Hi Guys, the last lot of Classic Fighters images.
Its always impressive watching airliners do airshow routines and one of the most impressive is the RNZAF's 757, which regularly struts its stuff at venues around the world, including RIAT and Waddington in the UK.
With the RNZAF's NH-90 helicopter now in service, the good ole UH-1 is nearing the end of its life with the air force, but it is still entertaining to watch and will be missed at airshows (and operationally).
The RNZAF brought along an NH-90 for their display, its an impressive machine.
A battle rages in the sky above with Nanchangs sensible enough to remain on the ground since they regularly play the bad guys and the NZ Warbirds DC-3 in the foreground. This aircraft spent the entire airshow doing joy flights, which meant it didn't display, but was coming and going throughout the entire day.
A peculiar little machine that caught my eye in the Marlborough Aero Club hangar; it's a Penguin and was used for ground handling training, being powered and taxiable, with full movement of the controls available to the pilot. Just don't try and get airborne - they fly like a brick.
View from the Marlborough Aero Club hangar with former RNZAF A-4K in the foreground.
These guys kept the noise levels at a peak during a lull in the flying display. This guy overhauled this Britsol Hercules from a Bristol Freighter here at Omaka and frequently runs it. Makes a heck of a racket.
The Allison is even noisier. Very cool to see and hear.
This DHC-2 Beaver has been around on the NZ ag scene for many years, but is now working solely as a family hack and airshow performer.
Another long time stalwart of the NZ civil register is this pretty Fox Moth; one of, if not, the first commercial airliner in New Zealand. It has been modified with a blown canopy.
These big booted Pipers, a Vagabond and Super Cub, are becoming more frequent as their value for being able to get into inaccessible areas is immense. ZK-BOY did a quick display of short take-off and low speed handling whilst bouncing down the flight line.
For many years now, this F-27 has been operating out of nearby Woodbourne carrying the mail around the country after hours, so to see it flying in daylight is a rarity. In honour of the fact that light sleeping residents in Blenheim have had to put up with it departing at all hours, the aircraft put on a short display since its going to be retired soon. It is the last operating F-27 in New Zealand; NZ Post's other F-27s are being grounded and one has already been broken up. Its pilot, Tim Sullivan also flies one of the Fokker Dr Is, making him the only rated pilot on the oldest and youngest Fokker aircraft on the New Zealand register.
The Yaks aerobatic display team awaits its turn in the air.
This Australian built D.H.84 Dragon offered joy rides at the end of the day.
Finally, a couple of immaculate Tiger Moth ZK-SSA departing at the end of the day.
That's all folks. Thanks for the kind comments throughout and I hope you've all enjoyed my photographic coverage of the aircraft of Classic Fighters 2013.