Today's picture is a Piper PA28RT-201T Turbo Arrow, ZK-TFD, from Christchurch. I've never flown a Turbo Arrow, and it has been many years [probably 17 years or so] since I flew any type of Arrow ..read more

This past week, I was helping to run the annual Flying NZ National Championships for 2023, which were hosted by the team at Marlborough Aero Club at Omaka aerodrome [NZOM]. This year we were privileged to have some sponsorship from Dr Dave and his Healthy Bastards Club [also a registered charity], including having Dr Dave as our guest speaker at the Friday evening awards presentation dinner. More on the dinner later. This was a particularly special competition, since last year we had to cancel due to covid-related restrictions, and some additional safety risks that the pandemic posed for us. A ..read more

This Mitsubishi MU-2B-60, ZK-PSR, arrived and departed Wellington on Saturday. This aircraft is operated as an air ambulance, by Search and Rescue Services Ltd of a Tāupo address. These are interesting aircraft, but with a chequered history, at least until the FAA began mandating a specific type rating for the aircraft. Lots of details in here https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Mitsubishi_MU-2. One interesting snippet I had forgotten was that the RNZAF acquired four of these aircraft, for use as ground instructional airframes. Mitsubishi MU-2B-60, ZK-PSR, operated by Search and Rescue Service ..read more

I got to strap on the Nanchang CJ6A, ZK-MAO, today and go for a flight. First up some dual circuits, then a few myself. Normal circuits, flap-less, short approaches and a go around and it [almost] feels like it had not been away for a few months. Fun times! I might take it for another ride tomorrow. We'll see.  Finally, at the end of the day, a chance to show a young lad who had been watching rather eagerly through the plane. Nanchang CJ6A, ZK-MAO, operated by Wellington Aero Club ..read more

Today's picture [from last Wednesday] was this Pilatus PC12/45, ZK-PLT. This aircraft is operated by Sounds Air. Pilatus PC12/45, ZK-PLT, operated by Sounds Air ..read more

A visitor to Wellington on Wednesday afternoon was this Piper POAS38-112, ZK-DMF. This aircraft is operated by Marlborough Aero Club. Piper PA38-112, ZK-DMF, operated by Marlborough Aero Club ..read more

It is good to be on holiday. I'm back in Wellington now, and during a quick visit to the airport, there was time to photograph a small number of arrivals and departures. For this post, we have a Boeing 737-8 MAX, DQ-FAE, which is operated by Fiji Airways, departing Wellington. Boeing 737-8 MAX, DQ-FAE, operated by Fiji Airways Boeing 737-8 MAX, DQ-FAE, operated by Fiji Airways ..read more

Ever wanted to fold some incredible paper airplanes? Here's a great video that will help. Perfect for if the weather is not good enough for flying the real airplane over the Christmas break ? http://clipart-library.com/clipart/6Tp6xL47c.htm ..read more

Another day of playing with the new camera today. It is a fairly gloomy day. Hopefully I'll get to play more on a bright and sunny day soon. First up is a Air NZ-operated de Havilland Canada DHC-8-311, ZK-NES. de Havilland Canada DHC-8-311, ZK-NES, operated by Air New Zealand Next up is an Airbus A320-232, ZK-OJQ, landing at Wellington. Airbus A320-232, ZK-OJQ, operated by Air New Zealand Last up is another Airbus A320, this time ZK-OJS. Airbus A320-232, ZK-OJS, operated by Air New Zealand ..read more

This from a few weeks ago - Cessna U206G, ZK-ENT, which is operated by Pelorus Air. Cessna U206G, ZK-ENT, operated by Pelorus Air ..read more