NZFF

Here are a few photos taken over the past few days at Woodbourne.
Will post some more photos including in flight photos once I have written a story for a magazine.
Has been some impressive sights around here lately.

I've been hearing lots about this Skytrain 08 but don't know exactly what it is- care to explain?

Brilliant shots as always

Nice shots Gavin - Those SINGAPORE Herc s really are well looked after!

Trolly wrote:

QUOTE (Trolly @ Mar 9 2008, 11:40 AM) <{POST_SNAPBACK}>

I've been hearing lots about this Skytrain 08 but don't know exactly what it is- care to explain?

Brilliant shots as always

Skytrain is an annual exercise conducted in NZ to hone transport operational skills. It usually involves the RNZAF, Singapore and lately the French. They usually deploy with tented camps to various locations around NZ - Alexandra being a common choice. This is the first I've known to be at Woodbourne. The main aim is to practice low level navigation and load dropping onto targets at set times. The exercise involves not only 40 Squadron, but also other operation units within the RNZAF, such as Comms and also the Army to prepare the loads which are dropped and also to recover them. Yesterday 10 or 12 members of both Kiwi Blue and the Army did two freefall jumps from 12,000 ft. This week they will also do night flying including landings at WB with minimal runway lighting.

Gavin - if you are on Base again this week - give us a shout

Deane

Hi Deane,
Probably wont make it out to WB this week but will try and show up when they fly the night landings.

Awesome Gavin! LOVE the kingair shot, it's my new desk top

thanks

Well the flying is all but over which is a bit sad.
The RNZAF were very kind to me this week and flying with them was awesome and I have a whole new respect for what they do and how they do it.

Is that a penguin on the runway I see in shot #1 ??? Could you mail me a 1024x768 version please, the composure is awesome and would look great on my DB!

Love the siloutted skydivers too.

LOCKHEED .. Ripping over the top at 300knt's , bank angle extreme directly across Lincon rd (Addington CHCH) lookin for the reverse course for approach to Wiggy the C130

Id like a copy of that pic of the herc on take off Gavin, cjmcnabb@xtra.co.nz if u wouldnt mind......

Your shots are always fantastic to look at Gavin! Wouldn't it be a dream to win the powerball in lotto? Take the whole NZFF crew to things like this

Here is another picture of the sequence and they do get better as the guys held the aircraft down nice and low but have to work out which photos will be printed with the story but this picture is 1024x768 in size.

Fantastic Pictures Gavin - Glad you got a flight as well - I've done a couple and there is nothing like zooming around low level in one of those beasts.

The last pic is great - but I think its been cropped somehow by the site or where ever it was loaded- its not 1024 x 768 and the Herc looks a little skinny and tall and props a little oval too.

Cheers Deane

Trolly wrote:

QUOTE (Trolly @ Mar 17 2008, 07:16 AM) <{POST_SNAPBACK}>

Is that a penguin on the runway I see in shot #1 ???

It does look like a penguin at first glance! Closer inspection reveals that it's probably a plover, otherwise known by me as an "airport bird" for their tendency to seemingly inhabit every single airfield in the country!

FlyingKiwi wrote:

QUOTE (FlyingKiwi @ Mar 14 2008, 11:21 AM) <{POST_SNAPBACK}>

Closer inspection reveals that it's probably a plover, otherwise known by me as an "airport bird" for their tendency to seemingly inhabit every single airfield in the country!

And farms, making loud noises in the night (or at least where we used to live).

Alex

deaneb wrote:

QUOTE (deaneb @ Mar 18 2008, 07:25 AM) <{POST_SNAPBACK}>

Fantastic Pictures Gavin - Glad you got a flight as well - I've done a couple and there is nothing like zooming around low level in one of those beasts.

The last pic is great - but I think its been cropped somehow by the site or where ever it was loaded- its not 1024 x 768 and the Herc looks a little skinny and tall and props a little oval too.

Cheers Deane

Yip, you re right photo bucket has resized it so here are a couple more to make up for it.

That Singapore Herc is positively glistening; thanks for posting all these great shots Gavin.

Alex

I remember seeing that New Caledonian Casa at Whenuapai last year, wonder if it will be at Ohakea on Sunday seeing as it's in the country?

The (a?) Singapore Herc was there as I drove past today, would be nice if it hung around for tomorrow as well.

Alex