Download Issue 15 complete - KiwiFlyer

KiwiFlyer The New Zealand Aviators’ Marketplace
The Complete Package from ab-initio to
private ownership to multi engine IFR
including full moving flight simulator
2 KiwiFlyer Issue 15 February / March 2011 www.kiwiflyer.co.nz
P2008 LSA
P2006T
Call Tecnam on 09 298 9144 or 021 832 626
Or email us on info@tecnam.co.nz www.tecnam.co.nz
From the Editor
Comment and Contents
WELCOME to our 15th issue of KiwiFlyer. We hope you’ll find
plenty of interesting reading and information within. This edition
announces the arrival of the first Tecnam P2008 LSA for New
Zealand. It is without question a very smart looking aircraft that
exhibits some real potential to take on flying school duties as a
Cessna 152 replacement. When considered along with the P2006T
Twin, for which NZ and Australian sales are accumulating, 2011 is
shaping up to be a significant year for the company in Australasia.
In spite of being scheduled for the middle of Summer, the three
day Wings Over Wairarapa Airshow had to be cancelled on Sunday
following torrential rain that virtually submerged the airfield.
Fortunately, a good many spectators attended on Friday and
Saturday and enjoyed some superb displays during better patches in
the weather. Thanks to several contributors, we have assembled a
very nice collection of pictures from the event which Chris Gee has
added words to. Wings Over Wairarapa marked the welcome return
of the Red Checkers to our airshow display circuit and Chris has
also interviewed Red Checkers Squadron Leader Jim Rankin for a
separate article in this issue.
I spent a most enjoyable day at the annual Walsh Memorial Scout
Flying School during January. Now in its 45th year, the 2011
school had 68 students attending, the majority ab-initio, all of
whom achieved their first solo during two weeks of living and
breathing aviation at Matamata Aerodrome. The school has a great
atmosphere about it and provides an excellent start in aviation for
the future pilots who attend it. With no salary budget and a staff
of 60, the school depends on the generosity of volunteers and
sponsors who all deserve the highest recognition for their effort.
That said, most don’t seek any recognition at all, and are there
simply because they want to give something back to the aviation
community and support an extremely well run organisation. Utterly
non commercial and yet with materials and a programme that many
full time flying schools should aspire to, the school is a credit to all
those involved with it.
Another highlight of the last two months for your Editor was a ride
in the back of the L-39 Albatros now resident at Ardmore. Without
wanting to lose any more friends (several refused to speak to me
afterwards), I’ve described this particularly good experience for
readers on our regular Warbirds pages.
This issue also contains our usual columns on Photography
(don’t forget to enter our photo competition before 31st March),
Insurance, Gyros, Modelling, Places to Go, Gliding, and more. In
regard to gliding, big congratulations are due to Alex McCaw who
has just become the world’s youngest 1000km diploma glider pilot.
Proud Mum Jill has collaborated with Carrie Miller to write about
Alex’s feat in her regular gliding column.
Lastly, the tragic events in Christchurch are certain to have affected
many of our readers. Along with the rest of the nation, our
thoughts are with you.
Michael Norton
Editor, KiwiFlyer Magazine
In this issue
Front Cover: Giovanni Nustrini in the new Tecnam P2008 over the
Hauraki Gulf in February. Photograph by Michael Norton.
KiwiFlyer is focused on the New Zealand aviation marketplace. Call us to discuss how we can help your business. 3
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First Tecnam P2008 Arrives in NZ
We take a close look at the distinctive
and capable P2008 which arrived in New
Zealand just two weeks ago.
Wings Over Wairarapa
Although rained out on Sunday, there were
still plenty of spectators and some great
flying displays on Friday and Saturday.
The Red Checkers Return
After standing down last year, the Red
Checkers are back. Chris Gee interviewed
SQNLDR Jim Rankin.
The Walsh Memorial Scout Flying School
The 45th Walsh saw 68 students immersed
in aviation for two weeks at Matamata.
A Change of Pace
Frank Parker has been flying the L-39
Albatros now resident at Ardmore. Your
KiwiFlyer Editor went for a ride too.
Kamov KA-32 Transits New Zealand
A large and unusual helicopter flew from
Auckland to Christchurch recently.
Aviation Photography Part Four
Chris Gee advises on composition,
panning, and putting it all together. Check
out the KiwiFlyer photo competition too.
Middle Earth Flying School
We profile a growing school with significant
investments in process.
FK-Lightplanes in New Zealand
An update on the FK model offering and
recent glider towing duties at Whenuapai.
World’s youngest 1000km glider pilot
Alex McCaw had a big day gliding in
December and claimed a significant record.
Brako Gyros arrive in New Zealand
A new autogyro type has arrived in NZ.
Model Aeroplanes Galore
Janice Angus describes a fun day at her
local aero modelling club.
Places to Go: Rotorua
This month, Ruth Presland visits Rotorua.
6. Industry News Briefs
14. Accidents and Incidents
44. ZK Review
47 . Event Guide
48. Classified Advertising