Planning Overseas Travel? Option 1

Whites Aviation, Febraury 1947

Wednesday Afternoon at Ardmore

I managed a couple of pleasant hours out at Ardmore yesterday afternoon... these are some of the more interesting aircraft I took. Thanks Wayne for the tip off on the Bell 427... (NB I have just realised I have I have saved the photos with a wrong date in the file name... they were taken on the 10th).

 

Professional Aviation Services' American Champion 7GCBC Citabria ZK-CIT was in the circuit. Photo taken at Ardmore on 10 August 2011 by S Lowe

Isaacs Fury II ZK-DMN has been around for years but this is my first photo of it! Photo taken at Ardmore on 10 August 2011 by S Lowe

The Auckland Aero Club's Grumman American AA-1C Lynx was busy with lessons... Photo taken at Ardmore on 10 August 2011 by S Lowe

Helicopter Flight Training's Hughes 300 ZK-HJU had a quick flight from Oceania Helicopters to its home pad... An across the field shot taken at Ardmore on 10 August 2011 by S Lowe



Newly registered Bell 427 was out for some test flying. Photo taken at Ardmore on 10 August 2011 by S Lowe

Northland Emergency Services Sikorsky S-76 ZK-ISJ was out about to have an engine test. Photo taken at Ardmore on 10 August 2011 by S Lowe

Mum called in... Bay Flight's Cessna 152 ZK-MUM on short finals for Ardmore runway 03. Photo taken at Ardmore on 10 August 2011 by S Lowe



Another new one for me was Cessna U206G Stationair ZK-NOC out for a fly from Ardmore on 10 August 2011. Photo : S Lowe

Stewart Island Mishap

A wind downdraught is thought to have caused a plane crash just off the Stewart Island coast that resulted in the pilot and passenger swimming to safety. Two men were in a 6-seater Piper Cherokee owned by Southeast Air when it crashed in shallow water near Doughboy Bay beach, seconds after it took off from the beach at 2.37pm yesterday. Southeast Air director Bill Moffatt said he believed the engine had not failed. "It looks a bit like a downdraught just after takeoff and he (the pilot) has ended up in the water just off the beach. There's a bit of a turn off the end of the beach and we get turbulence off there and that's what we are thinking happened.'' The plane had a "smooth arrival'' when it hit the shallow water about 20m from the beach, Mr Moffatt said. The pilot, aged in his late 20s and the middle-aged passenger, who were both unhurt, climbed out of the cockpit and on to a wing before considering whether they wanted to jump into the cold water, he said. "They did eventually, they had to swim a couple of strokes and then (walk) back in.'' Later in the afternoon a helicopter dragged the aircraft from the water and up the beach to above the high tide mark, where it was understood to still be sitting this afternoon. Wind was hampering efforts to transport the plane back to the Stewart Island airstrip or Invercargill. The plane, worth about $150,000, was insured but Mr Moffatt said it was important to get it off the beach quickly to remove the salt water. Mr Moffatt said a safety system installed at Christmas meant the company knew of the crash immediately, even before the Rescue Co-ordination Centre. The system, called Spider Tracks, was used to track aircraft. When the plane hit the water the pilot hit the SOS button in the cockpit and text messages were automatically sent to company bosses, while the plane's location came up on a monitoring screen at the company office. The Rescue Co-ordination Centre phoned the Southeast Air about 10 minutes after the crash as a result of the locator beacon in the aircraft going off. Mr Moffatt said planes regularly used the Doughboy Bay beach as an airstrip. The beach surface was hard and smooth and planes could only land on it at low tide. Senior constable Dale Jenkins, of Stewart Island, who believed the aircraft was about 50m offshore when it hit the water, said the passenger had been on Stewart Island collecting ambergris – an excretion from the sperm whale that is used as a fixative for fine perfumes – before the ill-fated flight. Given the place where the plane crashed they were lucky not to be injured, Mr Jenkins said. Civil Aviation Authority spokesman Bill Sommer said the authority would investigate the crash but would not send its investigators to the site. "Our investigation is to determine the cause of the accident from physical evidence and talking to the pilot.''

Source : http://www.stuff.co.nz/southland-times/news/5423593/Wind-blamed-for-crash

Congratulations to the pilot on a safe landing with no injuries... South East Air was established by Raymond Hector and Bill Moffatt in 1993 using Cessna 185E ZK-JEM for beach operations to Stewart Island's west coast beaches, Codfish Island for the Department of Conservation and general New Zealand wide charter flights. South East Air Ltd bought Southern Air 1997 Ltd in April 2000, which it operates as Stewart Island Flights. The company uses two Piper Cherokee 6 aircraft, ZK-DIV and ZK-RTS...

http://3rdlevelnz.blogspot.com/2010/05/nzs-southern-most-airline-part-4.html

On a lighter note the blooper award goes to the NZ Herald... their website shows a picture of a Twin Otter to illustrate the incident...

http://www.nzherald.co.nz/nz/news/article.cfm?c_id=1&objectid=10744096

Air Chathams new website

Congratulations to Air Chathams who have an excellent new website...

http://www.airchathams.co.nz/

What I like and which is surprisingly not always so on NZ regional airline websites days is that their schedule is easily found and readable.

Air Chathams, like a number of other regional operators, now has its own Facebook page with more photos to be found there...

http://www.facebook.com/pages/Air-Chathams-Ltd/208268619209767

Skyline's New King Air

Arriving into Auckland last night was Skyline Aviation's new Beech C90A King Air, N454P (c/n LJ-1372).

Newly arrived Beech King Air 90 N454P at Auckland on 7 August 2011. Photos : W Grant

 

The company also operates Beech King Air 200 ZK-PLK on air ambulance and executive air charter work out of Napier.

Beech King Air 200 ZK-PLK taken at Auckland on 9 May 2009. Photo : S Lowe

Wings of the Gulf - Waiheke Air Services

Rex Air Charter pioneered a land-based air service between Ardmore and Waiheke Island in 1975. The service was later developed to include an on demand stop at Auckland International Airport (http://3rdlevelnz.blogspot.com/2011/04/rex-air-charter-waiheke-island-service.html). On the 15th of March 1976 this company was bought out by Dalhoff and King Aviation Ltd who, in turn, were bought out by Motor Holdings (Aviation) Ltd on the 7th of December 1981. The air service, however, continued to operate under the well-known Rex Air Charter banner.

Waiheke Air Services timetable effective 1 June 1986

 

On the 1st of June 1986 the air service was rebranded with the trading name Waiheke Air Services while remaining part of Motor Holdings (Air Services) Ltd, a subsidiary of the Motor Holdings Ltd transport group. The airline's manager, Brian Sutherland told the Gulf News “the name change is intended to provide a stronger identity for the service provided. In choosing this name we clearly show our commitment to serving the island's air transport needs for the future."

Waiheke Air Services aircraft never wore titles as such, rather the titles of the parent company. In this case, Cessna 172P Skyhawk II ZK-EXD taken at Ardmore on the 23rd of September 1988

Throughout the years Waiheke Air Services continued their normal timetable of three flights a day between Ardmore and Waiheke Island’s Stonyridge airfield at Onetangi using single engine Cessna aircraft. The company’s lease of the Stonyridge airfield was such that no-one, not even the land owners, could use the airstrip.

Ownership of Motor Holdings and the air service passed to Flightline Aviation Ltd on the 24th of July 1992 and soon after negotiations began to open the Stonyridge airfield to other users. In late October, Flightline Aviation announced the air service to Waiheke Island flight would change to an on-demand service from the 2nd of November 1992. With the Stonyridge airfield being opened to other users Great Barrier Airlines immediately announced their intention to start flights to Waiheke and the 17 year old Rex Air Charter/Waiheke Air Services Ardmore-Waiheke service passed into history. 

Gulf News, 10 January 1992

In subsequent years Waiheke Island was served by two different operators with similar names, Waiheke Airservices and Waiheke Air. These were not connected with Waiheke Air Services and will be the subject of future posts.

New parent company - new logo and look. Flightline Aviation's Cessna 172N Skyhawk II ZK-ELF taken at Ardmore on the 24th of January 1992, a few months before they took over Waiheke Air Services.

Awaiting Start Clearance - Izard Pacific Aviation's air charter service

Looking to be the next air charter operator in New Zealand is Izard Pacific Aviation using newly imported Beech C90 King Air ZK-ZZA based out of Taupo. Aimed at those with more than a few dollars in their back pocket Richard Izard sees his air charter service eventually including trans-Tasman flights. He intends that it will eventually become a fixed-base business, offering Customs and quarantine clearance for international tourists flying into Taupo.

For the full article and photo see : http://www.stuff.co.nz/travel/new-zealand/5400321/Taupo-just-a-jet-ride-away

The Beech King Air, ZK-ZZA at Auckland on 25 July 2011. Photo : W Grant

TAB Tabbed for Sunair

Repainted and carrying small Sunair titles on its engine cowls is Cessna 172 ZK-TAB. Photo taken at Tauranga on the 29th of July 2011 by Bruce Gavin.

Air New Zealand Link Test Flights to Paraparaumu

The first Air New Zealand test flight has landed at Kapiti Coast Airport, ahead of a new service between Paraparaumu and Auckland. A Bombardier Q300, flown by Air NZ subsidiary Air Nelson, flew into the airport yesterday (2 August 2011) to run through working procedures. This is after a $3 million upgrade of the runway. The service, involving 18 return flights a week to Auckland, is to due start in October. 

Source : http://www.stuff.co.nz/dominion-post/news/5379216/Kapiti-airport-tested-ahead-of-flights 

Sad End for EJD

The Cessna 207 that crashed in Vanuatu this week had a long New Zealand history operating here as ZK-EJD with both Greymouth-based Coast Air http://3rdlevelnz.blogspot.com/2010/07/westlands-commuter-airline-coast-air.html and Air Fiordland http://3rdlevelnz.blogspot.com/2011/06/day-at-milford-air-fiordland.html

Cessna 207 ZK-EJD at home at Greymouth on the 25th of November 1984. Coast Air used the 207 extensively for charter, flightseeing, air ambulance and aerial photography work. Photo : S Lowe

About to return to Queenstown ZK-EJD taxis for take off at Milford Sound on the 14th of September 1997. Photo : S Lowe

As YJ-FLY, EJD's say fate at the Le Lagon Resort in Vanuatu on the 2nd of August 2011. Photo : http://www.stuff.co.nz/

For the full article see : http://www.stuff.co.nz/world/south-pacific/5379323/Shock-as-plane-crash-lands-on-Vanuatu-golf-course

The Long and the Short of it...

The size comparison between Air New Zealand's Boeing 777s... Above 200 series ZK-OKA landing at Auckland on the 1st of June 2008, and below, my first photo of Air New Zealand's 300 series, ZK-OKO landing at Auckland on a dull 2nd of August 2011. Photos : S Lowe

 

Northland Districts Aero Club and Air Services to Whangarei

As part of my series of posts on Great Barrier Island I am planning a trip to Whangarei to research the Northland District Aero Club service to the Barrier and other air services to our most northern city. This is a rough time line on services to and from Whangarei but I would really appreciate any more information, especially dates of the start and end of services. Please email me at westland831@gmail.com

1954 - NDAC commenced operations (based at Kaikohe) in 1954. Several years later moved main base to Whangarei.


1 Sep 58 - Coastal Airways Start

26 Sep 58 - Coastal Airways Ends

5 Apr 60 - Northland Airways - Air Service to Dargaville and Auckland

1970 - When NAC and later Air NZ introduced larger aircraft and reduced the frequency of its Auckland-Whangarei services the air taxi business of the aero club built up. With the import of PA-32 ZK-DBP the commercial operations of the aero club traded under the name of Executive Air Taxis. From early 1970s introduced an early morning return air taxi run on the route. A return late afternoon service was later introduced.

6- Jul-70 - Piper Cherokee 6 ZK-DBP added to the Northern Districts Aero Club fleet

30 Nov 77 - Aero Club member Dave Culham of Culham Engineering purchased four DH.104 Devons from RNZAF.

27 Oct 80 - Licence to operate Devons on Whangarei-Auckland route. Two Devons ZK-UDO and ZK-KTT eventually flew on the service.

24 Apr 81 - Trans North Airlines (NDAC and a group of private investors) plan to get a Bandeirante.

4 Mar 85 - Southern Cross Airways Starts Auckland-Whangarei service

2nd ½ 86 - Southern Cross Airways Ends Auckland-Whangarei service – Date unknown

Late Jul 87 - Great Barrier Airlines start Auckland-Whangarei service

Ca Aug 87 - Executive Air Taxis renamed Whangarei Air Taxi/Taxis. GAF N.22B ZK-NDB in service by Feb 88

16 Sep 88 - Announcement Eagle Air were to replace Air New Zealand

31 Oct 88 - Eagle Air replaces Air New Zealand

Jan 89 - Private company Northern Commuter Airlines Ltd formed and took over the operation of Whangarei Air Taxis in January 1989. Used GAF N.22B ZK-NDB, later PA-31s FOP, NCA and probably other aircraft. Worked strongly with Tranzair from April 1990.

9 Jul 98 - Tranzair announce end of service

1 Aug 98 - Tranzair ends

From about 2005 the Northland District Aero Club entered a process to merge with the Whangarei Flying Club. This process was completed in mid 2012.

http://www.trademe.co.nz/property/commercial-property-for-sale/auction-377280432.htm

Auckland over the last few days...

I have managed to get out to Auckland airport a couple of times during the sunny days we have been having lately. Among the photos I've taken were...

Emirates' Airbus 380, A6-EDO, at Auckland on the 28th of July 2011. Emirates are supposed to be starting a Mebourne-Auckland A380 service in March. Photo : S Lowe

Air Tahiti Nui's Airbus 340 about to head for home. Taken at Auckland on the 31st of July 2011. Photo : S Lowe

On the same day, LAN Chile's Airbus 340 arrives from Sydney before heading home to Santiago. Taken at Auckland on the 31st of July 2011. Photo : S Lowe

Air Calin's Airbus 330 F-OHSD about to line up for Noumea. Taken at Auckland on the 28th of July 2011. Photo : S Lowe

Air New Zealand's Boeing 767-300 ZK-NCI without its Pacific Wave. Landing at Auckland on the 31st of July 2011. I think the Air NZ scheme is too bland... what do you think? Photo : S Lowe

A kangaroo-less Qantas jet... Qantas Freight Boeing 767-300 VH-EFR holding before departure. Taken at Auckland on the 28th of July 2011. Photo : S Lowe

Some new Jetstar Airbus 320s are about... VH-VGQ at Auckland on the 31st of July 2011. Photo : S Lowe



VH-VGY at Auckland on the 31st of July 2011. Photo : S Lowe

I took a really distant photo of VH-VGR. Wayne Grant took a lot better shot at Auckland on the 30th of July 2011. Photo : W Grant

The All Black Airbus - ZK-OAB on approach at Auckland on the 28th of July 2011. It really does look. Well done Air New Zealand! Photo : S Lowe

Thanks Wayne for the tip off... A nice shot on Qantas Boeing 737-800 ZK-ZQG operated by Jetconnect on approach at Auckland on the 31st of July 2011. I still have to take ZK-ZQF. Photo : S Lowe

Meanwhile Boeing 737-400 ZK-JTP is still flying the Tasman. Taken at Auckland on the 28th of July 2011. Photo : S Lowe 

On air ambulance duties was Life Flight's Metroliner ZK-LFT at Auckland on the 28th of July 2011. Photo : S Lowe

Mixing it with the big boys on Sunday was Geeat Barrier Airlines' BN Islander ZK-FVD arriving from the Barrier at Auckland on the 31st of July 2011. Photo : S Lowe...

...and Sunair's Cessna 172 ZK-DHN on a scheduled flight from Whitianga at Auckland on the 31st of July 2011. Photo : S Lowe