MRC Aviation: 2007

French Army Casa 235 tail number 105 flew from Wellington to Auckland and Noumea as "Cotam 1161". It had flown from Noumea to Whenuapai, Ohakea and Christchurch 27Dec and noted at Wellington 28Dec.

Boeing BBJ N66ZB departed Auckland for Papeete and Mexico.

Alpha Aviation dispatched another Alpha, ZK-ZXY/3, with the aircraft departing the Hamilton factory for Kerikeri and Norfolk Island where it overnighted and continued to Lord Howe Island and Bankstown 30Dec.

Citation Mustang N2243W visited Ardmore for the first time today, arriving from and returning to Hastings.

Citationjet CJ3 ZK-TBM flew a Queenstown-Christchurch-Queenstown run today.

Queenstown's visiting bizjet collection increased by two today with the arrival of Global Express N887WM from Auckland and Gulfstream 550 N282Q from Kailua-Kona.

.

Alticor Gulfstream 5 N525AC arrived at Queenstown around 0830 from Grand Rapids via a techstop at Honolulu.

Gulfstream 550 VP-BBO arrived at Auckland 0700 from Rio Gallegos.

Citationjet CJ3 ZK-TBM flew from Auckland to Queenstown while Westwind ZK-RML flew from Auckland to Rotorua, and later returned to Auckland from Mount Cook. Gulfstream 200 ZK-RGB touched down at Napier from Sydney and after its passengers disembarked continued home to Auckland.

Dean Phillips Challenger 300 N41DP departed Auckland at 0800 for Papeete.

It is seen here on finals to land at Auckland 26Dec, Wayne Grant photo

The Air Group Gulfstream N521HN departed Invercargill at 0812 for Papeete.

Learjet 35A VH-LJJ departed Auckland for the Gold Coast using its registration as callsign.

Gulfstream 200 ZK-RGB departed Queenstown for Taupo, Auckland and Sydney whilst Citationjet CJ3 ZK-TBM departed Queenstown for Nelson, Napier and Auckland.

Mooney M20C VH-THW touched down at Wellington late afternoon 25Dec from Norfolk Island and Kerieri. To Queenstown 26Dec.

Learjet 35 VH-LJJ returned to Auckland 26Dec from Noumea and Niue on a medivac flight.

Gulfstream 5 N521HN departed Wellington for Invercargill 26Dec.

Dean Phillip's Challenger 300 N41DP arrived at Auckland early evening from Essendon 26Dec.

Westwind ZK-RML flew from Queenstown to Kerikeri and back to Auckland 26Dec.

Gulfstream 200 ZK-RGB flew from Nelson to Queenstown late on 26Dec.

Falcon 900EX N146EX departed Auckland for Brisbane 26Dec.

Westwind ZK-RML flew from Auckland to Queenstown.

Gulfstream 200 ZK-RGB flew from Auckland to Queenstown then to Nelson.

Danish Falcon 2000EX OY-EJD, operated by Air Elsie and using the callsign "Mermaid 635" arrived at Kaitaia from Athens via stops at Singapore, Darwin and Auckland.

At Auckland, Wayne Grant photo

Citation 501 N800DT landed at Ardmore just prior to 0230 22Dec from Dunedin, having flown south the previous day.

Air Tiger 1 LLC Gulfstream 5 N50KC arrived into Napier 22Dec from Teterboro via Honolulu.

Gandel's Global Express VH-TGG arrived at Auckland 22Dec from Honolulu. The passengers then travelled to Gisborne onboard Westwind ZK-RML which later returned to Auckland. VH-TGG departed 23Dec for its Essendon home.

Westwind VH-ZYH arrived into Queenstown from Essendon 22Dec, and departed for Launceston 23Dec.

Citation Mustang N2243W flew from Hastings to Hamilton and return 22Dec.

Air Chathams Metroliner ZK-CIC departed Auckland for Tonga 22Dec using its registration as callsign. It had arrived from Christchurch via Hastings earlier that day as "Chathams 1". It returned to Auckland from Tonga 23Dec.

Nomad VH-ATO departed from Hamilton for Nelson 22Dec having not been noted flying since the beginning of December.

Careflight Learjet 35 VH-LJJ arrived at Auckland from the Gold Coast 23Dec as "Careflight 36". It departed later the same morning for Sydney.

Global Express N887WM jetted into Auckland around 0830 from Honolulu on 23Dec. This aircraft is also expected to visit Queenstown.

Gulfstream 550 B-KGV departed Queenstown direct to Nadi.

Gulfstream 200 ZK-RGB flew from Auckland to Queenstown and back to Auckland.

Learjet 35A ZK-XVL departed Ardmore for Westport, Taupo, back to Westport then home to Ardmore.

Citation 501 N800DT flew from Ardmore to Dunedin.

Air National Guard Lockheed C130's 83-0491 and 76-3301 arrived at Christchurch from William Field.

Gulfstream 150 demonstrator N150GD departed Christchurch for Queenstown late morning and was then noted carrying out a demonstration flight for a local business person. It departed Queenstown direct to Nadi during the afternoon and overnight at Pago Pago. To Kona 21Dec.

Resting in Canterbury drizzle, Tony McFarlin photo

Ingham's Citation VII VH-ING returned to NZ, briefly visiting Palmerston North, arriving from and returning to Sydney.

Pacificjets Citationjet CJ3 ZK-TBM made for Palmerston North's second bizjet arrival today, arriving from Sydney. It then continued to Auckland. ZK-TBM has carried out a number of flights within Australia and has been noted at Brisbane, Cairns, Adelaide, Perth and Sydney.

DHL Boeing 727-200 freighter VH-DHE flew a seasonal flight from Auckland to Noumea and return on behalf of Air Calin.

Air NZ Boeing 777-200 ZK-OKB, operating as ANZ89 from Auckland to Pudong, diverted enroute to Fukuoka as a result of fog at their destination. After a fuel top up the 777 continued to Pudong.

Virgin Blue Boeing 737-800 VH-VOX, painted in Pacific Blue colours was noted parked at Christchurch this morning. The aircraft actually arrived back on 14Dec from Melbourne for a maintenance check and will enter service for a month period from 21Dec with Pacific Blue bringing their fleet number to 7 aircraft as they fly additional services across the Tasman and into the South Pacific.

At last, a busy day around the traps. Also, check the link to NZ Civil Aircraft blog (or http://www.nzcivair.blogspot.com/) for some great updates!

Leading the charge was the arrival at Wellington from Hong Kong of Gulfstream 5 N521HN.

Landing on a very wet day at Wellington, Bob Leask photo

Gulfstream 4SP ZK-KFB flew from Wellington to Auckland following the arrival of N521HN.

Rolling from Wellington's runway 16, Bob Leask photo

RAAF Challenger 604 A37-003 flew as forecast, from Wellington to Christchurch and Canberra.

Awaiting departure at Wellington, Bob Leask photo

Falcon 900EX N146EX visited Christchurch during the afternoon, arriving from Brisbane and continuing to Auckland.

Westwind ZK-RML flew from Auckland to Nadi during the afternoon, returning during the wee small hours of 20Dec.

Gulfstream 150 demostrator N150GD arrived at Christchurch from Essendon at 2115.

Parked at Essendon 18Dec, Gordon Reid photo

Beech 1900D c/n UE-388 and currently registered JA018A is destined to become ZK-EAR in the first quarter of 2008. The aircraft flew from Darwin to Cairns 17Dec and will undergo maintenance there before finally reaching NZ during March with an entry to service expected mid May. Hopefully it will arrive in the colours as depicted!

Air National's Gulfstream 4SP ZK-KFB returned home to Wellington today following its long stint in the USA with owner Peter Jackson and following an extended period of heavy maintenance and a repaint at Long Beach. Its routing back to NZ saw it depart from Philadeliphia, where Jackson has been based with a film project, then to Oakland, Honolulu, Apia and finally Wellington. Photos to follow once the weather clears enough in Wellington!

Hawaiian Airlines Boeing 767-300 N584HA is set to depart Auckland for Honolulu at midday following its C check with Air NZ.

Another Air Nelson Saab 340 departed Nelson for Apia with ZK-NLH departing just on midday.

Royal Australian Air Force Challenger 604 A37-003 returned to Wellington today having visited the capital earlier this month. Again, the aircraft arrived from Noumea via Norfolk Island this time as "Ausy 343". If the earlier trend continues, it will fly to Christchurch and Canberra 19Dec.

As detailed in the following link, PAC XL750 ZK-KAY was damaged in a midair collision on Sunday UK time. ZK-KAY was delivered to the UK for parachute operations in mid 2004.

http://www.thesun.co.uk/sol/homepage/news/article590545.ece

Boeing BBJ N66ZB made its first trip to Melbourne 17Dec, flying from and returning to its Auckland home.

Falcon 900EX N146EX departed Auckland for Essendon, the first flight it has made in over a month.

Atlas Air, operating on behalf of Qantas, operated a freighter charter through Auckland with Boeing 747-400 N409MC. It arrived from Sydney and departed to Pudong, Anchorage and New York as QFA7589.

Citation Mustang N2243W returned to Hastings from Dunedin this morning having flown over the reverse routing the previous day. Onwards from Hastings to Paraparaumu and Wellington.

Gulfstream 550 B-KGV arrived into Queenstown from Hong Kong.

Gulfstream 4SP ZK-KFB left Long Beach for Philadelphia.

Air NZ Boeing 767-300 ZK-NCK flew a charter on behalf of Air Pacific from Auckland to Nadi and return using the flight numbers NZ1944/1945. Air Pacific have been short of a 747-400 for a couple of months now whilst both aircraft underwent C checks in Singapore. DQ-FJK is due to position Singapore-Nadi 17Dec.

Westwind ZK-RML departed Auckland for Nadi 13Dec, returning the following morning from Nadi.

Piper Malibu N9099Z completed its maintenance at Nelson and returned to Rangiora 13Dec.

Mil 8 ER-MHH, which had been resident at Ardmore for a couple of days, carried out a circuit and later departed to the East 13Dec.

Airtractor 402B VH-FLD arrived at Palmerston North 14Dec from Lord Howe Island on delivery to Rural Aviation as ZK-RMW. After clearing customs etc it continued to its new home of Fielding.

The Royal Australian Air Force King Air A32-350, which has been grounded at Christchurch since its encounter with severe turbulence back in mid November, carried out a test flight from/to Christchurch 14Dec and then continued to Whenuapai where it overnighted. 15Dec saw it fly to Norfolk Island and Brisbane.

Air National Corporate's Gulfstream 4SP ZK-KFB carried out a post heavy maintenance test flight from/to Long Beach 15Dec NZ time. The GIV had arrived at Long Beach back on 25Sep.

A busy day on the Christchurch Deep Freeze apron 15Dec with three C17 Globemaster III's parked, 02-1104, 02-1106 and 02-1107.

Gulfstream 4SP N119AF left Queenstown before lunch heading for Melbourne.

Convair 580 VH-PDV departed Palmerston North for Norfolk Island at the conclusion of its maintenance visit with Fieldair.

Westwind ZK-RML made a trip from Auckland to Niue and return.

Cessna 441 Conquest ZK-NFD flew from Christchurch to the Chatham Islands and return.

Ingham's Citation VII VH-ING visited Auckland briefly, arriving from Hamilton and departing for Sydney and Bankstown.

Learjet 35A ZK-XVL flew from Ardmore to Taupo and return.

Gulfstream 4 N119AF departed Wellington for Queenstown.

Peter Van Dyk photo

Piper Malibu N9099Z flew from Rangiora to Nelson, and was later noted having maintenance carried out.

Gulfstream 550 CS-DKH, which visited NZ earlier in the month, departed Nadi for Anadyr, Russia as NJE897H.

IBM's Gulfstream 5 N780F departed Queenstown for Bridgeport, Connecticut and Westchester County via techstops at Auckland and Honolulu.

New Hampshire based Gulfstream 4SP N119AF arrived at Wellington from Maui and Pago Pago.

About to touchdown on Wellington's runway 34, Bob Leask photo http://bobleask.fotopic.net/

Ingham Group's Citation VII VH-ING jetted into Hamilton from Sydney mid afternoon.

Citation 560XLS VH-NGH departed Auckland for Sydney on conclusion of its NZ visit - for this time.

Piper PA46 Malibu N9099Z returned home to Rangiora from Ardmore.

An Air Chatham's Convair 580, possibly ZK-CIB, callsign "Chathams 580" , flew from Auckland to Tonga, an unusual event with Tonga usually closed to all operations on Sunday (religious protocol). Onwards to Wallis Island returning to Tonga later in the evening.

Citationjet CJ3 ZK-TBM flew from Christchurch to Brisbane and Cairns.

Challenger 604 VH-OCV was again this side of the Tasman, flying Sydney-Nelson-Queenstown-Sydney.

Westwind ZK-RML continued its spate of flying activity and flew from Auckland to Queenstown and return.

Citation 501 N800DT flew from Ardmore to Paraparaumu in the morning, returning to Ardmore late afternoon.

Citationjet CJ3 ZK-TBM flew from Christchurch to Napier and back to Christchurch.

Citation 560XLS VH-NGH departed Auckland for New Plymouth, returning to Auckland later the same day.

Gulfstream 5 N780F departed Auckland for Queenstown.

Piper Malibu N9099Z arrived at Ardmore from Rangiora.

Citation Mustang N2243W flew from Hastings to Hamilton and return.

RAAF General Dynamics F111's A8-129 and A8-142 departed Christchurch for Amberley at the conclusion of their week long deployment.

Piper PA31 ZK-NSP continued its SAR role out of Norfolk Island and was joined by an RNZAF Orion, Kiwi Rescue 365. The aircraft were searching for an overdue sailing ship, The Alvei, that was enroute from Vanuatu to NZ. The vessel was located prior to lunchtime some 760km north of NZ. ZK-NSP returned to Hamilton direct from Norfolk Island late 06Dec.

Citation 560XL VH-NGH departed Auckland for Nelson. The Citation was promptly hangered on its arrival. It returned to Auckland later the same day.

Westwind ZK-RML flew from Auckland to Rotorua and return.

Gulfstream 550 CS-DKH departed Auckland for Nadi as NJE897H.

Gulfstream 5 N780F arrived at Auckland mid afternoon from Sydney.

Gulfstream 4 HB-IKR battered crosswinds to arrive at New Plymouth mid afternoon direct from Sydney carry music sensation, Sir Elton John. It departed New Plymouth back to Sydney just prior to midnight at the conclusion of his one and only concert in NZ.

Citationjet CJ2 VH-MOR departed Wellington for Brisbane via a techstop at Norfolk Island.

Challenger 604 A37-003 departed Wellington for Christchurch and then onto Canberra.

Boeing 737-200 ZK-NQC flew from Auckland to Palmerston North, Christchurch, Palmerston North, Christchurch and back to Auckland.

Arriving at Auckland from Singapore this morning was Airbus A340-312 LV-BMT (48) on its delivery flight to Aerolineas Argentinas. The aircraft has most recently been operated by Air Canada as C-FDRO in Star Alliance colours however it is now painted in the colours of its new operator. After crew rest it is expected the aircraft will depart 2100LT 06Dec for Buenos Aries.

Lowe Corporation Citation 510 Mustang N2243W departed its Hastings base for Auckland this morning.

Challenger 604 VH-OCV returned to NZ, arriving at Queenstown from Sydney. It departed shortly after back to Sydney.

Learjet 35 ZK-XVL flew Christchurch-Nelson-Ardmore.

Citation 560XL VH-NGH flew Timaru-Christchurch-Auckland.

Citation CJ2 VH-MOR arrived at Wellington from Brisbane,

Citation CJ3 ZK-TBM flew from Christchurch to Auckland and return.

Gulfstream 200 ZK-RGB flew from Auckland to Rotorua and return.

Piper PA31-350 ZK-NSP departed Hamilton for search and rescue operations off Northland's East Coast, eventually landing at Kaitaia. It departed there fore further SAR work and ended up landing at Norfolk Island.

Cessna 421 ZK-TRC flew from Feilding to the Chathams, this time landing at the island. It returned to Fielding later that afternoon in company with BK117 ZK-HYZ ex its fire fighting duties on the island.

The two RAAF F111's departed Christchurch for points unknown whilst RAAF Challenger 604 A37-003 arrived at Wellington, possible from Norfolk Island, as ASY745.

Noted at Ardmore and a very long way from its Cornwall, UK based was Piper PA32R-301T Saratoga N515SC. The aircraft departed the UK back on 26Apr on an around the world journey and arrived at Kerikeri from Norfolk Island 03Dec. From Kerikeri to Ardmore and then to North Shore/Dairy Flat 04Dec. The owners inform me they will still be in NZ for Christmas.

Exiting a container at Flightline Aviation were two imports, Cessna 172S N35364 and Cessna 182T ZK-JSL.

In the Eurocopter hanger was a yellow and black Eurocopter, either 120 or 135, however no markings. Could this be the VH registered machine that was seen at the Ports of Auckland 12+ days ago and here on holiday?

The Agusta A119 Koala VH-PTR is now minus titles and interestingly the Taranaki Rescue Trust's Koala, ZK-ITR, remains in a million pieces some two weeks after since last noted.

Boeing BBJ N66ZB touched down at Auckland late morning from Los Angeles via Nadi.

Citation 560XL VH-NGH departed Timaru for Hokitika then onto Mount Cook. Later to Timaru, Christchurch and back to Timaru.

Learjet 35 ZK-XVL departed Timaru for Hokitika then onto Mount Cook. Later to Timaru, Christchurch, Timaru and eventually stopping at Christchurch.

Learjet 35 VH-LJJ visited Christchurch during the wee small hours, arriving from and returning to Melbourne.

Nomad VH-ATO has been flying around the Raglan area on survey flights, obviously ex Hamilton.

The two RAAF F111's departed Christchurch for a navigational exercise which took them overhead Hokitika, then southwards before returning to Christchurch.

As mentioned a couple of days ago, Airwork registered their 4th Boeing 737 freighter ZK-TLD on 01Dec. The aircraft arrived at Brisbane this evening on completion of its Trans-Pacific ferry flight and was in full Toll livery.
The aircraft was flown by a US ferry crew and the routing was Miami-Long Beach-Honolulu-Majuro-Brisbane.

Citationjet CJ3 ZK-TBM departed Christchurch for Queenstown, then to Wellington, Auckland and back to Christchurch.

Westwind ZK-RML departed Nelson for Queenstown, Wellington and then to Auckland.

Learjet 35 ZK-XVL flew from Invercargill to Oamaru, back to Invercargill, and then back to Oamaru!

Citation XLS VH-NGH flew from Invercargill to Oamaru

Boeing 737-200 ZK-NQC flew from Invercargill to Auckland

Dash 8 ZK-VAC flew from Wellington to Invercargill, Oamaru and back to Wellington.

Convair 580 ZK-CIB flew from Auckland to Hamilton, then to Oamaru, Christchurch and the Chatham Islands.

RAAF F111's A8-129 and A8-142 flew a South Island navigation exercise from/to Christchurch using the callsign "COLT". Rough routing was to be towards Invercargill, then west of Timaru, over towards the West Coast, up to Nelson then back to Christchurch.

A busy day around the country:

Citationjet CJ3 ZK-TBM, which had flown from Queenstown to Brisbane 01Dec, appears to have continued to Hamilton Island, then back to Brisbane and Christchurch arriving in the early hours of 02Dec.

Gulfstream 200 ZK-RGB flew from Auckland to Queenstown, then north to Rotorua and home to Auckland.

Learjet 35 ZK-XVL left its Ardmore base for Rotorua, Wanganui and Invercargill where it then overnighted.

Ciation XLS VH-NGH departed Auckland for Napier, then from there direct to Sydney before again crossing the Tasman and arriving at Invercargill.

Boeing 737-200QC ZK-NQC flew a number of passenger charters 02Dec, departing Auckland for Dunedin, then to Palmerston North, south to Invercargill, then to Wellington and back to Invercargill!

Dash 8 ZK-VAC, using the callsign Vincent 810, flew from Wellington to Invercargill.

Boeing 737-700 VH-VBK departed Christchurch for Brisbane following maintenance with Air NZ.

Cessna 182 ZK-SLL was noted flying from the Rotorua region to Pauanui. This aircraft is ex N818CF which was noted at Ardmore in mid November and interestingly it was placed on the register back in September but has only just received its C of A work.

Airwork NZ, operating for Toll Holdings in Australia, registered Boeing 737-300 freighter

ZK-TLD 01Dec. The aircraft, ex N520AU, carried out a test flight on its American registration from/to Miami on 29Nov. It is not yet known what routing the aircraft will take to Australia.

Citationjet CJ3 ZK-TBM departed Queenstown early afternoon for Brisbane.

Boeing BBJ VP-CEC departed Auckland for Bali.

Jetting into Auckland this morning was Challenger 604 VH-OCV from Narita and Port Moresby. The Challenger departed that evening for Sydney.

Arriving at Christchurch around lunchtime was Sydney based Global Express N889CP. The aircraft, which made its first visit to NZ just last Sunday (see earlier post) arrived from Macau and after refuelling, leg stretching and a crew change continued to Buenos Aires.

Departing from Christchurch, Glen Reid photo

Boeing BBJ VP-CEC departed Woodbourne for Auckland late afternoon.

Citation VII VH-DHN departed Auckland for Melbourne's Essendon Airport.

Air Manawatu Cessna 421 Golden Eagle ZK-TRC departed its Fielding home direct to the Chatham Islands. It returned to Fielding later this evening however may have not landed at the island as it seems the aircraft provided SAR coverage for Rick Lucas Helicopters BK117 ZK-HYZ.

Noted flying just to the west of Hamilton mid afternoon was Pitts S2 Special VH-PIG. Records show this aircraft also in the Hamilton area back in December 2006.

Speaking of Australian Pigs (!), two Royal Australian Air Force General Dynamics F111's roared into Christchurch early this evening. The aircraft arrived from Amberley and have the tail numbers A8-129 and A8-142. It is understood the aircraft will be on exercise from Christchurch for the first week of December.

Japan Airlines flew the final flight in their series of charters today with Boeing 747-400 JA8910. It arrived from Narita as JAL8777 and departed to Fukuoka as JAL8860.

Qantas operated Boeing 767-300 VH-OGJ through Wellington on their regular QF47/48 service in lieu of the regular Boeing 737-400 to accomodate the LA Galaxy soccer team and its superstar player David Beckham.

Netjets Europe Gulfstream 550 CS-DKH arrived at Christchurch from Cape Town and Perth around 1930 as NJE897H. This brand new aircraft then continued to Auckland arriving around 2300. This machine was only registered in September this year.

Arriving at Christchurch, Graham Weatherby photo

Air National Corporate placed Gulfstream 200 N658GA on the NZ register 28Nov07 as ZK-RGB.

The aircraft has been a regular scene sinces its arrival a couple of months ago. It flew for the first time as ZK-RGB 29Nov flying from Auckland to Rotorua and return.

Departing Auckland's runway 05R, Colin Hunter photo

Yup, an odd title I know! However an opportunity to watch some agricultural aviation at work just a short distance from Auckland International Airport.

A commercial strawberry farm was established near the Puhinui Interchange (approximately 1.2nm final for Auckland's runway 23L) several years ago and the patch has been aerial sprayed for the last few years utilising Oceania equipment. McDonnell Douglas Notar ZK-HDN has been used up until this year when it was replaced at the operator's Drury base by Aerospatiale AS350BA Squirrel ZK-HIE, seen here at work around 0545 28Nov07. The helicopter operates at or below 100ft remaining clear of arriving or departing traffic and usually takes about 2 hours to complete the task.

Mike Condon photo

Tuesday 27 November 2007
Citation 560XL VH-NGH arrived at Auckland from Napier 27Nov.
Citation Sovereign VH-EXG departed Auckland for Cairns and Melbourne 27Nov.
Boeing BBJ N66ZB departed Auckland for Nadi and Los Angeles 27Nov.
Reims/Cessna 406 ZK-VAF returned to Wellington from Norfolk Island 27Nov having departed some weeks ago on an Airways Corporation calibration contract.
Air Chathams Convair 580 ZK-CIB flew from Apia to Tonga and Auckland 27Nov, and used its registration as callsign.

Wednesday 28 November 2007
Pacific Aerospace XL750 ZK-JNF departed Hamilton for Lord Howe Island early on 28Nov. This machine is on delivery to Italy and will possibly enter the San Marino register as T7-PAC.
Citationjet CJ3 ZK-TBM flew from Nelson to Queenstown, having arrived at Nelson from Rotorua and Woodbourne 26Nov.
Westwind ZK-RML flew from Auckland to Kerikeri and Rotorua. Later in the day it flew to Taupo and back to Auckland.
Citation VII VH-DHN flew from Christchurch to Auckland.

Resting at Christchurch 28Nov, Tony McFarlin photo

Hawaiian Airlines Boeing 767-300 N584HA touched down at Auckland from Honolulu as HAL9981 for its C check with Air NZ. It is set to return back to Hawaii around 20Dec.

Citation 560XL VH-NGH, based at Bankstown with SJMF Investments/Sunshine Express Airlines, arrived in Auckland around 0220LT from Melbourne. This is the first visit of VH-NGH to NZ which was delivered in September this year. From Auckland to Timaru midday Monday, then onto Invercargill, Oamaru, Christchurch and Napier! However it is reported the aircraft returned to Christchurch ex airborne.

Seen here departing Christchurch, Graham Weatherby photo.

Professional Jets Citation VII VH-DHN arrived at Christchurch around 0230LT from Sydney.

Citation 680 Sovereign VH-EXG flew Essendon-Auckland.

Westwind ZK-RML arrived back in Auckland from Sydney. It continued to Taupo later the same day.

Cargolux operated their all grey Boeing 747-400 freighter LX-PCV through Auckland today.
http://www.airliners.net/open.file/1294168/M/

A Royal Australian Air Force Lockheed P3 Orion arrived at Whenuapai from Western shores as ASY275.

Nelson skies were graced with Sydney-based Global Express N889CP, which arrived around 2000 and departed an hour later. It flew from/to its home base. This aircraft was delivered to Consolidated Press in March 2006 as N190WP and was first noted as N889CP in June that same year. Today marked the aircraft's first visit to NZ.

Jetcity's Learjet 35 VH-JCR made a fleeting visit to Auckland late Sunday night, arriving from and returning to Melbourne on a medical related flight.

Pionair Convair 580 VH-PDV arrived at Fieldair's Palmerston North maintenance facility from Brisbane.

Not a great deal of action to report on.
FU24 Fletcher PK-PNC, ex ZK-EGU, departed Hamilton at 0330LT heading for Lord Howe Island direct on delivery to Indonesia.

Wayne Grant photo

Citation N800DT flew from Ardmore to Christchurch, Woodbourne and then back over the reverse route.

Beech D17S Staggerwing ZK-AMU, seen here touching down at Ardmore 17Nov, has changed ownership as at 01Nov to a New South Wales address. ZK-AMU has graced NZ skies for almost 12 years under the caring attention of Robin Campbell.

Touching down runway 03 @ Ardmore 17Nov, Mike Condon photo

Beech G17S Staggerwing ZK-MOE remains based in the Hawkes Bay.

Challenger 604 VH-OCV returned to NZ, arriving at Nelson from Sydney, then continuing to Queenstown and back to Sydney.

Falcon 20 Gardian 77 departed Whenuapai for Niue and Papeete as FNY5431.

Boeing 737-800 VH-VUM departed Christchurch for Melbourne following routine maintenance with Air NZ.

Convair 580 ZK-PAL flew from Hamilton to Timaru and return as "Pionair 1".

Piper PA31-325 ZK-WSB flew from Wigram to Woodbourne and Timaru.

Skytrader's Airbus A319CJ VH-VHD departed Christchurch for Antarctica's Ice Runway 22Nov as "ICE319". It returned to Christchurch later the same day.

Westwind ZK-RML flew from Auckland to Queenstown and Sydney while Citationjet CJ3 ZK-TBM flew Christchurch-Wellington-Christchurch-Queenstown-Christchurch.

Learjet 45 VH-CXJ visited Invercargill briefly, arriving from Hobart and departing to Sydney.

In addition to the action at Wellington today, some other aviation activity was taking place.

Challenger 604 VH-OCV arrived into Queenstown from Sydney, then continued to Nelson and back to Sydney.
Global Express VH-TGG briefly visited Auckland, arriving from Essendon and departing for Sydney.

A French Navy Falcon 20 Gardian, tail number 77, callsign FNY5431, arrived at Whenuapai from Papeete via a techstop at Niue.

Hawaiian Airlines Boeing 767-300 N583HA finally departed Auckland around midday for Honolulu as HAL9980.

Japan Airlines flew yet another in their series of charters to Auckland and again used Boeing 747-400 JA8910.

Atlas Air Cargo Boeing 747-400 freighter N492MC, contracted to Qantas, visited Auckland in the afternoon, arriving from and returning to Melbourne carrying concert equipment for Justin Timberlake. The Jumbo returned in the early hours of 22Nov and departed mid afternoon for Shangai.

Wings Over Whales Cessna 172 ZK-VCM was flipped on its back at Wellington around 1030 Wed 21Nov.
http://www.tv3.co.nz/NewsVideo/FlippedlightaircraftclosesWellingtonairport/tabid/309/articleID/39746/cat/81/Default.aspx

Peter Van Dyk photos

Fairly quiet period to report on.

Westwind ZK-RML flew Auckland-Niue 17Nov and was also noted flying Rarotonga-Tonga. It is now back in its hanger at Auckland.

Air NZ Boeing 737-300 ZK-FRE, in its NZ Holiday scheme, operated Auckland-Gold Coast-Auckland 17Nov in lieu of an Airbus. First recorded visit of ZK-FRE heading overseas in its new livery.

Cessna Mustang N2243W flew from Woodbourne to Hastings 17Nov and had earlier been noted at Hamilton.

Malibu N9099Z flew Pauanui Beach-Rangiora 18Nov.

Gulfstream 200 N658GA, in the SkyCare hanger, was observed minus its registration so its entry to the ZK register as RGB is imminent.
Boeing 737-700 VH-VBJ arrived at Christchurch 19Nov from Melbourne whilst Citation CJ3 ZK-TBM flew from Christchurch to Auckland, Queenstown and back to Christchurch.

Airbus A319CJ VH-VHD departed Christchurch just before 0830 19Nov for Antarctica's Ice Runway using the callsign "ICE319".

Hawaiian Airlines Boeing 767-300 N583HA is set to depart Auckland early midday 20Nov for Honolulu as "Hawaiian 9980".

Cessna Mustang N2243W flew from Hastings to Hamilton and back to Hastings.
FAA Challenger 604 N88 departed Christchurch for Pago Pago and Hawaii as "Flightcheck 88".
Boeing 767-300 CX-PUG departed at 1645 as "Pluna 6404" direct to Montevideo.

Malibu's N9099Z and ZK-MBU both noted at Ardmore.

Mike Condon photo

As has been mentioned in the media and on numerous websites, Air NZ will next year acquire two additional 737-300's to bring the fleet total to 16.

The first is due around 14Mar08 as 9H-ADH c/n 27459 and will become ZK-NGP.
The second is due around 27Apr08 as 9H-ADI c/n 27460 and will become ZK-NGR.

Thomsonfly Boeing 737-300 G-THOE is expected to return home mid Apr08.

Rank's Boeing BBJ N66ZB arrived into Auckland this morning from Newark via a techstop at Honolulu. The BBJ departed Auckland on 04Nov for O'Hare via Honolulu and also visited Stansted and Fort Lauderdale during its absence from NZ.

Boeing 767-300 P2-ANG was photographed wearing its new identity CX-PUG this afternoon with the aircraft slated to now depart for Montevideo direct at 1900 Fri 16Nov.

Now wearing its Uruguayan registration, Wayne Grant photo

Challenger 604 VH-OCV departed Queenstown for Sydney and Malibu N9099Z flew from Rangiora to Pauanui Beach. Nomad VH-ATO flew a local flight out of Hamilton during the morning.

US FAA Challenger 604 N88 that has been sitting at Christchurch for a number of days departed this morning at 0615 for McMurdo Sound via an approach at Italy's Antarctic base, Terra Nova, if the weather permitted. The aircraft returned to Christchurch from McMurdo later in the evening.

Ex Air Niugini Boeing 767-300 P2-ANG, now registered CX-PUG, wasdue to depart Auckland late 14Nov direct to Montevideo, Uruguay, on delivery to Pluna. However it did not move!

As mentioned yesterday, Learjet 45XR N45XR flew from Auckland to Christchurch where a demonstration flight was carried out before returning to Auckland and then heading north to Noumea.

Finals to land at Auckland 14Nov, Colin Hunter photo

Skytraders PTY Airbus A319-115 VH-VHD, employed with the Australian Antarctic programme, arrived at Christchurch from Hobart this afternoon and it is understood the aircraft will carry out proving flights to/from Antarctica. The following is an excerpt from Skytraders website:
Throughout the Austral summer [ October-February ] our aircraft operates a weekly flight from Hobart in Tasmania to a blue-ice runway located at Wilkins Antarctica that serves as the hub for our annual Antarctic programme. At Wilkins, scientists board one of two Skytraders ski-equipped CASA 212 aircraft that will carry them on to the Australian stations at Davis and Casey or perhaps to remote outfield locations where they will conduct cold-climate science in support of the ongoing study of global climate change. The need to minimise time spent on the ground in potentially harsh Antarctic conditions means that a round-trip is completed in around 10 hours thereby minimising the amount of time that the aircraft is away from mainland Australia. This fact means that the A319/ACJ is available for corporate charter or use by other government agencies for the vast majority of the summer season, in addition to its open availability during the Austral winter.

Taxiing to the Deep Freeze apron at Christchurch 14Nov, Tony McFarlin photo

Falcon 900EX N146EX returned home to Auckland from Brisbane.

Black Sands Fly-In November 2007 by Bruce Cooke and Mike Condon

The Waikato/Thames Valley Chapter of the NZ Sports Aircraft Association held their second annual flyin at Raglan over the weekend of 10-11 November. The highlight of the weekend’s activity is a fly-in to Gibson Beach with a number of aircraft making the short trip north. Check out http://rnzaf.proboards43.com/index.cgi?board=airshow&action=display&thread=1183960292&page=1 for some photos from 2006 and 2007.

The following is a list of aircraft recorded as visiting the Raglan Airstrip from 09-11Nov;

ALPI Aviation; CJN, CJW, LPA, LPT, PKT, RMV, TNB
Auster; ATH, BLW
Auto Gyro; RGG
Avid Flyer; MMP
Bantam B22; SAM, SKI, WBB, WPR, ZZZ
Cal Parker Teenie Two; DUO
Cessna O1G; DOG
Cessna 150; CXK, DOB
Cessna 172; BZS, EOS, JCT, JRA, TFS
Cessna 180; KRM, WGT
Cessna 182; OFC, WKK
Corby Starlet; TNT, TOY
DHC1 Chipmunk; RFS
DH82 Tiger Moth; AUE, BFF
Dynamic; MLC
Europa; CHV
Falco; SMR
Foxcon Terrier; MEG, PCF
Glasair Sportsman 2+2; SPO
Glastar; MPO
Jabiru; CLX, ORN
Jodel D9/D11/D18; DBY, DFM, DJQ, EER, JAC, KSD, MMB, OWL
Kasperwing; FEH
Lancair; MHS
LM Spitfire U/L; JNM
Minicab; EEF
Minitwin Mk II; DBL
Pazmany; TLP
Piper PA18; BQV
Piper PA28; CNU, DGH, FOS, FRL, WEH
Piper PA38; EVG
Pipistrel Sinus (powered glider); GPI
Quad City Challenger; TPL
Rans S6; XLD
Robin; TZA
Robinson R44; IDL
Rutan VariEze; PND
Sportscruiser; CSR
Sting 2000; STG
Storch; STK
Storm; VEE
Taylor Monoplane; JOE
Tecnam P92/96/2002; CDL, MIC, NOL, OGX, PAB, RTM, TEB
Texan Top Class; TTX
Thorp T18; VMS
Titan; RSR
Ultravia Pelican; FTE, MAL
Vans RV4/6/7; NRV, REX, RVC, RVG, RVH, RVN, RVV
Wittman Tailwind; RET
Yak 52; TYS
Zenair series; ESY, JLI, JPX, JRL, MEY, NEN, ZKZ, ZXZ
Zephyr; ZFR

Learjet 45XR N45XR arrived at Auckland just prior to 0800 from Sydney 13Nov. The aircraft is in the region carrying out demonstration flights and was first noted arriving into Perth 07Nov and at Essendon 09Nov before heading to Sydney. It carried out several flights from/to Auckland throughout 13Nov and is due to fly to Christchurch, back to Auckland and on to Noumea 14Nov.

Citation 501 N800DT flew from Ardmore to Woodbourne and back 13Nov, whilst yesterday Learjet 35A ZK-XVL flew from Ardmore to Taupo and back.

Pilatus Porter ZK-JMP returned to NZ today, arriving at Kerikeri from Norfolk Island.

In addition to the introduction of Pacific Blue to the NZ domestic scene, the following movements were noted.

Air Nelson Saab 340A ZK-FXB departed Nelson for Apia and Christmas Island 12Nov enroute the USA on export.

Falcon 900EX N146EX departed Auckland for Brisbane while Challenger 604 VH-OCV arrived at Queenstown from its Sydney home.

Nomad VH-ATO flew from Auckland to Hamilton and Royal Australian Air Force Beech King Air 350 A32-350 was noted at Christchurch, having arrived the previous day as Ausy 358.

A new entrant to the New Zealand domestic aviation market commenced services today with Pacific Blue flying between Auckland, Wellington and Christchurch using Boeing 737-800 aircraft. The NZ arm of Australia's Virgin Blue announced in late August major plans for a new domestic airline for NZ with fares as low as $39 with services intially on main trunk routes commencing 15Nov. However in mid October, Pacific Blue announced they would start flying domestically from 12Nov and a sale of seats for $9 was advertised.

The first day of domestic operations was planned as follows:

Monday 12 Nov
Boeing 737-800 ZK-PBG (ex VH-VUD) which flew Christchurch-Auckland 11Nov as DJ9051
DJ9002 AKL-WLG 0700/0800
DJ9004 WLG-CHC 1215/1300
DJ3115 CHC-AKL 1400/1520
DJ3044 AKL-WLG 1630/1730
DJ3212 WLG-CHC 1830/1915

Boeing 737-800 ZK-PBJ (ex VH-VUB)
DJ9003 CHC-WLG 0715/0800
DJ9005 WLG-AKL 1130/1230
DJ3114 AKL-CHC 1400/1520
DJ3205 CHC-WLG 1630/1715
DJ3051 WLG-AKL 1815/1915

Virgin Blue took delivery of their latest Boeing 737-800 11Nov with the arrival at Christchurch of VH-VUN. The aircraft flew from Boeing Field to Lihue 10Nov and to Nadi and Christchurch 11Nov.

Virgin Blue Boeing 737-700 VH-VBS departed Christchurch for Brisbane following maintenance.

Pacific Blue Boeing 737-800 ZK-PBG visited Auckland for the first time 11Nov, positioning in from Christchurch as DJ9051 to be in place for the commencement of domestic service 12Nov.

Rolling out after landing runway 05R at Auckland, Colin Hunter photo

Gulfstream 550 SE-RDZ departed Christchurch for Singapore direct, the Auckland portion of its journey cancelled.

Global Express VH-VGX departed Napier for Auckland and Sydney 11Nov.

Aerial survey equipped GAF N22 Nomad VH-ATO arrived at Auckland from Norfolk Island having flown from Archerfield to Norfolk via Lord Howe Island 10Nov.

At Ardmore in March 2006, Mike Condon photo

Air Chathams Metroliner III ZK-CIC returned to NZ 11Nov, flying from Suva to Auckland then to Palmerston North and Christchurch.

Air National's Westwind ZK-RML flew a charter from Auckland to Niue and return, arriving in the early hours of 12Nov.

Helicopters (NZ) Bell 212 ZK-HNO departed Christchurch for Antarctica today onboard USAF Boeing C17 Globemaster 02-1107. See http://rnzaf.proboards43.com/index.cgi?board=civil&action=display&thread=1194768737 for photos.

Thomsonfly Boeing 737-300 G-THOE entered service with Air NZ today flying as NZ508 from Christchurch to Auckland, then returning to Christchurch as NZ517. It then flew a further Christchurch-Auckland-Christchurch NZ524A/NZ547. The aircraft will be a regular sight around NZ for the next six months.

Captured on departure from Auckland's runway 23L, Colin Hunter photo

Virgin Blue Boeing 737-700 VH-VBR arrived at Christchurch from Brisbane.

Air Chathams Metroliner ZK-CIC flew from Christchurch to Auckland and Suva as "Chathams 1".

Pacific Aerospace XL750 ZK-JQE departed Hamilton for Kerikeri, Norfolk and Lord Howe Islands. This aircraft has been overseas a number of times on demonstration tours.

Air National Corporate Gulfstream 200 N658GA, which had departed Auckland 05Oct, returned to Auckland from Maui via a techstop at Apia 10Nov.

(photos of N933ML added to 02-07Nov post, and photo of N96SK added to 08Nov post)

Falcon 900EX N146EX returned to Auckland from Christchurch today, as forecast.

The fourth bizjet to visit Napier within the last few days arrived in the form of Global Express VH-VGX from Sydney and Auckland. The other jets to visit were Gulfstream 5 N50KC, Hawker 900XP N96SK and Mustang N2243W.

Piper PA31-350 Chieftain ZK-NSP flew a medivac flight from Norfolk Island to Hamilton whilst in the opposite direction Alpha Aviation exported Alpha 160 ZK-ZXY/2.

Japan Airlines Boeing 747-400 JA8910 flew the JAL charter flight through Auckland, arriving from and departing to Fukuoka.

At Ardmore under rebuild/maintenance work were noted BK117A-1 JA9586 c/n 1001 in the Airwork hanger, whilst at the Heliflite operation was Agusta A119 Koala VH-PSR. This helicopter is overall white with the registration in small letters on the tail section. The CASA website indicates the registration holder as Silver Rook, Isle of Man with the registered operator Heliflite PTY, Bankstown.

Also at Ardmore today was elderly Cessna 172 ZK-EHA and American Champion 8KCAB ZK-REF.

Mike Condon photos

In addition to C510 N2243W flying from Norfolk Island to Napier on delivery today, Japan Airlines flew their second charter flight through Auckland, this time using Boeing 747-400 JA8910.

Pacific Blue Boeing 737-800 ZK-PBJ entered service today as PBN71 from Christchurch to Sydney. It arrived into Christchurch at the end of October as VH-VUB for induction work prior to Pacific Blue commencing domestic services in NZ.

Pacific Blue Boeing 737-800 ZK-PBG also entered service today as PBN83 from Christchurch to Brisbane. This aircraft arrived at the beginning of November as VH-VUD.

Royal Australian Air Force Lockheed C130J A97-441 departed Whenuapai for Richmond as ASY749.

Hawker 900XP N96SK departed Auckland for Essendon and beyond.

Photographed 07Nov prior to operating Auckland-Napier-Auckland

Citationjet CJ3 ZK-TBM had a very busy day, flying Christchurch-Tauranga-Palmerston North-Sydney-Tauranga-Christchurch!

Mooney ZK-VVB returned to NZ following its brief visit to Western Australia, arriving at Auckland from Norfolk Island before continuing to Ardmore.

Challenger N88 remained static at Christchurch, as did Gulfstream 550 SE-RDZ.

Both photos thanks to Tony McFarlin

NZ's bizjet population was increased to 9 today with the arrival at Napier of Cessna 510 Mustang N2243W on delivery to the Lowe Group, arriving from Norfolk Island. This particular aircraft visited NZ on a demostration tour during September this year. It is not known if the VLJ will be placed on the ZK register.

At Auckland 10Sep 2007, Mike Condon photo

The NZ bizjet scene now includes:
Boeing BBJ N66ZB
Gulfstream 4SP ZK-KFB
Gulfstream 200 N658GA (to become ZK-RGB)
Falcon 900EX N146EX
Citationjet CJ3 ZK-TBM
Westwind II ZK-RML
Citation 501 N800DT
Learjet 35A ZK-XVL

Falcon 2000EX N185G which was based at Auckland with Network Jets departed late October on export with the owners having no jet for a few months awaiting delivery of a brand new Hawker 4000 (Horizon) and a Falcon 7X.

Gulfstream 5 N50KC flew from Nadi to Napier 02Nov, then from Napier to Auckland, Los Angeles, Teterboro and Waterbury-Oxford 04Nov.

Citationjet CJ3 ZK-TBM flew from Christchurch to Nadi and back 03Nov.

Mercer-based Pilatus PC6 Porter ZK-JMP departed Ardmore for Kerikeri, Norfolk Island and Noumea 03Nov, presumably for parachute operations.

Boeing BBJ N66ZB departed Auckland for Honolulu and Chicago/ORD 04Nov. To London/Stansted 05Nov.

Malaysian-based Challenger 605 N933ML arrived at Auckland just prior to midnight 04Nov from Melbourne. To Suva 06Nov and Honiara 09Nov.

Resting between rain showers at Auckland, Wayne Grant photo

Thomsonfly Boeing 737-300 G-THOE, which is enroute to Air NZ on a 6 month dry lease, flew from London/Luton to Shannon, Ireland and Gander 04Nov with a revised 06Nov arrival into Christchurch. It was originally due ot arrive 04Nov. It arrived at Los Angeles 05Nov from Gander and Winnipeg.

Japan Airlines Boeing 747-400 JA8912 arrived at Auckland 05Nov arriving from Fukuoka and departing to Kansai. This is the first of several charter flights planned for the next 6 weeks.

Taxiing for departure from Auckland 05Nov, Colin Hunter photo

Gulfstream 550 SE-RDZ arrived at Christchurch first thing 05Nov from Narita. To Auckland 11Nov.

Galaxy G200 N707SG arrived at Auckland 06Nov, and departed for Nadi and Maui 07Nov.

The first visit of the newly released Hawker 900XP arrived at Auckland 06Nov in the form of N96SK operated by Calfornia based SK Foods. It arrived from Kona via Pago Pago. To Napier and back to Auckland 07Nov.

USA Federal Aviation Administration (FAA) Challenger 604 N88 arrived at Christchurch 07Nov from Hawaii via Pago Pago using the callsign "Flightcheck 88".

Falcon 900EX N146EX flew from Auckland to Christchurch 07Nov.

Pacific Blue's 6th Boeing 737-800 arrived at Christchurch from Brisbane 01Nov in the form of VH-VUD which is set to become ZK-PBG. ZK-PBJ was noted outside the Air NZ maintenance facility in Christchurch awaiting the commencement of scheduled services in a few days time.

US Army Gulfstream 5/C32A 1944 departed Christchurch for Pago Pago and Hawaii.

Chilean Navy Lockheed P3A Orion 404 arrived at Safe Air's Woodbourne engineering facility late afternoon having arrived from Papeete and Wellington. The Chilean Orion's have received work through Air NZ in the past with 404 visiting Auckland during October 1997 where a major refit/overhaul was carried out.

Air NZ Boeing 747-400 ZK-NBW arrived into Auckland from Hong Kong as ANZ82 01Nov on completion of a C check with HAECO.

Air Tiger 1 Gulfstream 5 N50KC departed Queenstown for Nadi.

Heli Holdings (Airwork NZ), trading as Jayrow Helicopters operated BK117-B2 VH-BKE was noted flying into Wellington 31Oct from a westerly direction. It was later noted flying at Christchurch the same day.
http://www.jetphotos.net/viewphoto.php?id=5905407

Ardmore based Mooney M20R ZK-VVB departed its home base for Kerikeri, Norfolk Island and the Gold Coast 31Oct enroute Perth to attend the Red Bull Air Races. On the subject of Mooney’s, ZK-RFN, which departed NZ in March this year is still at the Gold Coast but flew a recent trip to Charleville.

Uzbekistan Airways arrived at Christchurch tonight from Tashkent and Kuala Lumpur with Boeing 767-300 VP-BUF on the first of two visits in the coming week transferring fishing boat crews.

In the wake of Air NZ's announcement in October that Freedom Air would cease to exist from March 2008 and with it services to/from Palmerston North, Australian based airline Ozjet today announced that they will commence scheduled services from Melbourne and Brisbane to Palmerston North from March 2008 with Boeing 737-200 aircraft. It is understood 11 flights per week will operate in/out of Palmerston North.

Trans-Tasman flights from Palmerston North's airport are set to continue after an agreement was signed on Tuesday with Australian airline Ozjet.
The service was due to end in March when current provider Freedom Air will cease flights from the airport. The agreement, subject to regulatory approvals, will allow for flights from Palmerston North to Melbourne and Brisbane. The schedule is likely to be similar to that provided by Freedom Air, a budget operator owned by Air New Zealand.
The airport company's chief executive, Garry Goodman, says he is thrilled to have filled the void left by Freedom Air so quickly.
Copyright © 2007 Radio New Zealand

Ex Air Niugini Boeing 767-300 P2-ANG (nee ZK-NCE) arrived at Auckland from Port Moresby as ANG6003 to have some tidy up work with Air New Zealand following the majority of its end of lease work being carried out in Hong Kong. The aircraft is on delivery to Pluna of Uruguay as CX-PUG.
http://www.pluna.aero/english/flota.asp

Pity its not in the scheme of its soon to be operator. Short finals at Auckland, Mike Condon photo

Air West Coast Dornier 228 ZK-VIR was noted flying a charter flight from Westport to Alexandra as AWC316.

Lifeflight Trust Metroliner ZK-LFT flew from Wellington to the Chatham Islands and then to Christchurch.

US Army Gulfstream 5/C37A 1944 (566) arrived at Christchurch from Hickam as PAT474. 1944 once wore the serial number 97-0049 however it was reserialled apparently to commerate the D-Day landings.

Moments from touchdown at Christchurch 30Oct, Graham Weatherby photo

Gulfstream 5 N50KC departed Auckland for Queenstown.

Global Express N94ZZ arrived into Auckland from Sydney late Tuesday night.

Piper PA46 Malibu N9099Z flew from Rangiora to Hastings.

Virgin Blue Boeing 737-800 VH-VUB arrived at Christchurch before sunup today from Brisbane on delivery to Pacific Blue. It already carries the titles of the NZ based operating arm of Virgin Blue and will be registered ZK-PBJ in anticipition of the airline starting domestic operations within NZ on 13Nov. VH-VUD is due to arrive in Christchurch 01Nov and become ZK-PBG.

Shortstop Jet Charter Learjet 35A VH-OVB arrived at Christchurch before sunup today from Perth and Melbourne on a medical related charter. To Essendon and Perth later the same day.

Regional Jet/Challenger 850 VH-LEF arrived into Rotorua direct from Essendon early afternoon 29Oct. To Auckland 30Oct and back to Essendon 01Nov.

Hawker 850XP VH-SGY visited Auckland briefly 29Oct, arriving from and returning to Brisbane.

Citationjet CJ3 ZK-TBM flew back to Christchurch from Auckland.

Challenger 604 N310TK departed Auckland for Melbourne/Tullamarine.

Departing runway 05R Auckland 29Oct, John Rankin photo

Falcon 900EX N146EX departed Auckland for Madang, Papua New Guinea.

Gulfstream 200 N658GA flew from Savannah to Chicago Executive.

Westwind VH-ZYH departed Queenstown for Essendon.

Air NZ Link commenced direct services to Christchurch from New Plymouth and Tauranga 29Oct with Q300 ZK-NEG operating the first Tauranga-Christchurch-Tauranga services NZ8575/8562 and Q300 ZK-NET operating the first New Plymouth-Christchurch-New Plymouth services NZ8839/8840. ZK-NET also operated the first Invercargill-Wellington service that same morning as NZ8074 and had flown over the reverse route as NZ8075 28Oct.

On the subject of Q300's, Air Nelson's 19th example ZK-NEW entered service 28Oct as NZ8388 from Nelson to Auckland.

Falcon 900EX N146EX operated from Auckland to Wellington and return today.

Short finals to Wellington's runway 16, Glen Reid photo

Challenger 604 N310TK arrived at Auckland from Suva, having flown from Honolulu to Suva 27Oct.

Gulfstream 200 N658GA is slowly making its way towards home flying from Fort Lauderdale to Savannah today.

Northern Districts Aero Club Cessna 172 ZK-NDA departed Kerikeri for Norfolk Island 26Oct and continued to Lord Howe Island 27Oct.

Execujet Challenger 604 VH-OCV visited Nelson 27Oct, arriving from and departing to Sydney.

Jetcity Learjet 35A VH-LJJ visited Dunedin 27Oct on an organ retreival flight, arriving from and departing to Sydney.

Pacific Jet Citationjet CJ3 ZK-TBM flew from Christchurch to Dunedin, Auckland and back to Christchurch 27Oct and judging by the timing of its operation it too was in association with medical activities.

Regular NZ visitor Gulfstream 5 N50KC, which had arrived at Napier direct from Monterrey, California on 21Oct, arrived at Auckland from Napier 24Oct.

Kestrel Aviation Westwind II VH-ZYH arrived at Queenstown from Melbourne/Essendon 25Oct.

At Queenstown 27Oct, Wayne Grant photo

An amendment/supplemental information. The Global Express N949GP that visited NZ earlier this week was noted as being based in Guam. A valuable contact in Japan advises that the aircraft is owned by Japanese interests and is actually based at Tokyo's Haneda Airport.

Air Chathams Convair 580 ZK-CIF departed Auckland for Tonga as "Chathams 580" 24Oct, still in its overall white scheme as described earlier.

Pacific Jets Citationjet CJ3 ZK-TBM flew from Auckland to Christchurch 23Oct and then flew on 24Oct from Christchurch to New Plymouth and return.

The Guam based Global Express N949GP that had arrived in NZ 23Oct departed Auckland 24Oct for Ho Chi Minh, Vietnam.

Singapore/Seletar based Learjet 45 VH-PFS arrived at Hamilton from Brisbane 24Oct on a medivac flight. This is the first visit to NZ by this aircraft. It departed Hamilton at 0225LT 25Oct for Brisbane.

Arriving at Hamilton, Wayne Grant photos

FU24-950 Fletcher ZK-EGU was deregistered 23Oct and was placed on the Indonesian register as PK-PNC. It is pictured here at Hamilton 24Oct. It follows ZK-JAL which departed as PK-PNB on 21Aug07 for Lord Howe Island.

Wayne Grant photo

A few posts below are some photos of ZK-FRE. The aircraft positioned from Christchurch to Auckland 24Oct as ANZ6732 and then flew domestic service in lieu of A320 ZK-OJD 25Oct as the Airbus undertook an engine change. It first commercial flight in this livery was ANZ981 Auckland to Wellington and Christchurch.
Check out this Youtube link for a fantastic movie on FRE's repaint! http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=hRd8yOU5Tvc

Copyright Notice

Saturday, December 29, 2007

Friday, December 28, 2007

Thursday, December 27, 2007

Wednesday, December 26, 2007

Monday, December 24, 2007

Sunday, December 23, 2007

Friday, December 21, 2007

Thursday, December 20, 2007

Wednesday, December 19, 2007

Tuesday, December 18, 2007

Sunday, December 16, 2007

Saturday, December 15, 2007

Wednesday, December 12, 2007

Monday, December 10, 2007

Sunday, December 9, 2007

Friday, December 7, 2007

Thursday, December 6, 2007

Wednesday, December 5, 2007

Tuesday, December 4, 2007

Monday, December 3, 2007

Saturday, December 1, 2007

Friday, November 30, 2007

Thursday, November 29, 2007

Wednesday, November 28, 2007

Sunday, November 25, 2007

Saturday, November 24, 2007

Friday, November 23, 2007

Thursday, November 22, 2007

Wednesday, November 21, 2007

Monday, November 19, 2007

Saturday, November 17, 2007

Thursday, November 15, 2007

Wednesday, November 14, 2007

Tuesday, November 13, 2007

Sunday, November 11, 2007

Saturday, November 10, 2007

Thursday, November 8, 2007

Sunday, November 4, 2007

Thursday, November 1, 2007

Wednesday, October 31, 2007

Tuesday, October 30, 2007

Monday, October 29, 2007

Sunday, October 28, 2007

Saturday, October 27, 2007

Thursday, October 25, 2007

Wednesday, October 24, 2007