Sunday, July 31, 2016

Whanganui Airport Open Day - Air Chathams

Earlier today was the Whanganui airport open day, with the main attraction being the arrival of Air Chathams, who start their regular Whanganui - Auckland route from tomorrow.

Unfortunately the weather did not cooperate as much as wanted with a strong crosswind all day meaning the much-anticipated DC3 flights were cancelled. Disappointing, but understandable and the right decision to make.

There was more than just Air Chathams' Douglas DC3C-S1C3G, ZK-AWP, present on the day. they also bought down their SAAB-Scania SAAB SF340A, ZK-KRA. This is still technically operated by Kiwi Regional Airlines, but is now painted in the really nice Air Chathams livery.

Lastly, their recently acquired Fairchild SA227-AC Metroliner, ZK-CID [ex ZK-NSS, an Air Ambulance] was on display also.

All three aircraft were available for the public to walk through. So, on that note, here are a few photos.

Douglas DC3C-A1C3G, ZK-AWP, operated by Air Chathams

Douglas DC3C-A1C3G, ZK-AWP, operated by Air Chathams, airborne yesterday

SAAB-Scania SAAB SF340A, ZK-KRA, operated by Kiwi Regional Airlines, but soon to be Air Chathams

SAAB-Scania SAAB SF340A, ZK-KRA, operated by Kiwi Regional Airlines, but soon to be Air Chathams

SAAB-Scania SAAB SF340A, ZK-KRA, operated by Kiwi Regional Airlines, but soon to be Air Chathams

Cockpit of SAAB-Scania SAAB SF340A, ZK-KRA, operated by Kiwi Regional Airlines, but soon to be Air Chathams

Fairchild SA227-AC Metroliner, ZK-CID, operated by Air Chathams

Cockpit of Fairchild SA227-AC Metroliner, ZK-CID, operated by Air Chathams

Poster advertising DC3 trial flights... pity the weather did not cooperate

4 comments:

Nicks BIGSKY Aviation said...

Yeah real Bummer we were going to fly down from SD bring the Mustang and the Club plane and some hangars on....BUGGER.

But Rain Hail (size of Pea's & Sleet) and epic wind at SD was abit Doughy so watched a Steam Train go through.

Saabs are nice had a flight in one once really comfortable.

Rodney said...

Hi Nick,

It was fairly windy in Whanganui also, although no hail! The Saab did look nice, although the absolute winner for legroom was the DC3! By a country mile!

Cheers,

Rodney

Archie Hammond said...

Would you mind if I used these pics on my new virtual airline website? I would provide full credit obviously

Rodney said...

Hello Archie. Sorry - just seen you comment. Sure you can. Perhaps send us a link so we can see them once they are up. Cheers, Rodney