Omaka Yak-3 ZK-YYY rebuild

[ZacYates]

Hi all,
Carl Jackson has been sharing progress updates on the rebuild of his Omaka Fighter Collection's Yakovlev Yak-3M ZK-YYY on Instagram (link) and has kindly allowed me so share them here so those folk who don't use the platform don't miss out. Links to the relevant Instagram posts are imbedded in the date.

28/11/2022

It was a big few days down in Wanaka packing up the YAK 3 project ready for its trip north to its new home at Omaka. Working from the other end of the island, a lot of favors were called in to make sure we had the equipment and logistics sorted before heading south. It was a case of packing the kitchen sink just in case we need it. As it turns out the only thing we forgot was side cutters!

Special thanks to
Mark, Team Steadfast
Kate (for approving Marks leave pass)
Jay, Jem Aviation
Callum, Twenty24
Nathan, Mainfreight Cromwell
Nick, CubeX Containers
Jason and crew, National Transport and Toy Museum.
Graham, Classic Aircraft Sales
Arthur, (previous owner)
Jo, Wanaka Airport

ZK-VVS 20222811 Carl Jackson via Instagram 01 by Zac Yates, on Flickr
ZK-VVS 20222811 Carl Jackson via Instagram 02 by Zac Yates, on Flickr
ZK-VVS 20222811 Carl Jackson via Instagram 03 by Zac Yates, on Flickr

05/12/2022

Projects like these take plenty of thought. Mark and Wayne putting on their thinking caps during our initial inspection.

ZK-YYY 20221205 Carl Jackson via Instagram 01 by Zac Yates, on Flickr

30/12/2022

Where to start! This is the outboard right wing section that took most of the impact damage. Surprisingly, the inboard section is reasonably intact and a testament to the design and solid construction. After removing the stress doors from the underside of the wing, the inboard fuel tank has survived with no obvious defects

The wing tip looks to be in usable condition, and even the navigation light has survived unscathed!

Work will continue in the new year, salvaging parts, which will then undertake thorough testing to ensure they're airworthy before incorporating into the new wing build.

ZK-YYY 20221230 Carl Jackson via Instagram 01 by Zac Yates, on Flickr
ZK-YYY 20221230 Carl Jackson via Instagram 02 by Zac Yates, on Flickr
ZK-YYY 20221230 Carl Jackson via Instagram 03 by Zac Yates, on Flickr

12/01/2023

Today was the first day disassembling components that make up this project to get an understanding of what repairs are necessary. The right hand undercarriage leg collapsed after impact, so it's naturally a good place to start. It's also good to document how all the bits go back together!

ZK-YYY 20230112 Carl Jackson via Instagram 01 by Zac Yates, on Flickr
ZK-YYY 20230112 Carl Jackson via Instagram 02 by Zac Yates, on Flickr

25/01/2023

Moving day today. Red 12 surfaced from its box and made its way across the airfield to its new home. A bit of kiwi can do to make it happen but we're very pleased to get into a space where it can be assessed and repaired.

ZK-YYY 20230125 Carl Jackson via Instagram 01 by Zac Yates, on Flickr
ZK-YYY 20230125 Carl Jackson via Instagram 02 by Zac Yates, on Flickr
ZK-YYY 20230125 Carl Jackson via Instagram 03 by Zac Yates, on Flickr

And here's yesterday's update:

This week's project has been breaking down the right wing and center section in preparation for splitting the wing set. Lots of labeling and photos to document the journey.

[ozfuryfan]

Thanks Carl and Zac for the updates, absolutely love that view out of the hangar doors in the last pic!!

[FlyingKiwi]

Looking forward to seeing it progress!

[ZacYates]

A "new" set of wings has arrived for the Yak!

https://www.instagram.com/p/CrQF8PpLDfJ

Also some interesting data plate markings:

https://www.instagram.com/p/CrWdd9zBA0E

[ZacYates]

She's all go at Omaka today! (Insta link)

Another milestone day today as we prepare to separate the wing for the first time since it's accident. It will be nice to remove a nice chunk of damage from the project.

20230428 ZK-YYY Omaka Carl Jackson 01 by Zac Yates, on Flickr

[ZacYates]

(Instagram link)

Bolts galore to remove all the doublers and separate the wing section. A great way to end the week by placing the 'new' wing with the L.H. wing.

20230428 ZK-YYY Omaka Carl Jackson 01 by Zac Yates, on Flickr
20230428 ZK-YYY Omaka Carl Jackson 02 by Zac Yates, on Flickr
20230428 ZK-YYY Omaka Carl Jackson 03 by Zac Yates, on Flickr

[ZacYates]

Carl shared an update on Instagram (link) on 15/05/2023:

Work continues on our replacement wing imported from USA a month ago. These C11 wings are ex Egyptian Airforce. When they were exported to France, they were crudely loaded into a 20-foot container. Unfortunately, the C11 wing is a few inches larger, so they were modified to fit!
We drilled off the skin in preparation for manufacturing a replacement. By removing the whole skin it has the added benefit of removing the number of patches required to plug obsolete fittings/holes no longer required during the conversion to a YAK 3 wing.

20230515 ZK-YYY Omaka Carl Jackson 01 by Zac Yates, on Flickr
20230515 ZK-YYY Omaka Carl Jackson 02 by Zac Yates, on Flickr
20230515 ZK-YYY Omaka Carl Jackson 03 by Zac Yates, on Flickr

[ZacYates]

She's on her feet again (albeit temporarily)!

https://www.instagram.com/p/Cw1BHr2BmkA