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.

Tenth Anniversary!

Today marks the tenth anniversary of our first blog post where we initially started with it replicating a monthly email report, North Island Notables, which incidentally ended with the December 2016 edition.

At this time I would like to take the opportunity to extend my sincere gratitude to all the friends I've made through the advent of the blog and its global reach with contacts made in all corners of the planet. It has made the production and maintenance of this blog all the more enjoyable.

And to the core group of resource providers - THANK YOU! Without your dedication and participation I could not have continued to keep the blog going. 

The future of MRC Aviation in its current form is under review with personal circumstances potentially dictating a significant shift in focus and this will affect the blog. But for now its business as usual...

LOOKING BACK - 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.

Welcome Back American Airlines!

American Airlines has added Auckland, New Zealand, to extensive network with the introduction of daily Boeing 787-8 Dreamliner services from/to Los Angeles. 

The gargantuan Fort Worth, Texas based carrier is touted as the world's largest by fleet size and revenue and the second largest by number of destinations. It is a founding member of the One World alliance and the introduction of services between Los Angeles and Auckland has been closely aligned with partner airline Qantas. 

http://hub.aa.com/en/nr/american-airlines-adds-new-destination-with-new-service-between-los-angeles-and-auckland

American Airlines fleet currently stands at 946 aircraft with 17 of these being the -8 Dreamliner and another 3 on order with the first aircraft delivered in January 2015 and the most recent example arriving in May 2016. The carrier also has 22 of the larger -9 on order with the first, being built at Boeing's Charleston facility, nearing completion. 

The first flight, AA83, (codeshare flight QF3226) arrived Auckland in the predawn hours from Los Angeles operated by N814AA and the northbound flight, AA82 (QF3225) departed a little late at 1328 making for a convenient 0630 local arrival time into Los Angeles.

N814AA was delivered to American in February this year and is configured with 28 business class, 48 premium economy and 150 economy seats. 

http://www.nzherald.co.nz/business/news/video.cfm?c_id=1503079&gal_cid=1503079&gallery_id=162152

Thanks to Mark C for the following historical snippets:

This American Airlines service is not an inaugural - its a reintroduction of service. They first commenced flying to New Zealand during the very early 1970's using Boeing 707-320B's then withdrew after a short while. They returned to New Zealand again during mid 1989 flying McDonnell Douglas DC10-30's however withdraw within 9 months. 

The entry to the NZ-USA market by American Airlines is just a over a week ahead of United Airlines reintroducing flights to the region with the airline operating their Boeing 787-8 Dreamliner's between San Francisco and Auckland three times weekly from 03 July (arrival date @ Auckland) in conjunction with Air New Zealand. 

Photos via Auckland International Airport Facebook page

Friday 10 - Thursday 16 April 2009

Friday 10 April 2009
Citation 500 N800DT hopped back home to Ardmore from Sydney/Bankstown today via techstops at Lord Howe Island and Auckland.

Citationjet CJ3+ ZK-TBM flew from Kerikeri to Taupo and Napier.

Virgin Blue Boeing 737-800 VH-VOC arrived at Christchurch in the early hours of today from Melbourne.

Saturday 11 April 2009
Nothing to report!

Sunday 12 April 2009
Gulfstream 2 N345GL departed Queenstown late morning for Nadi where it remained until 14Apr and headed to Majuro and Honolulu.

Royal Australian Air Force DHC-4 Caribou A4-199 arrived at Whenuapai early this afternoon from Norfolk Island where it arrived 08Apr but went unservicable. Its departed later the same day southbound.

Monday 13 April 2009
Atlas Air, operating on behalf of Qantas, flew Boeing 747-400 freighter N492MC from Avalon to Auckland and Brisbane this evening carrying street racing cars for the upcoming event at Hamilton.

Boomerang VH-DXW was observed departing Omaka northbound today, presumably having been at the Omaka Airshow.

Caribou A4-199 was heard to be on the ground at Hokitika today, no doubt in company with A4-195.

Tuesday 14 April 2009
Boeing 747-400 freighter N492MC arrived back at Auckland mid morning from Brisbane carrying another load of cars. The aircraft then remained at Auckland while the crew took rest and departed late that same day for Pudong.

Hawker 850XP VH-RAM, registered to Ramsay Air Charter, made a fleeting visit to Auckland this afternoon, arriving from Sydney and departing for Kaitaia. Its stay in the Far North was equally short as it headed south to New Plymouth.

Gulfstream G200 ZK-RGB flew from Auckland to Queenstown.

Medical related activities on the West Coast attracted the visits by Westwind ZK-RML and King Air C90 ZK-MKG during the night. The Westwind flew from Auckland to Hokitika and back while the King Air flew Wanganui-Hokitika-Auckland-Wanganui.

Piper Malibu N9099Z flew from its Rangiora base to Nelson.

Citation Mustang N2243W flew Hastings-Ardmore-Hastings-Christchurch over the course of today.

Wednesday 15 April 2009
Air Chathams Convair 580 ZK-CIB arrived at Wanganui direct from the Chatham Islands this morning before continuing onwards to Wellington and back to the Chathams.

Aerial Mapping's Commander 690 ZK-PVB arrived at Auckland this afternoon from Coolangatta via Lord Howe Island. The aircraft has been on contract to the Airways Corporation conducting calibration work in Indonesia.

Citationjet CJ3+ ZK-TBM flew Napier to Christchurch.

Piper Malibu N9099Z flew from Nelson back to Rangiora.

Thursday 16 April 2009
Arriving just prior to 0100 this morning was John Travolta's Boeing 707-138B N707JT from Brisbane. This great classic of the skies had arrived in Brisbane at an equally unsocial hour from Nadi on 13Apr and prior to that arrived in Fiji at 0200 on 12Apr from Kailua-Kona.

At Auckland 11 July 2002 during its last visit, Mike Condon photo

Gulfstream G200 ZK-RGB flew from Queenstown to Napier and Auckland while Westwind ZK-RML flew from Auckland to Queenstown, Wellington and Auckland.

Citation Mustang N2243W flew from Christchurch back to Hastings.

20 years ago this month

International visiting aircraft of February 1992 make February 2012 activity look somewhat dull!

The US ice operation was winding down at the beginning of February 1992 with Lockheed LC130H's

83-0490 and 83-0491 departing Christchurch for Pago Pago on the 3rd.

Arriving at Ohakea from Hong Kong via Darwin on the 3rd was Air Hong Kong Boeing 707-336C VR-HKK carring a consignment of ammunition.  It departed over the reverse route on the 4th.

Another "big" visitor to Ohakea was recorded on the 23rd with the arrival of Martinair Douglas DC10-30CF PH-MBP from Singapore carrying three Aermacchi MB339's.  it departed for Auckland on the 24th and Taipei on the 25th.

On the 9th a Royal Air Force Lockheed C130K, XV288, arrived at Wellington from Canberra and departed the next day for Pago Pago.

And on the 11th a Royal Canadian Air Force Challenger 144616 arrived at Auckland from Pago Pago and departed for Richmond on the 13th.

The first visit by a Boeing 757-200 to New Zealand took place on the 12th when German carrier Condor flew D-ABNC to Auckland from Sydney.  It departed for Nadi on the 16th.

Some maintenance activity at Air NZ Christchurch with the arrival on the 17th of Airfast Indonesia Boeing 737-247 PK-OCF from Brisbane.

Also on the 17th, Air New Zealand took delivery of its second Boeing 767-319ER, ZK-NCF with the jet arriving at Auckland direct from Everett. This aircraft remained with Air NZ until 2006 when it was sold to LOT as SP-LPF and in 2011 it moved to the USA to fly with North American Airlines as N762NA.

As ZK-NCF arrived, Fokker F27-500 ZK-NFA "Kotuku" was being prepared for departure from NZ and as PK-MFF it departed Chrsitchurch for Auckland, Norfolk island and Brisbane on the 20th heading to Merpati. 

ZK-NFA at Christchurch 11 February 1992, MRC photo

Also on the 20th was the arrival at Christchurch Air NZ of Royal Australian Air Force Lockheed C130H A97-002 for Richmond.  Departing the following day ex maintenance was A97-011 to Richmond.

Interesting visitors continued on the 26th with Royal Air Force BAe 146 CC2 ZE702 touching down at Wellington from Melbourne carrying the Duke of Edinburgh.  It flew to Auckland on the 29th and departed for Brisbane 2 March.

Another Fokker F27-500 from the Air NZ fleet flew off to Merpati with ZK-NFB "Korere" departing under its new marks of PK-MFG on the 26th.   It departed over the same route as ZK-NFA/PK-MFF.

ZK-NFB at Christchurch 11 February 1992, MRC photo

The Airwomen's Rally attracked a trip of Beech 36 variants with VH-ORK, VH-WDV and VH-XRJ arriving at Norfolk Island from Lord Howe Island on the 28th and later continued to Auckland and Christchurch.

Three NZ Aerospace CT4B's departed Hamilton for Auckland, Norfolk Island and Lord Howe Island on the 29th.  ZK-FZD (Thai AF 25), ZK-FYO (VH-YCJ) and ZK-FYP (VH-YCK) later continued to the Australian mainland.

Arriving at Christchurch from Honolulu on the 29th was the Kuiper Airborne Observatory Lockheed L300-50A (KAO) Starlifter N714NA.

N714NA at Christchurch during an April 1993 visit, MRC photo

A number of bizjets visited our shores over the month also:

Challenger N1623 of Texaco Oil at Wellington 04-06 February

Gulfstream 4 N23AC of Alberta Culver at Auckland 06-08 February

Falcon 900 N462FJ of Deerport Aviation at Queenstown 19-22 February

Plus a myriad of Australia machines such as BAe 125's VH-HSP, VH-III and VH-LRH, Cessna 550's VH-JPK and VH-TFQ, Falcon 200 VH-NGF, Learjet's VH-SLJ and VH-TPR plus Westwinds VH-AJK and VH-SGY.

In addition to the light aircraft activity mentioned above, Vincent Aviation took delivery of De Havilland Heron ZK-TAJ at Wellington on the 8th with the aircraft arriving from Noumea, Norfolk Island and Auckland having previously flown with Air Rarotonga.   Another Air Rarotonga machine, Beech Queen Air ZK-TAK, arrived at Auckland from Norfolk Island on the 4th for maintenance.  This airframe later became ZK-TAL then ZK-PHA!

At Woodbourne 14 February 1992, MRC photo

Wednesday 23 January 2008 - updated 1940LT

Atlas Air, operating on behalf of Qantas, flew a freighter charter in/out of Auckland during the early hours of today with Boeing 747-400 N492MC. It arrived from Sydney as QFA7569 and returned to Sydney as QFA7570 carrying A1GP cars. Another charter is due through Auckland in the early hours of this coming Saturday, also uplifting cars.

Falcon 900 N900D arrived at Nelson mid morning from Napier.

Falcon 900 VP-BDZ departed Auckland for Papeete late in the day.

Airwork Boeing 737-200 ZK-NQC flew from Auckland to Christchurch and Palmerston North. It remained in Palmy for the day and flew back to Auckland later.

Learjet 35A ZK-XVL visited Auckland during the morning, arriving from Ardmore and continuing to Sydney.

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

Citation Mustang N2243W flew from Hastings to Hamilton and back.

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

Russian Government IL62M RA-86540 departed Auckland mid afternoon for Sydney as "SDM9003".

A RNZAF Lockheed P3 Orion departed from Invercargill during the morning heading for Pegasus Field, Antarctica.

Royal Australian Air Force Boeing 707-300 A20-624 arrived at Ohakea from its Richmond base as "Ausy 613". It is set to return home 24Jan.

Cirrus SR22 VH-NGT arrived at Wellington early evening from Norfolk Island. This particular aircraft was placed on the ZK register as ZK-YUG on 10Dec07 to Capital Aviation, Wellington, but was deregistered on 11Jan08. I presume it will again become ZK-YUG. This aircraft visited NZ back in 2006 and was idle at Auckland for a couple of months while an overseas ownership wrangle was sorted out. The aircraft is pictured here at Wanaka in April 2006.

Dreamliner heads West

With the temporary “Air New Zealand” decals removed, Boeing 787-8 N787BA departed off Auckland’s runway 23L at 0959 15 November heading to Sydney as “Boeing 001” where it will take centre stage at the Qantas 91st anniversary celebrations alongside Boeing 707-138 N707JT.

Thursday 24 January 2008 - updated 1940LT

Learjet 35A ZK-XVL returned home today, arriving at Auckland from Sydney. After clearing formalities the Lear positioned to Ardmore.

Citation 500 N800DT carried out a training flight from/to Ardmore and made two ILS approaches at Whenuapai.

Learjet 36 N361PJ arrived at Invercargill from Honolulu's John Rodgers Field (nee Barber's Point NAS) and Pago Pago on a medivac flight.

Taxiing to the ramp at Invercargill, Gerard Rabbitt photo

RNZAF Lockheed P3K Orion NZ4206 arrived back at Invercargill late afternoon from Antarctica's Pegasus Field completing its patrol of the Southern Ocean.

NZ4206 with Invercargill City in the background, Gerard Rabbitt photo

RAAF Boeing 707-300 A20-624, ex VH-EAD, was observed carrying out a touch and go at Christchurch mid morning and then at Auckland around midday. This is the final 707 in service with the RAAF is set to be retired in June 2008.

Going back even further.......

As I trawled through my shoebox of photos I came across this fantastic snap of Boeing 707-323C N705PC parked at Christchurch on 22 January 1986.  The 707 arrived from Papeete on the 20th and continued to Sydney on the 25th.
At the time it was operated by Ports of Call however the company was rebranded in September that year to Skyworld.   

Ron Killick photo

Mighty Planes: Omega 707

Another brilliant documentary from the recent Might Planes series, this time outlining the Boeing 707 tankers in service with civilian contractor Omega.  The documentary features two ex Royal Australian Air Force machines, one on a mission and the other undergoing a major overhaul and modifications program.

Postcard from Kadena - Part IV

The ramp at Kadena is host to a massive array of "heavy" jets with a myriad of Boeing 707 variants built specifically for military use.

This Boeing KC135, 57-1493 using the callsign "RONIN 64", departed Kadena 03 September in support of the RC135S as blogged yesterday.

Monday 11 February 2008 - updated 12Feb with photo

SKF Aviation Hawker 900XP N96SK arrived at Gisborne from Auckland.

Flight Management Gulfstream 5 N85V flew into Rotorua early afternoon from Auckland.

Citation 560XL VH-NGH departed from Napier direct to Sydney.

Falcon 2000EX VH-CRW flew from Auckland to Christchurch late afternoon.

Falcon 900 VP-BDZ was hangered at Auckland.

Citationjet CJ3 ZK-TBM flew out of Queenstown to Christchurch.

RAAF Boeing 707-300 A20-624 departed Christchurch for Brisbane as "Ausy 623".

Brilliantly captured departing Christchurhc, Matt Hayes photo

Cargolux operated Boeing 747-400 freighter LV-PCV through Auckland with a revised scheme as depicted in this photo taken by Wayne Grant.

Sat 09 and Sun 10 February 2008

Sat 09 February 2008
Gulfstream 4 N227SV departed Queenstown for Papeete.
Gulfstream 550 B-KID departed Napier for Hong Kong via a techstop at Auckland.
Hawker 900XP N96SK arrived at Auckland from Kona and Apia.
Citation Mustang N2243W flew a Hastings-Hamilton return flight.
Citationjet CJ3 ZK-TBM flew from Christchurch to Queenstown.
Gulfstream 4 ZK-KFB arrived at Melbourne/Essendon from Narita via a techstop at Cairns.

Sun 10 February 2008
Falcon 900 VP-BDZ returned to Auckland today, arriving from Van Nuys via Papeete.
Beechjet 400 VH-YRC departed Queenstown for Sydney.
Falcon 2000EX VH-CRW arrived at Auckland from Brisbane.
Westwind ZK-RML flew from Auckland to Apia and return.
RAAF Boeing 707-300 A20-624 returned to NZ today, arriving at Christchurch from Richmond via Brisbane and Ohakea as "Ausy 623". Glen Reid was on hand to catch it arriving into Christchurch.