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.
Wednesday, October 31, 2007
Tuesday, October 30, 2007
Ozjet to service Palmerston North
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
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
Tuesday 30 October 2007
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.
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.
Monday, October 29, 2007
Monday 29 October 2007
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.
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.
Sunday, October 28, 2007
Sunday 28 October 2007
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.
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.
Saturday, October 27, 2007
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.
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.
Thursday, October 25, 2007
Thursday 25 October 2007
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.
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.
Wednesday, October 24, 2007
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
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
Tuesday, October 23, 2007
Air West Coast Dornier returns to service
Greymouth based Air West Coast have permanently placed their Dornier 228 ZK-VIR into service flying Monday to Friday inclusive from Greymouth to Westport and Wellington each morning and over the reverse route in the evening. Services with the aircraft were started in March this year however its operation was suspended at the end of that month for a number of reasons. Piper PA31-350 ZK-VIP continued to fly the scheduled services backed up by Piper PA31-325 ZK-WSB after Air West Coast's other PA31-350 ZK-EBT crashed on a maintenance positioning flight near the owners airstrip inland of Greymouth.
On finals for Hokitika's runway 04 05Sep07 and outside my old office in Hokitika on the same day. Mike Condon photos
The Dornier flew on a couple of days at the beginning of this month however from today, 23Oct, the aircraft will operate all weekday services.
On finals for Hokitika's runway 04 05Sep07 and outside my old office in Hokitika on the same day. Mike Condon photos
Saturday 20Oct and USAF Boeing C17 02-1107 arrived at Christchurch from Hickam/Honolulu as "Reach 6E1" and 03-3120 departed Christchurch for Hickam/Honolulu using the same callsign.
Boeing 727 VP-BAP departed Invercargill for Canberra as the owners continued their golfing trip!
RAAF Lockheed C130J Hercules A97-464 arrived in the country 20Oct and was noted in transit at Christchurch before later arriving at Whenuapai. It flew a navigation exercise around the North Island 21Oct before crossing the Tasman to Amberley on 22Oct.
Sunday 21Oct saw the USAF Boeing C32B/757 02-4452 depart Auckland for Pago Pago and Kona using the callsign "DIRK73".
North Shore based Robin DR400 ZK-VAX returned to NZ on 21Oct, arriving at Kerikeri from Norfolk Island. The Robin had crossed the Tasman earlier this year.
Monday 22Oct and Westwind ZK-RML flew from Mt Cook to Auckland and Falcon 2000 N185G departed Auckland for Apia and Maui. Malibu N9099Z flew from Pauanui Beach to Rangiora and Metroliner ZK-CIC flew from the Chathams to Auckland. Air Chathams Convair 580 ZK-CIF, which featured a modified ERA scheme (its previous operator) flew from Nelson to Auckland 22Oct as "Chathams 580" in a basic white scheme with silver lower fuselage and the beginnings of the green Air Chathams scheme on the rudder.
Tuesday 23Oct saw Virgin Blue Boeing 737-800 VH-VOU arrive at Christchurch from Melbourne for planned maintenance. Global Express N949GP arrived at Rotorua from Vladivostok via a techstop at its homebase, Guam. After dropping off its passengers, the Global Express positioned to Auckland for parking. This aircraft visited Rotorua and Auckland in October 2006. Westwind ZK-RML arrived at Auckland from Christchurch just prior to 0430 local time so probably a medical flight of some sort.
Boeing 727 VP-BAP departed Invercargill for Canberra as the owners continued their golfing trip!
RAAF Lockheed C130J Hercules A97-464 arrived in the country 20Oct and was noted in transit at Christchurch before later arriving at Whenuapai. It flew a navigation exercise around the North Island 21Oct before crossing the Tasman to Amberley on 22Oct.
Sunday 21Oct saw the USAF Boeing C32B/757 02-4452 depart Auckland for Pago Pago and Kona using the callsign "DIRK73".
North Shore based Robin DR400 ZK-VAX returned to NZ on 21Oct, arriving at Kerikeri from Norfolk Island. The Robin had crossed the Tasman earlier this year.
Monday 22Oct and Westwind ZK-RML flew from Mt Cook to Auckland and Falcon 2000 N185G departed Auckland for Apia and Maui. Malibu N9099Z flew from Pauanui Beach to Rangiora and Metroliner ZK-CIC flew from the Chathams to Auckland. Air Chathams Convair 580 ZK-CIF, which featured a modified ERA scheme (its previous operator) flew from Nelson to Auckland 22Oct as "Chathams 580" in a basic white scheme with silver lower fuselage and the beginnings of the green Air Chathams scheme on the rudder.
Tuesday 23Oct saw Virgin Blue Boeing 737-800 VH-VOU arrive at Christchurch from Melbourne for planned maintenance. Global Express N949GP arrived at Rotorua from Vladivostok via a techstop at its homebase, Guam. After dropping off its passengers, the Global Express positioned to Auckland for parking. This aircraft visited Rotorua and Auckland in October 2006. Westwind ZK-RML arrived at Auckland from Christchurch just prior to 0430 local time so probably a medical flight of some sort.
Sunday, October 21, 2007
Air NZ Special Scheme
Air NZ rolled out Boeing 737-300 ZK-FRE in the middle of October featuring this special scheme to promote the Air NZ Holiday brand which has superseded the old Air NZ Travel Centre's. Some unexpected maintenance work has seen the aircraft's re-entry to service delayed by a few weeks and it is not expected to be back flying until the Saturday 27 October. Thanks again to Glen Reid for these photos of ZK-FRE at Christchurch 20Oct.
Friday, October 19, 2007
Friday 19 October 2007
A cold southerly airmass moved across New Zealand during Wednesday 17 October and Thursday 18 October and the aftermath of this Antarctic bite was the expection of frosts in the wine growing region of Marlborough. As has been done over the last couple of years, a swarm of helicopters from across NZ were dispatched to the region to provide frost protection with 100 plus machines ranging from Hughes 300's to BK117's were used to mix the cold air with the warm ground thereby minimising the effect of frost. The efforts of all involved were not in vane with temperatures at Woodbourne Air Base dipping to a brisk -2C at 6am Friday 19 October, and the temperature hovered at zero and below from 2am through until 8am.
Herewith are some fantastic shots taken by Glen Reid who took part in the night time aerial activity.
Herewith are some fantastic shots taken by Glen Reid who took part in the night time aerial activity.
Thursday, October 18, 2007
Thursday 18 October 2007
Click on any photo to enlarge
Van Nuys, California based Boeing 727-21 VP-BAP (19620) arrived at Invercargill 18Oct from Nadi having arrived in Fiji from its home base via Honolulu on 16Oct. The passengers travelled to Queenstown via Over the Top Eurocopter. From Invercargill, the 727 departs for Canberra on 20Oct. This particular airframe has visited NZ before when it was registered N727LA with Carnival Cruise Lines/Funair Corporation and it was in Auckland and Wellington during January 1998.
Parked at Invercargill, Ron Pannett photo
Global Express VH-VGX, which had been at Auckland 17Oct, flew from Sydney to Easter Island 18Oct enroute South America.
Business Jets Falcon 900EX Easy N146EX departed Auckland for Brisbane whilst Rank's Boeing BBJ N66ZB returned to Auckland from Sydney.
At Oceania Helicopters, Ardmore, was this Aerospatiale AS350B Squirrel JA9343, seen here minus rotors. This link shows it in action in Japan: http://geta-o.maxs.jp/LATEST/2006-09/2006-09-21/ja9343-8587.jpg
Idle at Ardmore 18Oct, Mike Condon photo
USAF/Air National Guard Lockheed C5A Galaxy 68-0224 departed Christchurch for Hickam/Honolulu.
Learjet 35A VH-VLJ arrived into Wellington at 0640 from Melbourne. Onwards to Sydney later the same day.
Learjet 35A VH-VLJ arrived into Wellington at 0640 from Melbourne. Onwards to Sydney later the same day.
Parked on the Capital Jet's Ramp, Peter Van Dyk photo
Van Nuys, California based Boeing 727-21 VP-BAP (19620) arrived at Invercargill 18Oct from Nadi having arrived in Fiji from its home base via Honolulu on 16Oct. The passengers travelled to Queenstown via Over the Top Eurocopter. From Invercargill, the 727 departs for Canberra on 20Oct. This particular airframe has visited NZ before when it was registered N727LA with Carnival Cruise Lines/Funair Corporation and it was in Auckland and Wellington during January 1998.
Parked at Invercargill, Ron Pannett photo
Global Express VH-VGX, which had been at Auckland 17Oct, flew from Sydney to Easter Island 18Oct enroute South America.
Business Jets Falcon 900EX Easy N146EX departed Auckland for Brisbane whilst Rank's Boeing BBJ N66ZB returned to Auckland from Sydney.
At Oceania Helicopters, Ardmore, was this Aerospatiale AS350B Squirrel JA9343, seen here minus rotors. This link shows it in action in Japan: http://geta-o.maxs.jp/LATEST/2006-09/2006-09-21/ja9343-8587.jpg
Idle at Ardmore 18Oct, Mike Condon photo
Wednesday, October 17, 2007
Wednesday 17 October 2007
Western Australia based Citation 560 VH-MXJ made its first visit to New Zealand today arriving at Dunedin from Brisbane. It departs Dunedin 19Oct for Essendon.
Parked on the ramp at Dunedin 18Oct, Alistair Bevin photo
Air National's Westwind ZK-RML made a visit to Mount Cook Airfield, arriving from Auckland and heading to Christchurch.
Hawaiian Airlines Boeing 767-300 N582HA carried out a post engine change verification flight from/to Auckland as "Hawaiian 9982" before flying to Sydney as ANZ107. N583HA will arrive into Auckland from Sydney 18Oct as ANZ100. At the conclusion of this particular maintenance visit, N583HA will position to Honolulu around 03Nov. N584HA is due to arrive into Auckland on a ferry flight from Honolulu 27Nov.
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N582HA taxiing for departure as NZ107, Mike Condon photo
9V-SFI touching down as SQC7298 from Singapore and Sydney, Mike Condon photo
Parked on the ramp at Dunedin 18Oct, Alistair Bevin photo
Air National's Westwind ZK-RML made a visit to Mount Cook Airfield, arriving from Auckland and heading to Christchurch.
Hawaiian Airlines Boeing 767-300 N582HA carried out a post engine change verification flight from/to Auckland as "Hawaiian 9982" before flying to Sydney as ANZ107. N583HA will arrive into Auckland from Sydney 18Oct as ANZ100. At the conclusion of this particular maintenance visit, N583HA will position to Honolulu around 03Nov. N584HA is due to arrive into Auckland on a ferry flight from Honolulu 27Nov.
.N582HA taxiing for departure as NZ107, Mike Condon photo
9V-SFI touching down as SQC7298 from Singapore and Sydney, Mike Condon photo
Air Nelson's 18th Q300
Air Nelson took delivery of their 18th Bombardier Q300 at Nelson 17Oct with the arrival of C-FLUH. The aircraft will enter the NZ register as ZK-NEW, the fifth time this registration has been applied to an aircraft! Its entry to service is expected on 29Oct when the Link carrier inagurates services from Invercargill to Wellington, New Plymouth to Christchurch and Tauranga to Christchurch.
The ferry route taken followed the path of 90% of deliveries, departing Downsview for North Bay where ferrytanks were installed, then to Grand Rapids and Concord, then to Honolulu and Pago Pago. This ferry flight was flown by a World Wide Aircraft Ferrying pilot and Air Nelson F/O Roger Banks.
The ferry route taken followed the path of 90% of deliveries, departing Downsview for North Bay where ferrytanks were installed, then to Grand Rapids and Concord, then to Honolulu and Pago Pago. This ferry flight was flown by a World Wide Aircraft Ferrying pilot and Air Nelson F/O Roger Banks.
Lockheed C5 Galaxy visits Christchurch
Supporting the United States Antarctic programme based in Chrsitchurch is a massive operation, and its scale can be judged in no better way than with the arrival of the largest aircraft in the USAF airlift capability, the Lockheed C5 Galaxy.
C5A Galaxy 68-0224 of the 105 Airlift Wing, New York Air National Guard, arrived at Christchurch in the early evening of 16Oct from Hickam AFB, Hawaii. http://www-105aw.ang.af.mil/mission.htm
Finals for Christchurch's runway 20, Glen Reid photo
And parked on the Deep Freeze ramp, Glen Reid photo
C5A Galaxy 68-0224 of the 105 Airlift Wing, New York Air National Guard, arrived at Christchurch in the early evening of 16Oct from Hickam AFB, Hawaii. http://www-105aw.ang.af.mil/mission.htm
Finals for Christchurch's runway 20, Glen Reid photo
And parked on the Deep Freeze ramp, Glen Reid photo
Bombardiers at Wellington
Capital Jet Services at Wellington has played host to two aircraft from the Bombardier stable this week with both Challenger 601-3A HB-IKS and Global Express VH-VGX visiting.
The Challenger arrived from Sydney 14Oct and departed 17Oct for Narita via Port Moresby. This aircraft has been visiting Wellington during the month of October for many years now with its owners having business interests in the region.
The Global Express arrived from Sydney and Christchurch 15Oct and flew to Auckland late on 16Oct then to Sydney 17Oct.
Peter Van Dyk photo
The Challenger arrived from Sydney 14Oct and departed 17Oct for Narita via Port Moresby. This aircraft has been visiting Wellington during the month of October for many years now with its owners having business interests in the region.
The Global Express arrived from Sydney and Christchurch 15Oct and flew to Auckland late on 16Oct then to Sydney 17Oct.
Peter Van Dyk photo
Monday, October 15, 2007
Spitfire Mk 5b
As mentioned in the North Island Notables, here is a photo of NX628BL touching down at Ardmore on 04Oct on conclusion of the photo shoot which was taken from Omaka based Nanchang ZK-JQS.
"The most significant event for this busy month would have to be the first flight of recently restored Supermarine Spitfire Mk. Vb BL628 “Marion” from Ardmore on 29Sep. The aircraft, registered NX628BL and owned by Provenance Fighter Sales, has been undergoing a rebuild with Avspecs Ltd at Ardmore for 18 months having arrived from Australia. After a couple of engine runs, it finally got airborne at 1620 and carried out a 10 minute test flight. For more on this lovely example check out http://www.warbirdfoundation.org/content/view/4/8/The Spitfire carried out a second test flight 30Sep."
Both photos by Mike Condon
Sunday 14 October 2007
A couple of interesting after dark arrivals into Auckland. Firstly was the arrival of United States Air Force Boeing C32B/757 02-4452 from Kailua-Kona and Pago Pago using the callsign "DIRK73". The all white 757 is notable in its association with some of the more low profile military missions its and a sistership perform for the US State Department Foreign Emergency Support Team. It departed Auckland for Sydney 15Oct, to Perth and Melbourne 16Oct, then to Auckland 17Oct.
Departing off Auckland's runway 23L, Wayne Grant photo
The second late night arrival on 14Oct was that of Phoenix Air Group's Gulfstream 3 N173PA. This particular aircraft is ex Dannish Air Force and sports a cargo door on the right hand side. This trip saw the aircraft perform a medivac flight that originated at London/Heathrow and routed via Gander, Calgary, Honolulu and Pago Pago. The Gulfstream departed Auckland for its home base of Cartersville via Pago Pago, Honolulu and Amarillo 15Oct.
Check out http://www.pheonixair.com/ for a more detailed look at this versatile company and its fleet.
Departing off Auckland's runway 23L, Wayne Grant photo
The second late night arrival on 14Oct was that of Phoenix Air Group's Gulfstream 3 N173PA. This particular aircraft is ex Dannish Air Force and sports a cargo door on the right hand side. This trip saw the aircraft perform a medivac flight that originated at London/Heathrow and routed via Gander, Calgary, Honolulu and Pago Pago. The Gulfstream departed Auckland for its home base of Cartersville via Pago Pago, Honolulu and Amarillo 15Oct.
Check out http://www.pheonixair.com/ for a more detailed look at this versatile company and its fleet.
Saturday 13 October 2007
Taupo Tandem Skydive Pacific Aerospace XL750 ZK-TTL was turned into an air ambulance and flew out to Raoul Island in the Kermadecs Group Sat 13 Oct. The aircraft, fitted with an internal auxilary fuel tank, was accompanied by Taupo based Piper PA31-350 ZK-NSP which provided search and rescue capability. The XL750 picked up one Department of Conservation worker from the island before flying to Ardmore where both it and the PA31 arrived late morning.
Medivac's from Raoul Island over the years have up until now been carried out by helicopter, namely AS350 Squirrels (ZK-IWI on 21Apr05 returning Raoul Island-Middlemore Hospital 22Apr05 with PA31 ZK-MJF as SAR cover and again on 17Oct05 with Learjet ZK-XVL providing support) which have staged via Le Esperance Rock where a small supply of Jet A1 fuel was stored, and most recently by Mil 8 ER-MHH on 17Mar06 following a volcanic eruption, however the association of Taupo's skydive operation and rescue services provider John Funnell has seen the upgrade to fixed wing capability.
The airstrip at Raoul was developed over 15 years ago to facilitate Nelson based Aerial Surveys to conduct photographic work using Cessna 206 ZK-EOP, however the paddock that was developed into an airstrip was used as an emergency landing spot for a Cessna U206 DQ-FEX (ex ZK-FHE) on 08Dec90 when the aircraft was enroute from Auckland to Tonga. It departed Raoul Island for Nadi on 13Dec90. The same paddock was used again during Oct91 when PA24 ZK-DAA made a dawn arrival to uplift a DOC worker. ZK-EOP arrived at Raoul Island from Dairy Flat and Great Barrier Island on 25Feb92 and flew a photographic operations on 28Feb92 and 02Mar92 before returning to Dairy Flat on 03Mar92.
Touching down on Ardmore's runway 03, Mike Condon photo
Medivac's from Raoul Island over the years have up until now been carried out by helicopter, namely AS350 Squirrels (ZK-IWI on 21Apr05 returning Raoul Island-Middlemore Hospital 22Apr05 with PA31 ZK-MJF as SAR cover and again on 17Oct05 with Learjet ZK-XVL providing support) which have staged via Le Esperance Rock where a small supply of Jet A1 fuel was stored, and most recently by Mil 8 ER-MHH on 17Mar06 following a volcanic eruption, however the association of Taupo's skydive operation and rescue services provider John Funnell has seen the upgrade to fixed wing capability.
The airstrip at Raoul was developed over 15 years ago to facilitate Nelson based Aerial Surveys to conduct photographic work using Cessna 206 ZK-EOP, however the paddock that was developed into an airstrip was used as an emergency landing spot for a Cessna U206 DQ-FEX (ex ZK-FHE) on 08Dec90 when the aircraft was enroute from Auckland to Tonga. It departed Raoul Island for Nadi on 13Dec90. The same paddock was used again during Oct91 when PA24 ZK-DAA made a dawn arrival to uplift a DOC worker. ZK-EOP arrived at Raoul Island from Dairy Flat and Great Barrier Island on 25Feb92 and flew a photographic operations on 28Feb92 and 02Mar92 before returning to Dairy Flat on 03Mar92.
Touching down on Ardmore's runway 03, Mike Condon photo
Monday, October 8, 2007
Australasia's First Civilian BBJ Arrives
The first civilian Boeing BBJ to be based in Australasia arrived at its Auckland home 07Oct with Rank Group taking delivery of N66ZB. This particular airframe has visited Auckland on a number of occasions under its previous identity of N4AS when it was owned by the Disney Corporation.
The BBJ has been undergoing pre-delivery work at Lackland AFB near San Antonio, Texas, and flew to Honolulu 05Oct, then to Nadi 06Oct where it met up with its new owners before flying them home to Auckland.
Taxiing to the ACO ramp, Wayne Grant photo
The BBJ has been undergoing pre-delivery work at Lackland AFB near San Antonio, Texas, and flew to Honolulu 05Oct, then to Nadi 06Oct where it met up with its new owners before flying them home to Auckland.
Taxiing to the ACO ramp, Wayne Grant photo
NORTH ISLAND NOTABLES SEPTEMBER 2007
NZ local date/times
Australian Aerial Surveys PTY Ltd Pacific Aerospace XL750 VH-EAJ departed Hamilton for Norfolk Island 01Sep and was later noted at its new home of Bankstown. This aircraft previously wore the registration ZK-JNA.
Air National Corporate Westwind II ZK-RML flew from Timaru to Christchurch and Auckland 01Sep. From Auckland to Christchurch 10Sep returning to Auckland in the early hours of 11Sep. From Auckland to Rarotonga 24Sep.
Royal Australian Air Force Lockheed C130J Hercules A97-447 visited Wellington 01Sep as “Ausy 711”, presumably from/to Richmond.
Piper PA38-112 Tomahawk VH-NRH, most recently based in New South Wales, arrived at Kerikeri from Norfolk Island 02Sep on delivery to NZ. It was cancelled from the Australian registered 05Sep.
Singapore Airlines Cargo re-routed their Boeing 747-400 freighter 9V-SFM from its normal Auckland-Singapore route to operate via Christchurch 02Sep as SQC7295. This was the first of several visited by the carrier’s freighter aircraft to Christchurch.
Network Jets Falcon 2000EX N185G departed Auckland for Nadi 03Sep, returning to Auckland the following day. From Auckland to Apia and Maui 14Sep, then to Las Vegas 15Sep before returning back to Maui 18Sep. From Maui to Oakland and Little Rock 24Sep. To Peachtree/Dekalb 25Sep. To Teterboro, Oakland and Maui 27Sep.
Cargolux Boeing 747-400 freighter LX-WCV made its first visit to Auckland on 03Sep operating the carrier’s scheduled CLX731 service from Melbourne and on to Los Angeles.
Auckland Jet Charter Learjet 35A ZK-XVL was noted carrying out aerial work over the Hauraki Gulf on 03Sep.
Hawaiian Airlines Boeing 767-300 N580HA departed Auckland for Sydney as ANZ107 05Sep as part of the agreement between Hawaiian and Air New Zealand which sees the US carrier’s aircraft switch in Sydney to/from their maintenance checks. However, a mechanical problem was discovered shortly after departure and the aircraft returned to Auckland. It departed again 07Sep as ANZ107.
Air National Corporate Gulfstream 4SP ZK-KFB departed Auckland for Sydney and Soekarno Hatta/Jakarta 05Sep. To Sydney 07Sep and back to Auckland 08Sep. From Wellington to Papeete and Los Angeles 16Sep then to Philadelphia 19Sep where the aircraft’s owner, movie director Peter Jackson, is working on the movie “Lovely Bones”. From Philadelphia to Long Beach 25Sep.
Royal Australia Air Force Lockheed C130J Hercules A97-478 visited Wellington 05Sep, arriving from and returning to Richmond as “Ausy 712”.
Airwork NZ Ltd, operating on behalf of Toll Holdings, delivered Boeing 737-300 freighter ZK-TLC to Australia 06Sep with the aircraft departing Auckland for Brisbane. It was however diverted to Melbourne due to maintenance issues with another aircraft. ZK-TLC had arrived into Auckland as N519AU on 27Aug and whilst with Airwork had additional titles applied.
Pionair Convair 580 ZK-PAL departed Palmerston North direct to Hobart 06Sep where it cleared customs before continuing to Launceston. The aircraft replaced VH-PDL which is contracted to carry freight between Tasmania and Victoria.
Pionair Convair 580 VH-PDL arrived at Palmerston North direct from Launceston 07Sep for maintenance with Field Air. From Palmerston North to Invercargill as “Pionair 1” 18Sep then on to Hobart using its callsign.
Asian Express Airlines Boeing 727-200 freighter VH-DHE departed Auckland for Melbourne as “Express 93” 07Sep for maintenance. It returned to Auckland in the early hours of 13Sep from Melbourne and Sydney.
Mexican Air Force Boeing 757-200 TP-01/XC-UJM visited Auckland for a few hours on 07Sep, arriving from Papeete and departing to Sydney and Melbourne with Mexican President Felipe Calderon on board who was heading to the 2007 APEC summit at Sydney.
Hawaiian Airlines Boeing 767-300 N581HA arrived at Auckland from Sydney as ANZ100 08Sep for maintenance with ANZES. It departed Auckland as ANZ107 28Sep.
Air National Corporate took delivery of Gulfstream 200 N658GA at Auckland 08Sep with the aircraft arriving from Brisbane. The aircraft had departed Dallas/Love Field for London/Luton via Gander in early July and was noted at several locations around Europe before arriving in NZ. It will enter the NZ register as ZK-RGB. From Auckland to Nadi 15Sep returning to Auckland 22Sep, still on the US register. From Auckland to Taupo and return 27Sep.
Sydney Jet Charter/Brenzil PTY Ltd Falcon 2000EX VH-CRW briefly visited Auckland 08Sep, arriving from Brisbane and continuing to Taupo. It spent the day in Auckland 10Sep, arriving from and returning to Taupo, then from Taupo to Auckland and Brisbane 12Sep.
Corporate Air Gulfstream 4SP N77D arrived at Auckland from Sydney 09Sep where its passengers had been associated with the APEC summit. It had arrived into Sydney from Oakland via Honolulu and Nadi 04Sep. From Auckland to Queenstown 11Sep, then to Nadi and Honolulu 13Sep.
Cessna demonstrator Citation 510 Mustang N2243W arrived into Auckland from Maroochydore, Brisbane and Norfolk Island 09Sep. The visit of this mini bizjet signalled the first of the VLJ (Very Light Jet) type to grace our shores. It carried out local demonstration flights on 10 and 11Sep before continuing to Napier late on 11Sep. To Wellington 12Sep and Christchurch 13Sep then Auckland 14Sep. To Norfolk Island and Brisbane 15Sep. This particular aircraft is understood to have been sold in NZ prior to its demonstration tour and is expected to return for a Hastings operator with a second example also due to be delivered in the coming months.
Chilean Air Force Boeing 707-300 903 rumbled through Auckland in the late hours of 09Sep arriving from Sydney and continuing to Easter Island as ‘FACH01’. The aircraft was carrying dignitaries at the conclusion of the APEC summit.
Eagle Air’s ill-fated Beech 1900D ZK-EAK, which had conducted a wheels-up landing at Woodbourne in July, finally flew back into service 09Sep when it positioned to Hamilton following a $600,000 ‘rebuild’. It re-entered commercial service 11Sep as NZ2210 from Hamilton to Auckland.
Air Nelson took delivery of their 18th Bombardier Q300 at Nelson 09Sep when C-FLTZ arrived from Pago Pago flown by WWAF Captain and Air Nelson Captain Gary Chapple. As ZK-NEU it entered service 24Sep as NZ8148 from Nelson to Wellington flown by Captains Robbie Johnstone and Steve Scott.
The same week that this aircraft was delivered, Air NZ announced that Air Nelson would take delivery of an addition 2 Q300’s bringing their order to 23 aircraft. 2009 has been slated for their service entry and may well be used for services from Paraparaumu!
Lloyd Aviation Jet Charter/Paspaley Pearling Company Falcon 900C VH-PPD made its first recorded visit to Auckland 10Sep arriving from its home base of Darwin. The aircraft was hangered and departed 12Sep for Sydney.
Liberty Press Citation N800DT returned to Ardmore from Christchurch via Rotorua 10Sep having arrived at Christchurch from Dunedin 07Sep. From Ardmore to Rotorua and Dunedin 21Sep and to Greymouth 22Sep where it overnighted then flew to Rotorua and Ardmore 23Sep. From Ardmore to Woodbourne and return 28Sep.
Heavylift Cargo Boeing 727-51C RP-C8017 arrived at Auckland 10Sep as “Tranzglobal 401” from Sydney in lieu of Asian Express 727 VH-DHE. From Auckland to Sydney and return 11-12Sep and then to Sydney late on 12Sep as TCU402 where it then swapped with VH-DHE (see earlier entry).
Rank Group Global Express N18WZ returned to Auckland 11Sep following maintenance at Sydney since 24Sep. To Sydney 12Sep returning to Auckland 13Sep. To Essendon 14Sep returning to Auckland 18Sep. It carried out circuits at Auckland 19 and 20Sep and then to Nadi 21Sep. To Honolulu and Newark 23-24Sep. From Newark to Honolulu and Nadi 29Sep, then back to Honolulu 30Sep. The aircraft is listed for sale and will be replaced in October with a Boeing 737 BBJ N66ZB, nee N4AS. N66ZB flew from Lackland AFB to Tulsa 17Sep, returning to Lackland AFB 26Sep.
Columbia Ship Management Falcon 2000EX 5B-CKO flew into Auckland from Brisbane 12Sep. It departed for Port Moresby and Singapore/Seletar 13Sep.
CTC Aviation Diamond DA42 Twin Star ZK-CTM, whilst carrying out an instrument training flight from Whenuapai back to Hamilton on 12Sep, diverted into Auckland with an engine shutdown following an uncommanded shutdown/restart.
Flyglobespan Boeing 767-300 G-CEOD, ex ZK-NCO, finally departed Auckland 12Sep for Abu Dhabi via a techstop at Darwin as “GSM767D”. The departure was delayed some two weeks whilst a myriad of red tape was cut through!
Ex Origin Pacific Jetstream 41 N146KM, ex ZK-JSE, carried out a test flight from/to Wellington 12Sep following long-term storage. From Wellington to Norfolk Island 14Sep and to Brisbane, Mt Isa and Darwin 15Sep enroute somewhere in Africa.
Balancing the export of Jetstream 41 N146KM was Cessna 404 Titan N6764D which was delivered to Ardmore 14Sep from Apia and Auckland. The aircraft has been imported by Dennis Thompson International for a local customer and ferried as far as Apia from the USA in company with Titan N404NT which then continued to Australia. N6764D was noted flying from Paraparaumu southwards and subsequently inland of North Canterbury 22Sep with its final destination unknown.
Business Jets Falcon 900EX N146EX flew from Auckland to Queenstown and Dunedin 14Sep, returning to Auckland over the reverse route 20Sep. To Honolulu 22Sep. From Honolulu to Orlando 24Sep however diverted enroute to Dallas/Love Field before continuing to Orlando. From Orlando to Opa Locka 29Sep then to Shannon, Ireland 30Sep.
As a result of Boeing 767-300 unservicability, Air NZ deployed a Boeing 777-200 to Perth for the first time on 15Sep with ZK-OKF operating as ANZ175. it returned to Auckland the following day as ANZ176 after crew rest.
Air Chathams Convair 580 ZK-CIE left Auckland for Suva 15Sep as “Chathams 1”.
Air Chathams Convair 580 ZK-CIF returned to Auckland from Suva 16Sep as “Chathams 1”. To Palmerston North as CVA580 17Sep.
Air NZ, as part of its role as primary sponsor of the NZ Fashion Week, converted Airbus A320 ZK-OJC into a flying catwalk and as such the aircraft flew from Auckland to Sydney and return 16Sep ANZ1711/1712.
Cirrus SR20 ZK-VET departed Auckland for Whangarei and Norfolk Island 17Sep on export to Australia. The aircraft was based with a vet practise in Takaka and had flown from Nelson to Auckland 16Sep. Subsequently cancelled from the register.
Royal Australian Air Force De Havilland DHC4 Caribou A4-231 arrived at Whenuapai from Norfolk Island 17Sep as “Ausy 721”. Onwards to Wellington later that same day. From Wellington to Karamea and Queenstown 19Sep with the aircraft noted carrying out circuits from the grass runway 20Sep and then making a night departure that same day. From Queenstown to Oamaru and Wellington 24Sep, then to Whenuapai and Norfolk Island 26Sep.
Organ retrieval flights were the scene at Auckland during the night hours of 18Sep with Jetcity Learjet 35A VH-JCR flying from/to Melbourne and Queensland Government Air Wing Hawker 850XP VH-SGY flying from/to Brisbane.
Atlas Air, operating on behalf of Air NZ, flew Boeing 747-400 freighter N496MC through Auckland 19Sep on the regular around the world service.
Rangiora based Piper PA46 Malibu N9099Z flew from its home to Pauanui 19Sep. From Pauanui to Ardmore and Rangiora 28Sep.
Air NZ Boeing 747-400 ZK-NBT departed Auckland for Hong Kong as ANZ81 20Sep for a C check with HAECO.
For over flight purposes, the aircraft used the callsign ANZ39D.
Vincent Aviation Reims/Cessna 406 ZK-VAF departed Wellington, Auckland, Norfolk Island and Brisbane 20Sep as “Aircorp 1” and it is reported the aircraft was destined for a month contract in Bangladesh.
Air National Australia/Linfox Aircraft Charter Bombardier Regional Jet VH-LEF made its second visit to NZ, arriving at Auckland from Sydney at 2359LT 20Sep. To Essendon 21Sep.
Royal Australian Air Force Lockheed C130J Hercules A97-467 arrived at Wellington 23Sep as part of a North Island navigation exercise that commenced at Woodbourne before continuing to Ohakea, New Plymouth, Hamilton, Rotorua, Auckland, Whangarei, Whenuapai and terminating at Ohakea as “Ausy 724”. The Hercules had arrived into Woodbourne on 21Sep from Hobart via Christchurch and Nelson and flew a South Island navigation exercise 22Sep visiting Christchurch, Timaru, Oamaru, Queenstown, back to Oamaru, Timaru and Woodbourne. From Ohakea to Townsville 24Sep.
Royal Australian Air Force Lockheed C130J Hercules A97-468 arrived at Wellington 23Sep as part of a North Island navigation exercise that commenced at Woodbourne before continuing to Ohakea, New Plymouth, Hamilton, Rotorua, Auckland, Whangarei and terminating at Ohakea as “Ausy 725”. The Hercules had arrived into Woodbourne on 21Sep from Hobart via Christchurch and Nelson and flew a South Island navigation exercise 22Sep visiting Christchurch, Timaru, Oamaru, Queenstown, back to Oamaru, then to Christchurch and Woodbourne. From Ohakea to Amberley 24Sep.
Execujet Australia Challenger 604 VH-OCV visited Wellington 23Sep, arriving from and returning to Sydney. From Sydney to Auckland and return 24Sep, and from Sydney to Queenstown, Auckland and Sydney 25Sep.
An end of an era was signalled on 24Sep with the last commercial flights of the Saab 340A with Air Nelson. Saab 340A ZK-NLE flew its final revenue flight from Wellington to Nelson as NZ8197 whilst the last ever Saab 340A commercial service was flown by ZK-NLH as NZ8161. Thus concluding 17 years of operation spanning some 500,000 flights. However! With the grounding of a number of Eagle Air Beech 1900D’s 25-27Sep, ZK-NLH was pressed back into service and on 27Sep it positioned to Wellington as NZ8952 from Nelson, then flew Wellington-Timaru-Wellington-Timaru-Wellington-Gisborne-Wellington in lieu of Beech 1900’s! It then positioned back to Nelson as NZ8951.
ZK-NLE had accumulated 43840.58 hours and 55234 cycles on arrival at Nelson 24Sep.
Ukraine Cargo Airways Antonov AN12BP UR-UCK arrived at RNZAF Base Ohakea from Richmond AFB as “UKS721” 26Sep carrying a cargo of ammunition. After unloading, it returned to Richmond as “UKS722”.
Korean Airlines Boeing 777-200 HL7734 made its first recorded visit to NZ 26Sep when it flew the scheduled KE823/824 service through Auckland.
Christie Aviation Cessna Citation VII VH-VRC made its first visit to Auckland 26Sep, arriving from Sydney. To Wellington later that same day where it overnighted before heading to Christchurch and Sydney 27Sep.
JABJ Aviation Boeing BBJ VP-CEC flew into Auckland from Abul Aziz Shah, Kuala Lumpur 26Sep. Onto Woodbourne 27Sep for cabin refit work with Safe Air.
Pacific Aerospace XL750 P2-NCA, nee ZK-JQO, departed Hamilton for Kerikeri and Norfolk Island 26Sep on the first legs of its delivery flight to Papua New Guinea. To Lord Howe Island and Brisbane 27Sep, then to Rockhampton, Townsville and Cairns 28Sep. The aircraft was all white with no titles however the registration may allude to its new owners being a missionary operation in PNG, Numonohi Christian Academy.
Following the discovery of a hydraulic leak from the undercarriage on an Eagle Air Beech 1900D, much of the Link carrier’s fleet was grounded on 26Sep whilst checks were undertaken. At one stage during the morning, 10 Beech 1900D’s were parked at Hamilton!
These aircraft were ZK-EAA, EAB, EAD, EAE, EAG (on a scheduled flight), EAH, EAK, EAM, EAO and EAP.
EAI and EAL were parked at Wellington while EAJ was parked at Woodbourne.
Air Chathams Convair 580 ZK-CIB departed Auckland for Noumea and Tonga 27Sep on a cargo charter flight. The Convair had arrived into Auckland the previous evening from the Chatham Islands as CVA519. The Convair returned to Auckland late on 27Sep before continuing to the Chatham Islands as CVA580 arriving in the early hours of 28Sep.
Ex Origin Pacific Jetstream 41 N149KM, ex ZK-JSK, departed Wellington for Norfolk Island and Brisbane 27Sep and to Brisbane. The operator was listed as Angola Air Services.
Pleasant Travel Services/Clay Lacy Gulfstream 300 N851EL arrived at Auckland from Sydney 27Sep where it was met my AS355 Twin Squirrel ZK-HXO. After clearing formalities, the G300 departed for Rotorua. The G300 is the new variant name for a Gulfstream 4. It had arrived into Brisbane from Honolulu and Nadi 22Sep. From Rotorua to Queenstown 29Sep then to Sydney and beyond 30Sep.
Hawaiian Airlines Boeing 767-300 N582HA arrived at Auckland from Sydney as ANZ100 29Sep for maintenance with ANZES.
Pelair Westwind VH-NGA arrived at Auckland from Sydney 29Sep. After fuel uplift, the Westwind continued to Rarotonga returning to Auckland around sun-up 30Sep. Following crew rest the Westwind returned to Sydney.
The most significant event for this busy month would have to be the first flight of recently restored Supermarine Spitfire Mk. Vb BL628 “Marion” from Ardmore on 29Sep. The aircraft, registered NX628BL and owned by Provenance Fighter Sales, has been undergoing a rebuild with Avspecs Ltd at Ardmore for 18 months having arrived from Australia. After a couple of engine runs, it finally got airborne at 1620 and carried out a 10 minute test flight. For more on this lovely example check out http://www.warbirdfoundation.org/content/view/4/8/
The Spitfire carried out a second test flight 30Sep and was planning to carry out a third flight with some air-to-air photography 01Oct.
Citation 123 Corp Gulfstream 4 N124TF arrived at Tauranga direct from Kona 30Sep. This particular machine had visited NZ at the beginning of the year as N184CW when it arrived into Tauranga direct from Honolulu on 31Dec06 before visiting Christchurch, Hokitika and Napier during January 07.
Australian Aerial Surveys PTY Ltd Pacific Aerospace XL750 VH-EAJ departed Hamilton for Norfolk Island 01Sep and was later noted at its new home of Bankstown. This aircraft previously wore the registration ZK-JNA.
Air National Corporate Westwind II ZK-RML flew from Timaru to Christchurch and Auckland 01Sep. From Auckland to Christchurch 10Sep returning to Auckland in the early hours of 11Sep. From Auckland to Rarotonga 24Sep.
Royal Australian Air Force Lockheed C130J Hercules A97-447 visited Wellington 01Sep as “Ausy 711”, presumably from/to Richmond.
Piper PA38-112 Tomahawk VH-NRH, most recently based in New South Wales, arrived at Kerikeri from Norfolk Island 02Sep on delivery to NZ. It was cancelled from the Australian registered 05Sep.
Singapore Airlines Cargo re-routed their Boeing 747-400 freighter 9V-SFM from its normal Auckland-Singapore route to operate via Christchurch 02Sep as SQC7295. This was the first of several visited by the carrier’s freighter aircraft to Christchurch.
Network Jets Falcon 2000EX N185G departed Auckland for Nadi 03Sep, returning to Auckland the following day. From Auckland to Apia and Maui 14Sep, then to Las Vegas 15Sep before returning back to Maui 18Sep. From Maui to Oakland and Little Rock 24Sep. To Peachtree/Dekalb 25Sep. To Teterboro, Oakland and Maui 27Sep.
Cargolux Boeing 747-400 freighter LX-WCV made its first visit to Auckland on 03Sep operating the carrier’s scheduled CLX731 service from Melbourne and on to Los Angeles.
Auckland Jet Charter Learjet 35A ZK-XVL was noted carrying out aerial work over the Hauraki Gulf on 03Sep.
Hawaiian Airlines Boeing 767-300 N580HA departed Auckland for Sydney as ANZ107 05Sep as part of the agreement between Hawaiian and Air New Zealand which sees the US carrier’s aircraft switch in Sydney to/from their maintenance checks. However, a mechanical problem was discovered shortly after departure and the aircraft returned to Auckland. It departed again 07Sep as ANZ107.
Air National Corporate Gulfstream 4SP ZK-KFB departed Auckland for Sydney and Soekarno Hatta/Jakarta 05Sep. To Sydney 07Sep and back to Auckland 08Sep. From Wellington to Papeete and Los Angeles 16Sep then to Philadelphia 19Sep where the aircraft’s owner, movie director Peter Jackson, is working on the movie “Lovely Bones”. From Philadelphia to Long Beach 25Sep.
Royal Australia Air Force Lockheed C130J Hercules A97-478 visited Wellington 05Sep, arriving from and returning to Richmond as “Ausy 712”.
Airwork NZ Ltd, operating on behalf of Toll Holdings, delivered Boeing 737-300 freighter ZK-TLC to Australia 06Sep with the aircraft departing Auckland for Brisbane. It was however diverted to Melbourne due to maintenance issues with another aircraft. ZK-TLC had arrived into Auckland as N519AU on 27Aug and whilst with Airwork had additional titles applied.
Pionair Convair 580 ZK-PAL departed Palmerston North direct to Hobart 06Sep where it cleared customs before continuing to Launceston. The aircraft replaced VH-PDL which is contracted to carry freight between Tasmania and Victoria.
Pionair Convair 580 VH-PDL arrived at Palmerston North direct from Launceston 07Sep for maintenance with Field Air. From Palmerston North to Invercargill as “Pionair 1” 18Sep then on to Hobart using its callsign.
Asian Express Airlines Boeing 727-200 freighter VH-DHE departed Auckland for Melbourne as “Express 93” 07Sep for maintenance. It returned to Auckland in the early hours of 13Sep from Melbourne and Sydney.
Mexican Air Force Boeing 757-200 TP-01/XC-UJM visited Auckland for a few hours on 07Sep, arriving from Papeete and departing to Sydney and Melbourne with Mexican President Felipe Calderon on board who was heading to the 2007 APEC summit at Sydney.
Hawaiian Airlines Boeing 767-300 N581HA arrived at Auckland from Sydney as ANZ100 08Sep for maintenance with ANZES. It departed Auckland as ANZ107 28Sep.
Air National Corporate took delivery of Gulfstream 200 N658GA at Auckland 08Sep with the aircraft arriving from Brisbane. The aircraft had departed Dallas/Love Field for London/Luton via Gander in early July and was noted at several locations around Europe before arriving in NZ. It will enter the NZ register as ZK-RGB. From Auckland to Nadi 15Sep returning to Auckland 22Sep, still on the US register. From Auckland to Taupo and return 27Sep.
Sydney Jet Charter/Brenzil PTY Ltd Falcon 2000EX VH-CRW briefly visited Auckland 08Sep, arriving from Brisbane and continuing to Taupo. It spent the day in Auckland 10Sep, arriving from and returning to Taupo, then from Taupo to Auckland and Brisbane 12Sep.
Corporate Air Gulfstream 4SP N77D arrived at Auckland from Sydney 09Sep where its passengers had been associated with the APEC summit. It had arrived into Sydney from Oakland via Honolulu and Nadi 04Sep. From Auckland to Queenstown 11Sep, then to Nadi and Honolulu 13Sep.
Cessna demonstrator Citation 510 Mustang N2243W arrived into Auckland from Maroochydore, Brisbane and Norfolk Island 09Sep. The visit of this mini bizjet signalled the first of the VLJ (Very Light Jet) type to grace our shores. It carried out local demonstration flights on 10 and 11Sep before continuing to Napier late on 11Sep. To Wellington 12Sep and Christchurch 13Sep then Auckland 14Sep. To Norfolk Island and Brisbane 15Sep. This particular aircraft is understood to have been sold in NZ prior to its demonstration tour and is expected to return for a Hastings operator with a second example also due to be delivered in the coming months.
Chilean Air Force Boeing 707-300 903 rumbled through Auckland in the late hours of 09Sep arriving from Sydney and continuing to Easter Island as ‘FACH01’. The aircraft was carrying dignitaries at the conclusion of the APEC summit.
Eagle Air’s ill-fated Beech 1900D ZK-EAK, which had conducted a wheels-up landing at Woodbourne in July, finally flew back into service 09Sep when it positioned to Hamilton following a $600,000 ‘rebuild’. It re-entered commercial service 11Sep as NZ2210 from Hamilton to Auckland.
Air Nelson took delivery of their 18th Bombardier Q300 at Nelson 09Sep when C-FLTZ arrived from Pago Pago flown by WWAF Captain and Air Nelson Captain Gary Chapple. As ZK-NEU it entered service 24Sep as NZ8148 from Nelson to Wellington flown by Captains Robbie Johnstone and Steve Scott.
The same week that this aircraft was delivered, Air NZ announced that Air Nelson would take delivery of an addition 2 Q300’s bringing their order to 23 aircraft. 2009 has been slated for their service entry and may well be used for services from Paraparaumu!
Lloyd Aviation Jet Charter/Paspaley Pearling Company Falcon 900C VH-PPD made its first recorded visit to Auckland 10Sep arriving from its home base of Darwin. The aircraft was hangered and departed 12Sep for Sydney.
Liberty Press Citation N800DT returned to Ardmore from Christchurch via Rotorua 10Sep having arrived at Christchurch from Dunedin 07Sep. From Ardmore to Rotorua and Dunedin 21Sep and to Greymouth 22Sep where it overnighted then flew to Rotorua and Ardmore 23Sep. From Ardmore to Woodbourne and return 28Sep.
Heavylift Cargo Boeing 727-51C RP-C8017 arrived at Auckland 10Sep as “Tranzglobal 401” from Sydney in lieu of Asian Express 727 VH-DHE. From Auckland to Sydney and return 11-12Sep and then to Sydney late on 12Sep as TCU402 where it then swapped with VH-DHE (see earlier entry).
Rank Group Global Express N18WZ returned to Auckland 11Sep following maintenance at Sydney since 24Sep. To Sydney 12Sep returning to Auckland 13Sep. To Essendon 14Sep returning to Auckland 18Sep. It carried out circuits at Auckland 19 and 20Sep and then to Nadi 21Sep. To Honolulu and Newark 23-24Sep. From Newark to Honolulu and Nadi 29Sep, then back to Honolulu 30Sep. The aircraft is listed for sale and will be replaced in October with a Boeing 737 BBJ N66ZB, nee N4AS. N66ZB flew from Lackland AFB to Tulsa 17Sep, returning to Lackland AFB 26Sep.
Columbia Ship Management Falcon 2000EX 5B-CKO flew into Auckland from Brisbane 12Sep. It departed for Port Moresby and Singapore/Seletar 13Sep.
CTC Aviation Diamond DA42 Twin Star ZK-CTM, whilst carrying out an instrument training flight from Whenuapai back to Hamilton on 12Sep, diverted into Auckland with an engine shutdown following an uncommanded shutdown/restart.
Flyglobespan Boeing 767-300 G-CEOD, ex ZK-NCO, finally departed Auckland 12Sep for Abu Dhabi via a techstop at Darwin as “GSM767D”. The departure was delayed some two weeks whilst a myriad of red tape was cut through!
Ex Origin Pacific Jetstream 41 N146KM, ex ZK-JSE, carried out a test flight from/to Wellington 12Sep following long-term storage. From Wellington to Norfolk Island 14Sep and to Brisbane, Mt Isa and Darwin 15Sep enroute somewhere in Africa.
Balancing the export of Jetstream 41 N146KM was Cessna 404 Titan N6764D which was delivered to Ardmore 14Sep from Apia and Auckland. The aircraft has been imported by Dennis Thompson International for a local customer and ferried as far as Apia from the USA in company with Titan N404NT which then continued to Australia. N6764D was noted flying from Paraparaumu southwards and subsequently inland of North Canterbury 22Sep with its final destination unknown.
Business Jets Falcon 900EX N146EX flew from Auckland to Queenstown and Dunedin 14Sep, returning to Auckland over the reverse route 20Sep. To Honolulu 22Sep. From Honolulu to Orlando 24Sep however diverted enroute to Dallas/Love Field before continuing to Orlando. From Orlando to Opa Locka 29Sep then to Shannon, Ireland 30Sep.
As a result of Boeing 767-300 unservicability, Air NZ deployed a Boeing 777-200 to Perth for the first time on 15Sep with ZK-OKF operating as ANZ175. it returned to Auckland the following day as ANZ176 after crew rest.
Air Chathams Convair 580 ZK-CIE left Auckland for Suva 15Sep as “Chathams 1”.
Air Chathams Convair 580 ZK-CIF returned to Auckland from Suva 16Sep as “Chathams 1”. To Palmerston North as CVA580 17Sep.
Air NZ, as part of its role as primary sponsor of the NZ Fashion Week, converted Airbus A320 ZK-OJC into a flying catwalk and as such the aircraft flew from Auckland to Sydney and return 16Sep ANZ1711/1712.
Cirrus SR20 ZK-VET departed Auckland for Whangarei and Norfolk Island 17Sep on export to Australia. The aircraft was based with a vet practise in Takaka and had flown from Nelson to Auckland 16Sep. Subsequently cancelled from the register.
Royal Australian Air Force De Havilland DHC4 Caribou A4-231 arrived at Whenuapai from Norfolk Island 17Sep as “Ausy 721”. Onwards to Wellington later that same day. From Wellington to Karamea and Queenstown 19Sep with the aircraft noted carrying out circuits from the grass runway 20Sep and then making a night departure that same day. From Queenstown to Oamaru and Wellington 24Sep, then to Whenuapai and Norfolk Island 26Sep.
Organ retrieval flights were the scene at Auckland during the night hours of 18Sep with Jetcity Learjet 35A VH-JCR flying from/to Melbourne and Queensland Government Air Wing Hawker 850XP VH-SGY flying from/to Brisbane.
Atlas Air, operating on behalf of Air NZ, flew Boeing 747-400 freighter N496MC through Auckland 19Sep on the regular around the world service.
Rangiora based Piper PA46 Malibu N9099Z flew from its home to Pauanui 19Sep. From Pauanui to Ardmore and Rangiora 28Sep.
Air NZ Boeing 747-400 ZK-NBT departed Auckland for Hong Kong as ANZ81 20Sep for a C check with HAECO.
For over flight purposes, the aircraft used the callsign ANZ39D.
Vincent Aviation Reims/Cessna 406 ZK-VAF departed Wellington, Auckland, Norfolk Island and Brisbane 20Sep as “Aircorp 1” and it is reported the aircraft was destined for a month contract in Bangladesh.
Air National Australia/Linfox Aircraft Charter Bombardier Regional Jet VH-LEF made its second visit to NZ, arriving at Auckland from Sydney at 2359LT 20Sep. To Essendon 21Sep.
Royal Australian Air Force Lockheed C130J Hercules A97-467 arrived at Wellington 23Sep as part of a North Island navigation exercise that commenced at Woodbourne before continuing to Ohakea, New Plymouth, Hamilton, Rotorua, Auckland, Whangarei, Whenuapai and terminating at Ohakea as “Ausy 724”. The Hercules had arrived into Woodbourne on 21Sep from Hobart via Christchurch and Nelson and flew a South Island navigation exercise 22Sep visiting Christchurch, Timaru, Oamaru, Queenstown, back to Oamaru, Timaru and Woodbourne. From Ohakea to Townsville 24Sep.
Royal Australian Air Force Lockheed C130J Hercules A97-468 arrived at Wellington 23Sep as part of a North Island navigation exercise that commenced at Woodbourne before continuing to Ohakea, New Plymouth, Hamilton, Rotorua, Auckland, Whangarei and terminating at Ohakea as “Ausy 725”. The Hercules had arrived into Woodbourne on 21Sep from Hobart via Christchurch and Nelson and flew a South Island navigation exercise 22Sep visiting Christchurch, Timaru, Oamaru, Queenstown, back to Oamaru, then to Christchurch and Woodbourne. From Ohakea to Amberley 24Sep.
Execujet Australia Challenger 604 VH-OCV visited Wellington 23Sep, arriving from and returning to Sydney. From Sydney to Auckland and return 24Sep, and from Sydney to Queenstown, Auckland and Sydney 25Sep.
An end of an era was signalled on 24Sep with the last commercial flights of the Saab 340A with Air Nelson. Saab 340A ZK-NLE flew its final revenue flight from Wellington to Nelson as NZ8197 whilst the last ever Saab 340A commercial service was flown by ZK-NLH as NZ8161. Thus concluding 17 years of operation spanning some 500,000 flights. However! With the grounding of a number of Eagle Air Beech 1900D’s 25-27Sep, ZK-NLH was pressed back into service and on 27Sep it positioned to Wellington as NZ8952 from Nelson, then flew Wellington-Timaru-Wellington-Timaru-Wellington-Gisborne-Wellington in lieu of Beech 1900’s! It then positioned back to Nelson as NZ8951.
ZK-NLE had accumulated 43840.58 hours and 55234 cycles on arrival at Nelson 24Sep.
Ukraine Cargo Airways Antonov AN12BP UR-UCK arrived at RNZAF Base Ohakea from Richmond AFB as “UKS721” 26Sep carrying a cargo of ammunition. After unloading, it returned to Richmond as “UKS722”.
Korean Airlines Boeing 777-200 HL7734 made its first recorded visit to NZ 26Sep when it flew the scheduled KE823/824 service through Auckland.
Christie Aviation Cessna Citation VII VH-VRC made its first visit to Auckland 26Sep, arriving from Sydney. To Wellington later that same day where it overnighted before heading to Christchurch and Sydney 27Sep.
JABJ Aviation Boeing BBJ VP-CEC flew into Auckland from Abul Aziz Shah, Kuala Lumpur 26Sep. Onto Woodbourne 27Sep for cabin refit work with Safe Air.
Pacific Aerospace XL750 P2-NCA, nee ZK-JQO, departed Hamilton for Kerikeri and Norfolk Island 26Sep on the first legs of its delivery flight to Papua New Guinea. To Lord Howe Island and Brisbane 27Sep, then to Rockhampton, Townsville and Cairns 28Sep. The aircraft was all white with no titles however the registration may allude to its new owners being a missionary operation in PNG, Numonohi Christian Academy.
Following the discovery of a hydraulic leak from the undercarriage on an Eagle Air Beech 1900D, much of the Link carrier’s fleet was grounded on 26Sep whilst checks were undertaken. At one stage during the morning, 10 Beech 1900D’s were parked at Hamilton!
These aircraft were ZK-EAA, EAB, EAD, EAE, EAG (on a scheduled flight), EAH, EAK, EAM, EAO and EAP.
EAI and EAL were parked at Wellington while EAJ was parked at Woodbourne.
Air Chathams Convair 580 ZK-CIB departed Auckland for Noumea and Tonga 27Sep on a cargo charter flight. The Convair had arrived into Auckland the previous evening from the Chatham Islands as CVA519. The Convair returned to Auckland late on 27Sep before continuing to the Chatham Islands as CVA580 arriving in the early hours of 28Sep.
Ex Origin Pacific Jetstream 41 N149KM, ex ZK-JSK, departed Wellington for Norfolk Island and Brisbane 27Sep and to Brisbane. The operator was listed as Angola Air Services.
Pleasant Travel Services/Clay Lacy Gulfstream 300 N851EL arrived at Auckland from Sydney 27Sep where it was met my AS355 Twin Squirrel ZK-HXO. After clearing formalities, the G300 departed for Rotorua. The G300 is the new variant name for a Gulfstream 4. It had arrived into Brisbane from Honolulu and Nadi 22Sep. From Rotorua to Queenstown 29Sep then to Sydney and beyond 30Sep.
Hawaiian Airlines Boeing 767-300 N582HA arrived at Auckland from Sydney as ANZ100 29Sep for maintenance with ANZES.
Pelair Westwind VH-NGA arrived at Auckland from Sydney 29Sep. After fuel uplift, the Westwind continued to Rarotonga returning to Auckland around sun-up 30Sep. Following crew rest the Westwind returned to Sydney.
The most significant event for this busy month would have to be the first flight of recently restored Supermarine Spitfire Mk. Vb BL628 “Marion” from Ardmore on 29Sep. The aircraft, registered NX628BL and owned by Provenance Fighter Sales, has been undergoing a rebuild with Avspecs Ltd at Ardmore for 18 months having arrived from Australia. After a couple of engine runs, it finally got airborne at 1620 and carried out a 10 minute test flight. For more on this lovely example check out http://www.warbirdfoundation.org/content/view/4/8/
The Spitfire carried out a second test flight 30Sep and was planning to carry out a third flight with some air-to-air photography 01Oct.
Citation 123 Corp Gulfstream 4 N124TF arrived at Tauranga direct from Kona 30Sep. This particular machine had visited NZ at the beginning of the year as N184CW when it arrived into Tauranga direct from Honolulu on 31Dec06 before visiting Christchurch, Hokitika and Napier during January 07.
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