. Eventually ownership changed to Vintage Kiwi where its licenced engineers completed the restoration, so the long awaited flight was quite the occasion. The test flight went incredibly well and certainly ticked all the flight envelope boxes. The flight crew was Phil Rees- PIC, with Roger Brown (Vintage Kiwi president) flying from the front seat, monitoring the process and keeping the 'score card'
Says Roger, "What a beautiful sailplane to fly. Tracks very true. As good as I remember her to be, if not better. Thermalling; she really climbs very well indeed, harmonious controls; like an oversized single seater Ka6 really. Glides very well indeed. Instant spin recovery, and has a good trimming range; what more do you need? Wonderful test flight; no flight control adjustments required. However, the front instrument panel needs to be 'raised a bit' so as to give better leg clearance. Obviously designed for thin legged Germans I wonder! However she is now ready to take her place as part of the Vintage Kiwi family for members to enjoy.
All good, Cheers Roger."
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