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Post by Bruce on Aug 10, 2008 17:28:44 GMT 12
Well' today's weather has turned out to be an absolute cracker, and better still it actually coincided with a session flying the Citabria! As Andrew was flying a banner in the morning, I went up to Ardmore, and with all the other stuff going on it was well worthwhile. We decided to have a break from circuits and took the aeroplane out to the training area for a bit of a play - great fun! Obviously a lot of other aviators decided it was a nice day to be out as well, so there was plenty happening. The Citabria sits outside its new hangar, whilst its hangar mate Pacer ZK-PAT heads off for a trip around the Coromandel. The Citabria always seems to attract Coke cans for some reason... The P40 was out in the morning sun As were the harvards The Beaver was looking slightly "nibbled at" - obviously part way through a major inspection. By the time we got back, The Mustang had returned and the P40 moved: The Spitfire also flew in the afternoon, accompanied by a certain "Lavender" Giles. Unfortunately the best I could do was a single, average, shot of it taxiing - unfortunately I dont have a decent long lens! I did catch up with Colin Hunter there, who as always did have a decent lens.... Good to see you Colin! Nice day out, great to have blue skies and puffy white clouds for a change!
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Post by Dave Homewood on Aug 10, 2008 17:50:36 GMT 12
Has the Spitfire had green paint applied? Or is that a trick of the light?
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Post by Bruce on Aug 10, 2008 18:39:21 GMT 12
Trick of the light - Got a lot of sun flare on the shot...
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Post by stu on Aug 10, 2008 20:05:14 GMT 12
Looks like it was a good day Bruce. When are you coming up next?
After looking longingly skyward today, I tentatively suggested to my better half that perhaps today would be a perfect day to go up with me for a quick circuit (she is terrified of flying but said she may go up with me for 1 circuit if the weather was just right).
Obviously the subject requires a bit of forewarning and mental preparation on her behalf as springing it out of the blue saw us not at the Aero Club but on a food shopping trip to the local supermarket.
Why are women so practical and why is it cheaper to fly than eat nowdays?
Cheers, Stu.
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Post by Damon on Aug 10, 2008 20:49:55 GMT 12
Bruce ,whats Andrew charging for the Citabria these days??
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Post by Kereru on Aug 10, 2008 21:22:54 GMT 12
Good to see you too Bruce. Some nice photos there too. A great day all round after a frosty morning. I left the car out last night and it had a good covering of ice on it this morning. DAK had a nice frosty look this morning although a bit hard to see in the photos.
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Post by hardyakka on Aug 10, 2008 21:31:11 GMT 12
I just happened to be driving through Ardmore about 4pm (ish) and saw CIT take off. Was that you Bruce?
The P51 and P40 were tucked away but Harvard 53 took off just as I left. I didn't have a warm jacket with me and it was too cold to do too much wandering around... though I did stick my head into Giovanni's hangar and saw the Falcomposite Furio in a mostly disassembled state. Must be more development work.
First fine Sunday in weeks and I was stuck in a car almost the whole day. Better luck next week.
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Post by Bruce on Aug 10, 2008 21:36:29 GMT 12
I was flying CIT from about 12 - 1.30ish but I know Andrew had a full day of students trying to make the most of the weather. Good to see the aircraft getting plenty of use. To be honest Damon I cant remember what Andrew is charging for the Citabria - I just pay the bill when it comes! Its pretty dern good though, especially compared to the little Protech I was flying at Tauranga.
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Post by Kereru on Aug 10, 2008 21:47:11 GMT 12
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Post by Damon on Aug 10, 2008 21:51:20 GMT 12
Some nice pictures Colin! Bruce what does the Citabria cruise at? looks like a fun machine.
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Post by philip on Aug 10, 2008 21:57:04 GMT 12
CIT was busy all weekend by the look of it. Bumped into Sam Friday and Sunday.
I had a great day, left Ardmore about midday, picked up my son from Te Kowhai, then on to Stratford. Caught up with the Pa in Law, had a good look around the airfield and then departed home to Ardmore. It was a very busy place.
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Post by Bruce on Aug 10, 2008 21:57:11 GMT 12
Cruises about 110mph, depending on how well its trimmed (don't get the practice whilst circuit bashing) and we had it flying very comfortably today at 45MPH - the GPS Ground speed said 28!
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Post by Damon on Aug 10, 2008 21:59:03 GMT 12
Cheers Bruce.Good luck with the rest of your flights!
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Post by Dave Homewood on Aug 11, 2008 0:33:07 GMT 12
Great photos there Colin, but I think Andrew's score prediction of the 'Naki taking the Shield with a winning margin of 33 points was a little optimistic!
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Post by Kereru on Aug 11, 2008 9:18:44 GMT 12
Great photos there Colin, but I think Andrew's score prediction of the 'Naki taking the Shield with a winning margin of 33 points was a little optimistic! Hmmm thought that was a funny time to start the game 2:35pm? ;D Cheers
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Post by flyjoe180 on Aug 11, 2008 9:27:09 GMT 12
Why is that optimistic, anything can happen; Counties Manukau 17-6 Auckland on August 3rd, and don't forget Northland beating Waikato 18-10 and Manawatu doing over Canterbury 25-24. Quite the mixed up provincial season.
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Post by flyjoe180 on Aug 11, 2008 9:27:49 GMT 12
And lovely photos Colin, it's about time we had some good weather. Another pearler so far here in the Capital.
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Post by Citabria on Aug 11, 2008 9:35:17 GMT 12
What great shots guys and what a day... ;D ;D Trusty CIT did 6.9 hours yesterday and included the Banner, Aero's, Circuits and a bit of sight seeing. I love the new hangar, makes life a heap easier coming straight onto the seal, although I do miss being around the Tigers. My rate is still $199/hr dual + Landing fee of $17 (hasn't changed in two years+ despite the fuel) it just means that I can't give as many mates rates as I used to... however I'm really keen to help forum members so we can have a chat off line (send me a PM if you are keen) But the best thing about the day was working hard, getting the job done and catching up with a great bunch of guys! Lastly Dave I have a new system where I can map my flight with the GPS and save it in Goggle earth... Any ideas how to link to the kmz file on this site? I'll have a play as the result is fantastic but if you have an idea then let me know. Cheers Andrew
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Post by Citabria on Aug 11, 2008 10:36:21 GMT 12
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Post by Citabria on Aug 11, 2008 10:39:44 GMT 12
It seems to... although for some reason it seems to think it's a ZIP file... if you open it and click on the KMZ file it works for me...
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