TM Issue 69 2020 #3 Kiwi F lyer $ 7.90 inc GST ISSN 1170-8018 Products, Services, News, Events, Warbirds, Recreation, Training and more.There’s a vintage theme to this issue of KiwiFlyer. The Vintage Aviator Limited is well known for their magnificent collection of WWI aircraft which are frequently displayed at open days to a grateful audience. There are many types, and of friend and foe varieties, such that aerial battles may be enjoyed by pilots and onlookers alike. But how does one ever become privileged enough to receive an invitation to train on and fly in one of these very special aircraft. Gavin Conroy has visited Hood Aerodrome numerous times in the last year to photograph the collection, and he spoke to three pilots with ‘recently minted’ ratings on the Fokker D.VII which they use as an entry level type for new TVAL pilots to master. These pilots are really just like most others who love to fly, and by applying enthusiasm and perseverance to the task, now have numerous interesting achievements in their logbooks. Also on the subject of WWI aircraft, Frank Parker writes about the NZ Warbirds Association’s latest arrival at Ardmore. Added to their growing collection is a replica Bristol F.2b Fighter which they purchased as a project out of America and then entrusted to JEM Aviation at Omaka. After 18 month’s work, Jay and his team have the ‘Brisfit’ looking and flying great – and in fact flying well enough that Ryan Southam did exactly that all the way from Omaka to Ardmore in it. Another project featured in this issue, which like the former has also benefitted from Graham Orphan’s involvement, is Don Grant’s Staggerwing, recently arriving in New Zealand and with restoration now getting underway. Don tells the story of this being New Zealand’s first Beechcraft, how he came to acquire it, and the plans in play to get airborne again. There’s also the usual contributions within, including on meteorology, insurance, training, events, soaring, and a place to go – Mercer, an area where there might be more things to do than you expect. Speaking of places to go, how good it is to be back to normal without lockdown restrictions. The frustration was never so much the ‘don’t go to work’ directive, nor the need to queue at the supermarket, but the ‘don’t leave the ground’ directive. Long may our present freedoms continue. Enjoy reading. Fly safely. Michael Norton Editor | Publisher KiwiFlyer Magazine From the Editor 12 24 26 Becoming a Vintage Pilot It’s quite an honour to be invited to fly the WWI aircraft of the TVAL collection. Three pliots with newly minted TVAL ratings tell their story. Level One Celebration at Omaka The best way to celebrate the return of normality post Covid was of course to enjoy a day of aviation. New Zealand’s First Beechcraft The first Beechcraft to come to New Zealand, an exceptionally elegant Staggerwing, has returned for restoration. KiwiFlyer Issue 69 2020 # 3 Features Cover It could be a scene from the Great War but due to the massive efforts of The Vintage Aviator Limited this type of action photograph is possible today. Greg MacDonald flying a Fokker D.VII is ‘shot down’ in dramatic fashion by gunner Simon Davenport. The R E .8 is flown by Gary Yardley. Gavin Conroy photograph. Regular Industry and Community News Aviation Training Enabling Student Success at Massey. Avsure Insurance Advice Aviation Insurance Policies. Meteorology Thunderstorms in an Anticyclone. Places to Go Ruth Allanson visits Mercer. New Zealand Soaring Hooray for Winter Flying. NZ Warbirds Brisfit at Ardmore. Vale: Bill Black 18/8/43 - 1/7/20. ZK Register Review Classifieds Advertising Index 4 10 21 22 20 30 32 39 42 45 45 30 25 12 26 24 32Kannad ELT Battery Replacements Lloyd Klee of Aviation Safety Supplies Ltd is concerned that a number of Kannad ELTs are being removed from aircraft, possibly under false pretences. Kannad ELT batteries are available and a new shipment of Kannad Compact batteries arrived in July 2020. Lloyd observes that removing a perfectly good operational ELT because the engineer is not authorised to undertake a Kannad battery replacement seems disingenuous to say the least. Due to a Kannad policy change in 2018, there a fewer number of approved Kannad Battery (KABRC) replacement maintainers in New Zealand. The approved companies are monitored by Kannad France to ensure all tooling is in calibration and CMMs are up to date annually. Aviation Safety Supplies Ltd now also stocks a few ACK 04-4 and ARTEX Me406 / 1000 batteries to support the local industry. Contact Lloyd on 027 280 6549 or lklee@aviationsafety.co.nz New Owners for Ardmore Flying School One of New Zealand’s largest flying Schools, Ardmore Flying School, has been sold as a going concern to new owners Nick and Chelsea Moore. Nick, who trained at, and is a former flight instructor for the school has always had a very strong passion for aviation and flight training in particular. The opportunity to buy Ardmore Flying School was one he, and wife Chelsea, could not pass up. Nick says, “Both my wife and I are very excited to have the opportunity to take ownership of Ardmore Flying School. We believe the sudden impact of Covid-19 on the airline industry and their providers will be of a short-term nature and a return to normal will occur given time. This has offered Ardmore Flying School a unique advantage to reflect upon and refine our strategic, tactical and operational values to meet the demands and ensure delivery of first-class aviation training. Ardmore Flying School has been a part of my life since 1993 due to my passion for aviation and flight training whilst engaging other business endeavours along the way. We look forward to working with Ian and his team including all staff and providers to deliver a fantastic environment to train professional pilots.” Capt. Liz Needham, who has owned the school for 42 years says it is time for new investment for the future. Nick will continue Liz’s passion and commitment for Ardmore Flying School and together with Ian Calvert and Paul Dodd will guide the school into the future. CEO, Ian Calvert says “This is an exciting development for the School and sends a clear signal to the industry that we collectively believe that the future of aviation will be positive despite the impact of Covid-19. Nick and Chelsea’s passion for the School and the investment in it will allow for future security and growth and enable Ardmore Flying School to be ready to meet any demand that comes from the rebirth of aviation in the coming months and years. Working with Nick and Chelsea to develop the school further is a wonderful opportunity and challenge to be given.” Nick will continue his own piloting development flying the Cessna 425 he has ½ shares in as well as other aircraft available to him. His background in IT will be especially useful for the School as it moves into a new modern era of training management and delivery. Liz will continue to enjoy flying the P40 Kittyhawk and Spitfire and as an A Category Instructor herself, possibly some Industry and Community News 10 Kiwi F lyer kiwiflyer.co.nz KiwiFlyer is for and about the New Zealand Aviation Community. A printed copy is delivered free to every New Zealand aircraft operator and aviation business. The magazine is also on retail sale. Back issues are available for free download from www.kiwiflyer.co.nz KiwiFlyer is published every two months by Kiwi Flyer Ltd, edited by Michael Norton, and printed/distributed by PMP Ltd. ISSN 1170-8018 For all enquiries: 09 279 9924 or 021 667 866 michael@kiwiflyer.co.nz PO Box 72841 Papakura 2244 About Us Subscribe Advertise (next deadline 11th September) Contribute Our comprehensive aviation-focused distribution and readership is the very best way to connect your business to the New Zealand Aviation Community. Details of our cost-effective rates are available from our website, or call for details. Creative work including graphic design and editorial preparation is free of charge. Contact Us Subscribe online or send us a cheque. Just $40 for six issues over 12 months. Are you involved in an interesting aviation project ? Have you got an interesting aviation story to share ? Would you like to see something different in KiwiFlyer ? Contributions are welcome. Please contact us for details. Opinions expressed in this publication are not necessarily those of Kiwi Flyer Limited or the Editor. All rights reserved. KiwiFlyer contents are copyright and may not be reproduced in any form without written permission from the Editor. Thank you to our Advertisers who fund this publication. Please give them your support and let them know you saw them in KiwiFlyer. Thank you to our regular Contributors: Ruth Allanson, Bill Beard, Penny Belworthy, Grant Benns, Gavin Conroy, Chris Gee, Jill McCaw, Frank Parker, Ciaran Doolin, Nick Ashley, Mark Woodhouse, and others. We Appreciate KiwiFlyer is proud to support Walsh Memorial Scout Flying School, YouthGlide, and Flying NZ Young Eagles. Proud to Support KiwiFlyer Magazine Issue 69 For all your engine overhauls Lycoming, Continental, Gipsy, Rotax... Part 145 approved Call Damon Himburg or Graeme Daniell 03 489 6870 or 027 307 5850 Taieri Airport, Mosgiel. www.southair.co.nzKiwiFlyer Magazine Issue 69 6 flight testing. She also remains fully supportive of the School and says that it has been a fabulous journey with many ups and downs (no pun intended!) but she feels confident the School is being left in good hands. New Tecnam P2010 TDI Costruzioni Aeronautiche Tecnam SpA has announced the introduction of their new Tecnam P2010 TDI powered by a Continental CD-170 jet/diesel engine. Burning less than 20 lph, the very elegantly styled TDI variant has a range of 1000 nm. Aside from its aesthetics, the P2010 offers roomy, cabin interiors with 3 access doors plus another dedicated for the baggage compartment. The ‘Twenty-Ten’ is now available with three different power plants, and three different fuel capabilities: automotive unleaded (approved on 180hp version), Avgas on the most powerful 215hp variant and, from now on, Jet/ diesel. The P2010 TDI is loaded with state-of-the-art technology. The fuselage and vertical fin are made entirely of pre-peg carbon fibres providing the best use of space, while wings, horizontal tail and rudder, as well as all the load-carrying structures, are built with light alloy structures. Inside the aircraft are 26G-capable crashworthy seats, and Garmin’s G1000® NXi glass cockpit with GFCTM 700 autopilot. Continental’s Jet/diesel powered 170 hp engine offers ease of flying with its single lever, coupled with electronic engine monitoring and redundant safety features. The CD-170 is the newest design and also the highest-horsepower engine in the CD- 100 series family, proven with more than 6,000 engines delivered and over 7.1 million service flight hours. “The P2010 remains a modern aircraft for flight schools and private owners,” says Paolo Pascale, Tecnam CEO. “With the Continental’s Jet/diesel engine, the P2010 TDI is simply the ‘ideal aircraft’, combining a modern, sleek, ‘green’ design with consistent, robust power.” On a historical note, Tecnam’s very first aircraft, the Astore P48, built in 1948, was powered by a Continental engine — the A65. The connection between the two companies therefore spans more than 72 years. Rides Day at Wanaka Nelson-based Bill Reid and Graeme Frew from Blenheim are bringing their aircraft to Wanaka in August giving people in the south an opportunity to take a ride in what are two very different but classic World War II aircraft. Warbirds Over Wanaka General Manager, Ed Taylor, says it’s going to be great to have at least a couple of Warbirds buzzing around Wanaka Airport for a few days after the disappointment of having to cancel this year’s big Air Show. Bill will be bringing his Avro Anson Mk.1 reconnaissance bomber. This aircraft debuted at Warbirds Over Wanaka International Airshow in 2014 after a 10-year restoration effort and is the only one of its type flying in the world. Graeme’s Yak-3 Russian fighter, now known as ‘Full Noise’, was a very successful type up against the likes of the German Messerschmitt 109 in WWII. In recent years Graeme and ‘Full Noise’ have competed with distinction at the famous Reno Air Races in the USA. “It’s been well documented that we took a significant financial hit from having to cancel because of Covid-19 so it was great to get a call from Graeme with an idea to bring the aircraft to Wanaka and to offer rides to southern aviation fans with Warbirds Contact our NZ Partner Superior Air Parts (09) 298 8992 bob@aviationpowersupply.com.au rob@superiorairparts.com.au7 2020 #3 getting a donation at the end of the weekend. Wanaka Airport is also helping out with support during the visit,” says Ed. “We love having the old aircraft in town and we know there will be lots of people from around the region who’ll come just to see these aircraft in action. Graeme and Bill are both absolutely passionate about their aircraft and so when people book a ride what they get is a full aviation experience learning all about the aircraft’s history and a whole lot more,” says Ed. Weather permitting the aircraft will be at Wanaka Airport from August 21st to August 24th. For more information about the rides on offer people can get in contact directly with Warbirds Over Wanaka: info@warbirdsoverwanaka.co.nz Fly Five at Canterbury Aero Club Canterbury Aero Club have launched a new competition to encourage club activity throughout the rest of the year. Participants need to fly to five different airfields on five different days over the next five months, then tell the story of their trips by short film, photographs, or editorial. Entries will be judged and the winners awarded prizes of up to $1000 for their efforts. Numerous spot prizes have been donated towards the competition and the winning written entry will be published in KiwiFlyer early in the New Year. Wings Over Wairarapa The Wings Over Wairarapa Air Festival has been confirmed for 26-28th February 2021. With uncertainty around borders and entry into New Zealand, the event will this time focus on showcasing the extensive range of aircraft available within New Zealand including of course all of the Vintage Aviator Limited’s collection which is based at the air show location of Hood Aerodrome. Tickets are already on sale. More info from www. wings.org.nz VNC chart books available again Last year, AOPA NZ and Aeropath combined resources to produce the first Visual Navigation Chart (VNC) book to be produced from the digital charts created by Aeropath for CAA. The 74 page spiral bound publication included 22 pages of terminal area charts from the B series charts at a 1:250,000 scale at the front of the book featuring major airports centre of page. There was also full coverage of the B series charts at a scale of 1:500,000 starting at the north and working south in series from west to east. Adjoining pages in all directions are clearly identified. The book was a major success and AOPA will be releasing a new edition in November with the latest updated charts plus various customer-inspired improvements. A New Zealand Aviation Tour With all the tradition overseas aviation tours out of the question for this year, Melanie Salisbury from Aviation Tours NZ has put together the best of local and scheduled two excellent New Zealand aviation tours in November. A fully escorted 11 day South Island tour and a 13 day North Island tour showcase the outstanding aviation scene we already have in New Zealand and include numerous opportunities for flying experiences along the way. Why not spend the overseas airfares you might have incurred, on a flight in a Kittyhawk, Yak-3, Tiger Moth, Stearman, Spitfire, etc. instead? See the advertisement on page 9 for more information or visit aviationtoursnz.com Industry and Community NewsOmaka Aviation Heritage Centre welcomes rare warbirds The Omaka Aviation Heritage Centre (OAHC) say they are excited and honoured to announce that the family of deceased aviation collector, John Smith have appointed the centre to work with them as guardians of his remarkable collection, to preserve and publicly display these hero aircraft to New Zealand and the world. The John Smith collection had its beginnings in the 1950s when as a young man he witnessed wholesale scrapping of warbirds around the world and even in his own backyard. John lived in Mapua and was aware that over the hill in Marlborough, historic warplanes such as Mustangs, Mosquitos and Hudsons were being broken up. He managed to save several key aircraft and stored them in a shed on his Mapua property, where they remained as untouched, and for the most part unseen, records of NZ aviation history. Over the decades, word of the Kiwi recluse with his rare warbird collection reached around the world. Collectors travelled from across the planet to try to purchase his aeroplanes but left empty handed. John’s shed was the aviation equivalent of Aladdin’s Cave, fuselages lined up parallel to one another like sardines, symmetrically arranged either side of a fully assembled Mosquito. “Many of us have seen restored combat aircraft from WWII, albeit in small numbers, however these aircraft were the ‘real deal’, carrying the original paint they wore when parked under the palm trees on some Pacific atoll, being rearmed before going back to battle,” says OAHC board member Graham Orphan. The Smith aircraft destined for display at OAHC include a complete de Havilland Mosquito, John’s own original Tiger Moth and New Zealand’s most famous P-40, ‘Gloria Lyons’. They will join the Lockheed Hudson, formerly gifted by John to Bill Reid, also on display at Omaka. Conservation work has commenced on the P-40 and the next milestone is the disassembling of the Mosquito and transporting it from Mapua to Omaka. Future fundraising efforts including any profits from the Yealands Classic Fighters Air Show will be funnelled into this significant project and any donations or offers of sponsorship in kind will be gratefully accepted. More information at www.omaka.org.nz GCH Aviation acquires Tasman Helicopters GCH Aviation has boosted its investment in tourism infrastructure with the purchase of Tasman Helicopters in Nelson. GCH Aviation Group Chief Executive, Andrew Currie says, “The purchase of Tasman Helicopters expands the group’s scenic and commercial aviation services across New Zealand and the Pacific, establishing it as one of NZ’s major tourism aviation providers. The process of the purchase started before COVID-19 but we continued as we see it as an important part of our premium P: 06 879 8593 M: 022 636 6573 E: sammy@primaryavionics.co.nz Cresco Lane, Main North Road, Hawkes Bay Airport www.primaryavionics.co.nz Call Sammy or Steve Lillie today to discuss our new dealer offers TRIG TT31 APPAREO STRATUS ESG L3 NGT-9000 Need ADS-b? With the New Southern Sky ADS-b mandate now underway, and the recently announced MOT rebate of $2500 (+$500 for ADS-b in) now is the perfect time to get your ADS-b sorted. KiwiFlyer Magazine Issue 69 8 Industry and Community Newstourism offering going forward. We have our sights firmly fixed on the premium tourism sector and want to ensure our clients are given the very best experience from the minute they arrive in the country either by their own private jets or ours, to when they get out to explore New Zealand.” Logan Moore, who previously owned Tasman Helicopters will stay on with GCH Aviation and the business will still run under the Tasman Helicopters brand. Established in 1983, the GCH Aviation Group already has a significant sized aviation base in Nelson with commercial helicopters, an air rescue helicopter as well as a NZ Flying Doctor air ambulance base. The Group purchased Kaikoura Helicopters last year and the company has other helicopter operations in Greymouth, Wellington, Fiji and Vanuatu. Flight training, air rescue and air ambulance services are also operated from their headquarters at Christchurch airport. On the subject of Kaikoura Helicopters, the company has recently partnered with marine mammal welfare organisation Project Jonah. “New Zealand boasts a record of being visited by almost half the known species of whales and dolphins in the world, but sadly some of these end up stranded on our beaches, needing our help to return to the ocean,” says Daren Grover, General Manager of Project Jonah. Caroline Blanchfield, Group Marketing Manager GCH Aviation says, “We are helping to promote Project Jonah’s work Kiwi Aviation Tour South 11 days escorted Blenheim to Invercargill departing 13th November. Enjoy the best of the South’s aviation heritage combined with stunning scenery, lakes and a whale watching flight. $2995 twin share. Includes Omaka Aviation Heritage Centre, Air Kaikoura Whale Watch, NZ Helicopter Museum, Air Force Museum, Ferrymead Aeronautical Society, Ashburton Aviation Museum, South Canterbury Aviation Heritage Centre, Glide Omarama, Warbirds and Wheels, and more. Kiwi Aviation Tour North 14 days escorted Auckland Roundtrip departing 23rd November. The best of the North’s aviation including a virtual Warbird experience, world famous restoration facilities and two flying days. $3595 twin share. Includes RNZAF Whenuapai, MOTAT and Subritsky Collection, Classic Flyers, The Aviator Experience, Gisborne Aviation Preservation Society, Wairarapa Flying Tigers, Griffin Ag-Air, The Vintage Aviator, Pioneer Aero, Avspecs, NZ Warbirds Open Day and Flying Displays, and more. Along the way Choose from many optional flying experiences including Stearman, Avro Anson, Yak-3 ‘Full Noise’, Gliding, Tiger Moths, Catalina, Milford Sound, Mustang, Kittyhawk, Spitfire, Harvard, Airtourer, DC3, and more. Sort your NZ aviation bucket list. Do one tour or both. Take one flight or many. Fully escorted. Enjoy the best of NZ Aviation with Kiwi Aviation Tours Contact Melanie 021 076 8308 melanie@aviationtoursnz.com Book now at www.aviationtoursnz.com 9 2020 #3 to our customers and make a material difference by becoming a Project Jonah sponsor. We see this as an important part of doing our bit to fulfil the NZ Tourism industry’s Tiaki promise: To care for New Zealand now and for future generations.” The Haast Club A Northland based rescue helicopter pilot is helping to raise money for rescue helicopter services around the country. Sue Dinkelacker, Northland Rescue Helicopter pilot and award-winning sculptor, says the Haast Club is a way for those who have been helped by a rescue helicopter service to give back financially. Sue has worked in Helicopter Emergency Medical Services in NZ for more than seven years and is currently flying NEST’s S76C++ helicopters out of Whangarei. “In New Zealand, we are incredibly fortunate to have so many rescue helicopters,” says Sue. “The Haast Club is a tribute to the charitable trusts built up by individual communities over decades that help keep these helicopters in the air.” To join the Haast Club a rescued or related person purchases an artwork sculpted by Sue with at least half the purchase price received by the NZ rescue helicopter trust of their choice. Prices range from $128 to $2,300. Inspired by the eagle that snatched Gandalf to safety in Tolkien’s Lord of the Rings stories, the Haast Club artworks depict the largest eagle ever to have existed in the world, the extinct New Zealand Haast eagle. More info at www.haastclub.comNext >