Several shades of gray at NZCH

[Splitpin]

A few from the big guy ...Jono.

Italian Air Force C-130J



RNZAF 757



RAAF C-130J



This guy departed Auckland, touch and go at Nelson, CHC, ZQN, NZNV,NZDN then direct back to AKL ....nice decoration on the tail.



USAF C-17 from McChord, with another one inbound just above his tail.


Another C-17 from Charleston


Then there were 3


And one of ours

[Charl]

"This way, Prime Minister - no not that one, the Italian one"
Has there EVER been a NZ PM not stranded somewhere by a broken RNZAF aircraft??

[Splitpin]

Charl, well said, but I do feel for the RNZAF...bring on those new J models. Send 1 757 to the museum down here, sell the other, and buy 2 A-321Neo's , more than adequate.
Didn't she hitch a ride on a Canadian aircraft last time she was enlarging our carbon footprint?

[Aharon]

Great photos!!

Wondering what Italian air force C-130J was doing in New Zealand 10,000 miles away from Italy??

Regards,

Aharon

[Splitpin]

Aharon, thanks for looking.
The Italian Air Force supports Italy's antarctic program and has been based in Christchurch for a few years during the season.
Prior to using their own 130s, they charted an L-100-30 from Safair which could be fitted with external tanks as an option.

They also charted one from Lynden Air Cargo a few seasons ago.

[Aharon]

Splitpin,

Thanks for awesome explanations Never knew that! And thanks for extra bonus photos

Regards,

Aharon

[Splitpin]

You're welcome.