May 1995
IT'S FOUR years since the first Aermacchi MB-339CB took to New Zealand skies. The type entered service with No. 14 Squadron during 1991 to replace ageing BAC Mk 88 Strikemasters, (the RNZAF always designate their aircraft by the name of the original manufacturer. BAC was amalgamated into British Aerospace (BAe) after the Strikemasters entered New Zealand service) and although welcomed by the Air Force, has had a chequered career since which has drawn a good deal of media attention.
THE Mil Mi-8 is a very large helicopter with a heavy lift capability. YS-1005P was being used to lift selectively felled native trees from the Westland forest in the vicinity of Hokitika. On the day of the accident it was in transit from Hokitika to the worksite. A witness saw it flying normally, but shortly afterwards heard noises associated with in-flight breakup and subsequent ground impact. The two-man crew and their passenger were killed.
IT HAS been over five decades since this particular keel was laid in a Canadian "boat" yard, some six decades since an American aeronautical draftsman detailed the design into existence - subsequently modified to take an undercarriage. Now registered Papa Bravo Yankee - a proud elderly American - Catalina PBY-5A CV-357 is arguably one of the world's most travelled aircraft remaining of its vintage. This aircraft has rubbed shoulders with both icebergs and elephants.
Mark Woodhouse Takes A Look At A Classic Newcomer.
NO it's not a homebuilt! Although you could be forgiven for thinking so at first glance. It is in fact the ERCO Ercoupe 415. A classic aircraft which made a number of valuable contributions to the development of general aviation aircraft. Almost 6000 examples were produced between 1937 and 1970 in a variety of model variations. The story of the Ercoupe in New Zealand began back in 1947 with Taranaki farmer and WW2 pilot Harry Newton and continues today with, among others, his son Matt.
NO it's not a homebuilt! Although you could be forgiven for thinking so at first glance. It is in fact the ERCO Ercoupe 415. A classic aircraft which made a number of valuable contributions to the development of general aviation aircraft. Almost 6000 examples were produced between 1937 and 1970 in a variety of model variations. The story of the Ercoupe in New Zealand began back in 1947 with Taranaki farmer and WW2 pilot Harry Newton and continues today with, among others, his son Matt.
The Aircraft That Initiated The Current Era Of Exotic Warbirds In New Zealand Skies. ZK-TAF, Now In Auckland Skies, And Flown By John Sager. Camera Ship Harvard NZ1098 Flown By Bruce Chapman. Neville Dawson Photograph.
 June 1995 |
 April 1995 |
 December 2017 |