hurricanemk1c 195 Posted January 29, 2014 Report Share Posted January 29, 2014 Having arrived in a rather warmer New Zealand, it was time to go and find Mikael. Lounging about in a near-by hotel, I noticed a rather wierd aircraft fly low over. It particularly caught my attention, as I thought someone could be taking my plane! Luckily, this was not the case. About twenty minutes later Mikael phoned up and told me about his little test flight in the Optica. While listening to him, I thought 'Bugger - there goes my aircraft choice!'. Having said our goodbyes and, of course, passing on the famous blue piece of wood, we parted company and headed to our hotels for the night. Early in the morning, I decided to make a few phone calls and actually research Woodbourne, my destination. It turns out it was used by Royal New Zealand Air Force (RNZAF) Kittyhawks, or P-40 in American parlance. Interesting - I wonder whether there's any around. Just at that moment, an unusual engine note filtrated the air and played to my ears. It was strange, unfamiliar and distinctive. I stopped thinking and ran to the nearest clear place to have a look round. Just above me, this sight appealed to me: Yes! A Kittyhawk! Turns out the pilot is exhausted after ferrying the aircraft over from Australia and was looking for another pilot to display the aircraft at Woodbourne. A plan was forming - and for once worked out! The next day, I walked up to the airport, having locked by bags away in a secure locker. Turns out the aircraft is only visiting for the local airshow the next weekend. So I will onlytravel with the bare minimums, just to fit into the Kittyhawk! Having got my flight plan, weather and alternate airports sorted, it was time to walk out to the airframe and get strapped in She has a bit more presence than the Maule parked next door! Engine started after a few splutters and plenty of smoke The tower snapped me doing the warm-up, vital for the engine and my own purpose of working out exactly where everything was Time to get going. I wasnt to be over at Woodbourne as one of the first arrivals Taxiing past the terminal, with passengers waiting for the new ATR72-600 to arrive. A bit of a leap in propellor technology! And quite a bit of an improvement on forward vision Having turned around and stayed in the runway (!) it was time to line up and go. Last minute prepartations Here we go! Lift-off for the 30th leg Gear folding up The airport lies behind us as we turn towards the first waypoint From the cockpit Of course I couldn't leave without a quick fly-past! Time for a bit of sense me thinks. Steadly climbing to about 10,000ft Nice bit of a hill there! The sun was mirroring my climb, albeit I think it was rising faster! Heading out to sea The last traces of land Except I was, within ten minutes, on top of these islands Woodbourne is that way! Airport in sight Time to do a proper arrival into this aircraft's former home An early-rising spotter captures my moves Airfield behind, time to do a sharp turn to land Nearly down Touchdown! Tail is now down And finally, parked up for the other guests to arrive Well, the airshow went well, with lots of people around. I didn't crash, or cause anyone esle to crash. The Kittyhawk is safely back at Scone, NW Australia. When you get here Brian, you'll find me somewhere around the railway lines Link to post Share on other sites
ddavid 149 Posted January 29, 2014 Report Share Posted January 29, 2014 Another excellent choice of aircraft, Chuck - and an entertaining post! Thanks for sharing. Cheers - Dai. Link to post Share on other sites
brett 2,315 Posted January 29, 2014 Report Share Posted January 29, 2014 Well done Chuck, way to burn up those miles in classic warbird style. Ok, let me get this straight, you get to fly a Curtiss Kittyhawk, plus you get to enjoy an airshow at your destination. Damn, I must be doing something wrong, I never get that lucky. I believe my next leg destination has a population of around 18, I'll be lucky to find the airport open. Link to post Share on other sites
Kasper 14 Posted January 29, 2014 Report Share Posted January 29, 2014 Great flight in a true classic. Thanks for the beautiful screenies. Link to post Share on other sites
SEATAC 400 Posted January 30, 2014 Report Share Posted January 30, 2014 Great PIREP. Nice pics. Link to post Share on other sites
J G 927 Posted January 30, 2014 Report Share Posted January 30, 2014 Great PIREP, don't you just to see those old war birds fly! Link to post Share on other sites
mutley 4,497 Posted January 30, 2014 Report Share Posted January 30, 2014 Well flown Chuck, in true veteran ATWC pilot style! Link to post Share on other sites
hurricanemk1c 195 Posted January 30, 2014 Author Report Share Posted January 30, 2014 Cheers folks for the comments @Brett - your reputation obviously preceeds you - mine doesn't travel so fast! Link to post Share on other sites
brett 2,315 Posted January 30, 2014 Report Share Posted January 30, 2014 Cheers folks for the comments @Brett - your reputation obviously preceeds you - mine doesn't travel so fast! Haha, but sooner or later it usually does, so be careful and always do a good walk around. Link to post Share on other sites
stu7708 244 Posted January 31, 2014 Report Share Posted January 31, 2014 Great PIREP Kieran.. Looks like you had loads of fun Did you get to fly the little beast in the airshow too, or where you stuck on the ground watching the show? Link to post Share on other sites
hurricanemk1c 195 Posted January 31, 2014 Author Report Share Posted January 31, 2014 Managed to do two displays Mikael - nothing too serious, but hopefully a good display Link to post Share on other sites
stu7708 244 Posted January 31, 2014 Report Share Posted January 31, 2014 Link to post Share on other sites
rosariomanzo 545 Posted February 1, 2014 Report Share Posted February 1, 2014 The P-40 is one of my fav Aircraft of all times and looks really good in your shots. Nice livery, too. Link to post Share on other sites
needles 1,013 Posted February 2, 2014 Report Share Posted February 2, 2014 Cheers Kieran. A great PIREP. I'll see you in the bar....(are you old enough?) I'm on the case and will be with you very shortly to receive the banner. I've had an unexpected flight to undertake that means I'll be a few hours shy of the mark. I should be with you in the morning all being well. Don't spend too much in the bar and keep my beer on tap ready for when I get there. Cheers. Link to post Share on other sites
stu7708 244 Posted February 3, 2014 Report Share Posted February 3, 2014 Also, if you can get some deep fried gambas coquettes from the kitchen Brian loves those Link to post Share on other sites
rob16584 42 Posted February 23, 2014 Report Share Posted February 23, 2014 Lovely shots Chuck Link to post Share on other sites
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