Tonga movement...

Noted flying to Tonga this morning is Great Barrier Airlines' BN Islander ZK-REA... perhaps for a swap with A3-LYP (ex ZK-LYP).

Hokitika's Big Day

We heard the sad news tonight that the Police are ending the operation to recover the bodies of the 29 Pike River. The tragedy certainly touched so many New Zealanders, with the large numbers of people travelling to the Coast a testimony to the solidarity of so many around the country. The 2nd of December 2010 saw Hokitika have a massive day of flights as Peter Campbell recorded...

Air New Zealand added the following extra flights to Hokitika to supplement their scheduled ones;

Mount Cook Airlines, ATR72, ZK-MCY, arriving from Christchurch, as NZ5616, then returning to Christchurch, soon after.

Air Nelson, Bombardier Q300, ZK-NEU, arriving from Wellington as NZ8161, then spending five hours on the ground before returning to Wellington.

Air Nelson, Bombardier Q300, ZK-NEQ, arriving from Auckland as NZ8195, then, spending five hours on the ground before returning to Auckland.

Air Nelson, Bombardier Q300ZK-NES, arriving from Christchurch as NZ8172, then departing straight back as NZ8983. It made a second flight later in the day, arriving as NZ8984 and departing back to Christchurch as NZ8173.

Mount Cook Airlines, ATR72, ZK-MCO arrived from Christchurch later in the afternoon as NZ5618 and returned soon after as NZ5619.

 Jim Jamieson captured the 3 Bombardier Q300s at Hokitika... meanwhile below the arrivals and departures for Hokitika for the 2nd of December 2010 proved an impressive site

Ridge Air's ZK-BJM

Enjoying the South Canterbury sun was Ridge Air's Piper PA-34-220T Seneca IV, ZK-BJM, taken at Timaru on 13 January 2011. Photo : S Lowe 

Prop Washing to Hokitika

Jason Epps-Eades  has sent me some more photos of prop wash taken on his iphone on a Beech 1900 flight between Christchurch and Hokitika... Once again, some interesting effects...

A3-Land - 10 Days in Tonga

I am just back from 10 days in Tonga and the following are my desparation shots... the international terminal at Fua'amotu Airport is fine for photography  but the domestic is a disaster so the photos are full zoom and severely cropped. Nonetheless some interesting stuff...

The ship I went up on, Air New Zealand's Boeing 767-300 ZK-NCG, on its return Auckland-Tonga-Apia-Los Angeles-Apia-Tonga-Auckland service. This flight is to be cut in the very near future. At Fua'amotu on 30 December 2010. Photo : S Lowe

A desparation shot of Pacific Sun's ATR 42, DQ-PSA, on approach to Fua'amotu. Taken from the blowholes at Houma on 31 December 2010. Photo : S Lowe 

Chatham Pacific's Douglas DC-3 being towed out of the hangar for its Ha'apai flights on 6 January 2011. Photo : S Lowe

Operated by the Tongan Defence Force is Beech D18 N500MK. At Fua'amotu on 6 January 2011. Photo : S Lowe

Pacific Blue's Boeing 737-800 ZK-PBM at Fua'amotu readying for its flight to Sydney with some blue skies and sunshine on 6 January 2011. Unfortunately - or maybe fortunately - an hour earlier my flight home hadn't been able to land due to weather conditions. Given I had a dose of food posioning the night before I was happy not to fly. BEWARE the raw fish! Photo : S Lowe 

Chathams Pacific Beech Queen Air at Fua'amotu on 7 January 2011. This aircraft was flying most days as was the DC-3. Convair 580 ZK-CIF was also in Tonga but I only heard it fly once. What I presumed to be A3-FEW was in the hangar and seemed to be on heavy maintenance  Photo : S Lowe

Real desperation photos of Britten Islander A3-LYP which is used primarily for the service to 'Eua. At Fua'amotu on 7 January 2011. Photo : S Lowe 

A taste of Origin Pacific - Metroliner ZK-CIC arrives from Vava'u At Fua'amotu on 7 January 2011. Photo : S Lowe

An expensive ride home - Some 50 disrupts from the day before arrive and something like 100 southbounds going out. Air New Zealand ZK-NCJ Boeing 767-300 arrives from Auckland much to our relief on 7 January 2011. Photo : S Lowe

A new form of propulsion...

Any ideas what it is???

An Old Operator - The Hawke's Bay and East Coast Aero Club

The Hawke’s Bay and East Coast Aero Club was New Zealand’s second aero club, being incorporated on the 12th of November 1928. Over the years it has operated two regular air services.

The first was in 1932 when it took over the air service between Gisborne and Hastings previously operated by Gisborne Air Transport. The Poverty Bay Herald of the 24th December 1932 reported;

Recent developments in regard to the air link between Gisborne and Hastings, which has proved so important on several occasions during the past two years, will be of general interest to readers in this district. During the past few days, the Desoutter cabin plane, ZK-ABY has changed hands, and is now under the control of the Hawke's Bay Aero Club, with headquarters in Hastings The passenger service formerly carried on by the Gisborne Air Transport Company will be maintained by the Hawke's Bay Aero Club, though it is understood that a minimum charge for the employment of the machine between Hastings and Gisborne is to be fixed on a scale which will make it desirable for passengers to arrange to travel in pairs. The plane has accommodation for two passengers, and whereas the Gisborne Air Transport Company was willing to run a trip to Hastings for a single fare, the organisation now controlling the machine anxious to maintain a wider working margin. 

Desoutter ZK-ABY

The pilot of the service was initially Flight-Lieutenant W. H. Lett, who moved to to the Manawatu Aero Club as an instructor. His replacement was Flying-Officer A. C. Gerrand, the Hawke's Bay Aero Club's instructor. The service operated on demand until the East Coast Airways started service started in April 1935.

In December 1936 issue of Wings magazine Desoutter  ZK-ABY was advertised for sale. The advertisement stated that about £100-£150 would need to be spent on it to restore it to C of A standard and that the club would sell it for £150 "as is". The engine had run 321 hours since last major overhaul. There were apparently no takers for the old Desoutter as its fate is listed as "Broken Up 1937".

The Club's second regular service began in the early 1970’s when it operated a Hastings-Wairoa-air drop at Nuhaka-Gisborne service on Sundays to deliver Sunday newspapers in early 1970s. The flight landed at Wairoa while the Nuhaka papers were delivered by an air drop. The Club mainly used Piper Pa32-260 Cherokee 6 ZK-CNE (c/n 32-41). This aircraft crashed on the 5th of July 1974 while making an emergency landing on the Manga¬ototo Station airstrip which is situated on the top of Morere Hill. The pilot, Mr Herb Maxwell, the club's chief instructor Mr Herb Maxwell and his four passengers escaped without life threatening injuries.

The ill fated Piper Cherokee 6, ZK-CNE.

The Nuhaka General Store - Newspapers were dropped somewhere near here

Nowadays the Hawke’s Bay and East Coast Aero Club continues to operate regularly through Wairoa on training and charter work under the banner of its wholly owned company, Air Hawke's Bay Ltd. The charter work often involves ferrying medical staff to the Wairoa Hospital.

One of Air Hawkes Bay's Piper Senecas, ZK-RSQ, at Wairoa on 2 December 2009

I have no details as to the start and finish date of this operation and whether any other aircraft were used. If you can provide some more information I would be most grateful of you could email me at westland831@gmail.com 

NAC to service Gore and Dargaville?

While doing some research on Wairarapa Airlines I came across this quite interesting article that appeared in the the Wairarapa Times age in September 1967.

NAC Services Minor Airports

Intensive investigation into ways and means of continuing airline services into minor airports now served by NAC's ageing DC3s is being made by the Corporation and Civil Aviation Authorities. NAC has announced that it wants to retire the DC3s by December of next year and, while the Government agrees generally with this proposal, it also wants to ensure that towns at present linked by airline service retain it. DC3s were in the original fleet when NAC began operations in 1947 and remained the corporation's work horse for more than a decade. The introduction of jet-prop Viscounts and Friendships and the upgrading of secondary airports have diminished the role of the familiar DC3 in recent years. From a peak of 26, NAC's fleet of DC3’s has dropped to 11. Sentimental tears may be shed by some with the disappearance of, the old aircraft from the air lanes, but there will be little regret by accountants. While the DC3 makes a reasonable return on some sectors flown by NAC and Mt Cook Airlines, new restrictions make it totally uneconomic.

Pure jets

In any case, NAC are not interested in running a four-plane fleet. They want to concentrate on their Boeing 737 pure jets when they start arriving- next August, the five Viscounts and the 13 Friendships. The 737 jets will operate between Auckland and Dunedin and with their introduction the Viscount service will be extended to Invercargill. The Friendships will serve such provincial centres as New Plymouth, Gisborne, Napier, Tauranga and probably Auckland - Whangarei. It is outside these centres that the real problems will arise with the retirement of the DC3. To take even Friendships some of the smaller airports would need expensive upgrading which would not be justified by the traffic offering. The three areas of most concern are Northland, the West Coast and Otago-Southland. Several alternatives for each area are now under consideration and if present plans can be carried through towns in these areas should retain a service, even if it is not operated by NAC.

West Coast

On the West Coast there are several possibilities. One proposal is a new link between Hokitika and Christchurch operated by a Friendship. Hokitika has only a compacted strip and the present proposal does not envisage sealing it. Instead the odd Friendship flight will be made into Hokitika to test the strip's strength and evaluate possible stone damage to the craft's hull. If this proposal is found practical, it could result in a small plane service, perhaps operated by a private company, feeding coast passengers from Westport and Greymouth to Hokitika. Another possibility is a private company operating northwards, perhaps to Nelson or Wellington to link with NAC services. On links between Auckland, Whangarei and other Northland centres there are a number of choices being considered. One would be to seal either end of the Kaitaia runway and operate Friendship but this appears a doubtful economic proposition. Another alternative would be to retain a DC3 for two years to operate the Northland service from Auckland. This would mean there would be no Friendship service to Whangarei. A third and possibly most likely choice would be to arrange for a private operator to service Northland towns under charter to NAC. Another alternative would be to abandon the services north of Whangarei, but this is most unlikely. The Minister of Civil Aviation, Mr Gordon, is .operating a “round - Northland" service using a smaller machine. He has welcomed. the move by a private company to operate a service around central North Island towns using Cessna 402s. He hopes Masterton might eventually be included in this service. Two parties interested in operating a privately run Northland service are surveying the route. It is believed .that one operator is looking at the Norman Britten Islander, a plane very much like the Bristol Freighter with twin tail units. It can land and takeoff in 1000ft and provides a comfortable trip for eight or 9 nine passengers at 160mph. It is ideal for short stages. The service would act primarily as a feeder- to NAC at Whangarei. But should Dargaville be included, an application might be made for the service to extend to Auckland International Airport. The proposed Northland service would not only open up Dargaville but could also feed into the difficult Kaikohe Airport and into Kerikeri. lt would operate on a route Whangarei-Kaikohe-Kerikeri-Kaitaia-Dargaville-Whangarei. It would then run on the reverse route with the possibility of three or more round trips a day.

Subsidy

A service would.possibly require an NAC subsidy. This would be studied on the aspects of economics and the feasibility of the service but should receive sympathetic consideration. The Government is considering a similar proposal in the south. This would. operate on the Dunedin-Alexandra-Cromwell-Queenstown-Te Anau-Gore-Dunedin route. Mount Cook Airlines would, continue to operate the Oamaru-Timaru-Christchurch service on charter for NAC. While discussions these minor routes is proceeding, reports from the United States on the Boeing 737-200 have been excellent and there is no indication of any delay in deliveries. The first of the jets is due next August.

Air New Zealand's Christmas present...

Wayne Grant captured the arrival of Air New Zealand's first Boeing 777-300ER ZK-OKM (c/n 38045)arriving at Auckland this morning. It is due to commence scheduled operations on the 10th of January 2011.

New Terminal on Great Barrier Island

Auckland Transport will open a new airport terminal at Claris, Great Barrier Island on Tuesday, in association with the Great Barrier Island Local Board. Work on the $1million terminal began in early July 2010 and was completed a month ahead of schedule and to budget. A major feature of the new building is sustainable building materials and design. It utilises green technology such as natural ventilation, solar panels, on-site water treatment units, maximises natural lighting and where possible locally sourced resources and materials were used. Artwork and a carved pou whenua standing at the terminal’s entrance were commissioned from local artists. The new airport terminal’s electrical energy requirements will be primarily provided through an impressive array of photovoltaic solar panels mounted on the roof. The terminal is also provided with an efficient solar heated hot water system, also mounted on its rooftop. Great Barrier Island has no reticulated electricity or fresh water. Solar panels and wind generators provide most of the island’s residential dwellings with their electrical energy requirements. Calling the new terminal a crucial transport asset Paul Downie, chairperson of the Great Barrier Island Local Board, says the investment will provide an even better experience for tourists, and residents as well as improved facilities for airline and freight operators, and showcase the island as a sustainable community of the future. “The Claris Airfield Terminal is a key gateway to the island for tourism, local businesses, holiday makers and locals. This is a significant investment in the community and I believe it will bring economic benefits to the island in a very meaningful way. “Great Barrier Island has the potential to be showcased as New Zealand’s alternative energy capital. Claris Airport Terminal is an eco-friendly airport running on sustainable, renewable energy. “Claris Airfield now has a functional space with improved facilities for passengers and airline operators, a new visitor information area and secure overnight freight storage. Mr Downie also acknowledged the role of Auckland Transport in completing the project, Auckland Council, Great Barrier Airlines, Fly My Sky and the Great Barrier Island Local Board. “The partnership between all the parties and their input on the design has been invaluable in creating a landmark building which reflects the culture of the island community,” says Mr Downie. Emergency situations on the remote island have been considered in the design with enhanced access facilities for emergency services and improved facilities for the Auckland Rescue Helicopter.

Source : http://www.aucklandtransport.govt.nz/about-us/News/LatestNews/Pages/Media-Release-Great-Barrier-Airport-Terminal.aspx

For Sale - One Bandierante

Cool Auction this one! I have a family of starlings that are for sale. They are very sweet, caring parents, raising lovely little chicks but unfortunately they are living in my plane. So having the heart of gold that I do, I simply cannot evict them - so I have decided to put them up for sale, and give the buyer their home - my 1981 Embraer Banderante. You could build the ultimate kids playhouse, sleepout, flight simulator or just have the biggest garden ornament on your street. The wings come off for easy shifting, and the fuselage can be transported on a flat deck semi trailer. This old Banderante belonged to CityJet - a small airline that flew in NZ in the 90's. CityJet went out of business in a huge scandal involving the CAA and Air NZ, and was investigated by Ian Wishart - so the plane has some cool history. The Embraer Banderante was originally designed by the Brazilian military as a light troop transport aircraft. The rear door of the plane can be removed so paratroopers can jump out. The Banderante was also fully aerobatic and could be barrel rolled. It was converted to civilian use, and was hugely popular around the world, however there are no longer any Banderantes' flying in NZ. It is widely known that many were used in Columbia as cocaine transport aircraft. Definitely a NZ aviation icon. As you can see by the photos the old Banderante needs a loving new owner. My intentions were to build it into a cool sleepout type cabin to go along with my Fairchild Metroliner which I have done up for my kids. However I am simply just too busy with life to finish it. I don't want this to go to the scrap man - I would love it to go to someone who is interested into turning it into something cool. So my start price reflects the rough value of the aircraft in scrap. The last two photos are of the cockpit, and nose of the Metroliner which is 90% completed, and as you will see has come up really good considering the Metroliner was in a terrible state when I started.

Source : http://www.trademe.co.nz/Trade-Me-Motors/Aircraft/Aircraft/auction-333908202.htm 

In Christchurch for the Summer Break

NZ Post's Fokker Friendship at Palmerston North on 8 December 2010. Photo : S Lowe

Air2there's Piper Navajo ZK-WHW at Paraparaumu on 8 December 2010. Photo : S Lowe 

Titan T51 Mustang ZK-WUH at Paraparaumu on 8 December 2010. Photo : S Lowe

Ridge Air's Cessna 402 ZK-VAD taken at Omaka. Photo : S Lowe

Ridge Air's Robinson R44 ZK-HDD taken at Omaka. Photo : S Lowe

Wings over Whales Gippsland Airvan ZK-KBZ at Kaikoura on 9 December 2010. Photo : S Lowe

Wings over Whales parachute jumpship, Cessna 172 ZK-EKE at Kaikoura on 9 December 2010. Photo : S Lowe

I am now in Christchurch for the summer break and it is COLD.

Seneca for Golden Bay Air

There was plenty to see (from both air and land), and good news at the Golden Bay Flying Club Open day last Saturday. While the Takaka Aerodrome was buzzing with visiting aircraft, pilots and plane-lovers, Golden Bay Air announced that it will soon be providing a year-round service for the Bay’s passengers and commuters to Wellington. En route on a boat from the States is a twin-engine, six-seat Piper Seneca, to join Golden Bay Air’s six-seat single-engine Piper Saratoga, which carries passengers for part of the year between Wellington and Golden Bay, and the four-seat Piper Warrior which is used for scenic flights, said Golden Bay Air secretary Lisa Sheppard. Pilots Alex Wilkinson and Daryl Williamson said the company is not allowed to fly single-engine passenger planes in certain weather conditions. “The Seneca will arrive after Christmas, and be in service hopefully from mid-February, after it has been painted in GB Air colours and had its wings put back on. This will allow all-year, all-weather flights to and from the Bay, offering more flexibility and continuity of service and a viable alternative to Air New Zealand.”

For full article see http://gbweekly.co.nz/2010/12/8/flying-club-open-day

Eagle's Wanganui Holiday

Air NZ services from Wanganui to Wellington will take a break during the holidays. Eagle Air, the airline's wholly owned subsidiary, provides the capital link but will park its Beechcraft 1900D aircraft for almost a month from Christmas Eve until January 19. Carrie Hurihanganui, general manager of Eagle Air, said the temporary grounding recognised a lack of demand during the holiday period. "It's something we have done before, both with our Wanganui services and other short-haul routes," Ms Hurihanganui said. "Our decision is principally business-driven because demand tends to fall away during this period." Ms Hurihanganui said it certainly did not indicate anything other than a drop off in patronage. Currently Eagle Air flies from the city to Wellington Monday to Friday, the outward flight leaving at 7.05am and the return flight leaving the capital at 7pm. There are no weekend flights. Eagle Air first flew into Wanganui in 1973 when it began a Hamilton-Wanganui service. Air NZ purchased a 100 per cent share in the company in 1992 and the subsidiary operates 18 Beechcraft on the airline's domestic network. Eagle Air specialised in operating low capacity aircraft on low traffic, low density routes.

Source : http://www.wanganuichronicle.co.nz/local/news/air-service-grounded-for-festive-holidays/3933206/

Plane Spotting with Wayne Grant

Wayne's been getting a few bits and pieces in Auckland and further north...

Skydive Zone's Cessna 206 on the 2nd of December 2010. Photo : W Grant

Salt Air's Bell Jetranger at Kerikeri on the 2nd of December 2010. Photo : W Grant

Salt Air's Robinson R44 at Paihia on the 2nd of December 2010. Photo : W Grant

Meanwhile, as Wayne was on land photographing aircraft I was out on the sea spotting dolphins and hoping to go through the Hole in the Rock - too rough a sea. Coming back Salt Air's barge wasn't getting a lot of business (see http://3rdlevelnz.blogspot.com/2010/11/salt-air-is-barging-its-way-into-heli.html). Photo : S Lowe

Salt Air's Gippsland Airvan at North Shore on Kerikeri-Whangarei-North service on the 2nd of December 2010. Photo : W Grant

The grunty look of Air Chatham's Convair 580 ZK-CIB on take off from Auckland on the 9th of December 2010. Photo W Grant

Above and below Air New Zealand's Boeing 767-300 ZK-NCL landing at Auckland on the 9th of December 2010 with its borrowed winglets. Photos : W Grant