NZFF

I thoroughly enjoyed watching this video clip of some warbirds.

http://player.vimeo.com/video/37599899

Venge wrote:

QUOTE (Venge @ Mar 22 2012,6:11 PM) <{POST_SNAPBACK}>

I thoroughly enjoyed watching this video clip of some warbirds.

Very well put together video! Great!!!

I've been to a few of those Duxford shows - they really are awesome.

That is a wicked vid ... impressed by the in cockpit views

It's hard to match such an amazing collection of [flying] warbirds - but I still say all the shows I've been to here in NZ (Whenuapai, Ardmore, Ohakea - no Wanaka ... yet) have all been better.

Friendlier, less formal ... no 6-hr queues to get out ... and *way cheaper*.

The best display I've *ever* seen was a display of the PV270 (Deere) Spit - at one of the many Ardmore "open days". We thought it'd be cancelled - nothing but showers and very high winds (and blustery). We turned up anyway - on the off chance. The rain stopped (for a bit) and the Spit gave the most incredible low-level display.

The ceiling was low - so it all had to happen perilously low, with a dramatic backdrop of clouds. We really didn't think they'd even taxi the Spit out, with the wind being what it was ... but we ended up getting a real treat. I'm not sure - I think it could have been Keith Skilling <??> ... but whoever it was certainly knew their stuff. These people aren't just good pilots - they're *seriously talented*. I can't even take off in a straight line on a clear day in FSX, but these blokes do it for real - with all sorts of gusty winds.

My (long-winded) point is that minutes after a display like that, these super-heroes are quite happy to mingle and chat to anyone. They're as modest as they are talented. Very NZ

Some great clips there, what a shiny P-38 that is!
I'd love to go one year, there are whole tours organised for the trainspotting/airshow fraternity.

Adamski wrote:

QUOTE (Adamski @ Mar 23 2012,2:55 AM) <{POST_SNAPBACK}>

...They're as modest as they are talented. Very NZ

Totally agree.
I stood watching Skilling at Tauranga, turning over the prop on the Corsair, hand over hand, and it occurred to me this is the Air Show Director we are looking at here...
and then he flew a routine with a precision you won't easily find anywhere else.
One year Doug Brooker asked for a hand to push back the 2-seat Spitfire.
I said: Well OK but only if you take a picture of me next to it!
The photo is stuffed and mounted on the door to the den.

I think NZ shows are pretty good considering, except Wanaka. Back in the glory days of 92 through 96, it was a real world class show, lots of people but not a hassle to get around, lots of interesting aeroplanes. Now, its like Duxford.... without the Duxford. Omaka is absolutly amazing and Masterton is quaint but a good day out. UK airshows are incredible. Ill never forget the sight of 7 Spitfires in formation or 8 Mustangs, 3 B25s, 3 Skyraiders... you get the idea. Yes its more expensive (Wanaka is just about on par now) yes you have to queue (Same with Wanaka) yes theres over anxious tossers who wander round making sure you dont get too close to the aircraft (Wanaka again) but look at what you get for your 100 Pounds, a proper world class show. Not many shows can boast a Vulcan.....

chopper_nut wrote:

QUOTE (chopper_nut @ Mar 24 2012,9:24 AM) <{POST_SNAPBACK}>

Not many shows can boast a Vulcan.....

A pity they could not world tour that one to coinside with the worlds airshows show we all can see that , but i guess airframe limits and engine life is something that has to be looked after , it would be interesting to see how brought 'Vulcan to the Sky' XH558 for the money went to the restoration of that big V .. just for interest sake , that older model for FS2004 dose work in FSX .