Around the hangar.
Since we shifted in to the Hangar in December we have been continuing to develop and improve the facilities. This work has involved the general clean up, painting of floors and areas of the roof (this is still ongoing) additional clear-lite panels, a new front entrance door and additional lighting.
We still have a long way to go but to this point are happy with what has been achieved.
Below are some photos taken from around the hangar, how many airframes or parts there of can you see?
Eric Hertz accident report.
At 1500 hrs today the NZCAA published their report into Eric’s accident, link below.
https://www.caa.govt.nz/Accidents_and_Incidents/Accident_Reports/N254F_fatal.pdf
“Kittyhawk” rear fuselage.
“Kittyhawk”
Happy owner.
A gloomy day at Ardmore couldn’t dampen the smile on David Lanes face as he taxied around the airfield and then for the first time got to see his aircraft fly. A few final touches, mainly cosmetic and then it is decision time, how long does it stay in New Zealand? and how much flying do I do in it here? and how do I get it to Australia?
Happy owner.
B5N2 Kate.
Well the word seems to be out now well and truly, Pacific Aviation Museum in Hawaii have unveiled the remains of the “Kate” that was surrendered to the RNZAF at Jacquinot Bay at the end of WWII.
It is fitting that this aircraft should find a home at the Museum at Pearl Harbour, Pioneer Aero are proud to have had a hand in this acquisition and after carrying out preservation work and preparing some smaller parts for display are looking forward to continuing with the restoration.
New Year / New hangar update.
The dust is finally starting to settle from the hangar shift and work continues around the sorting out hangar improvements.
The roof is being painted in sections to improve the look and the amount of light, new clear light panels are being added across the top of the hangar doors and additional lighting is being hung over the main work area at the rear of the hangar.
Work has continued un abated on the P39 and a rash of annual servicings were finished just before Christmas. Garry Rasmussen has dusted off the Bearhawk and wants to make good progress on that this year.
More test flying has happened on on the T51 and once the silly season is over for good that will carry on.
Work is about to start in earnest on the “new P40” and recommence on the “E” fuselage that we have been building as well as this we are planing on having the painting booth back in action at the end of February after its major spruce up.
Plenty of things happening in 2016, looking forward to an exciting year.
New Hangar january 16
Painting the roof, 1
Painting the roof, 2
November walk around
It has been a while since the last post and things have moved on. Progress is ongoing preparing the “new” hangar for occupation, we move in less than a month.
Meanwhile progress continues on P40’s the P39 and as you can see from the photos the T51 is now finished and is awaiting NZCAA inspection next Friday.
It all looks a bit crammed in and this is something we hope to recitfy when we shift next month, but all of you that have shifted out of a shed that you have had for sometime will know how we are feeling at the moment.
P39 tailplane.
Looking in.
P40 U/C fairings being assembled.
Out in the sun.
Sign of the times.
Behind this rather uninspiring blank canvas from the middle of December sits the new premise of Pioneer Aero ltd. Yes we are relocating to 540 Corsair Lane Ardmore Airfield and as from the 15th of December we will be up and running at the new address.
We are hoping that in a few months time we will be saying that was a good move because at the moment we are in the middle of cleaning, painting, sorting and still to come shifting and are starting to wonder about our sanity. Others wonder about that a lot I have been told!
New residence.
Flying Visit
It was great to catch up with an old friend this week Strikemaster 72 in for a quick visit before heading back south. A quick check and some grease and she is good for another 6 months.
Flying Visit
History.
Everynow and then you come across something that makes you stop and think With the new P40 project was a set of original rubber fuel tanks clad in leather as you can see from the attached photos these are in remarkable condition. Interesting also to note the date.
Yesterday after a protracted test flight schedule Dave Brown finally signed off on Strikemaster 62 pictured are Martin Hedley (Cheif Engineer) Brett Nicholls (Aircrft Owner) Allen House and Craig Cuhna, engineers. Keep your eyes open for something special at the next New Zealand Warbirds open day at the end of November. The last few months have been particularly frustrating with us having great weather when Dave hasn’t been here and and typical winters days when he has been. This is now all behind us and 2 ships maybecome a regular sight around Ardmore.
Finally.
The original tanks.
Data.
December 1941