T28 update.
For all you followers of the T28 and there are a good many; Yesterday the brakes were bled and engine run number two was carried out so I am pleased to say that we have a fine clear day to taxi her round on the Ardmore tarmac, this afternoon we will move the aircraft from the Pioneer Aero hangar to New Zealand Warbirds, under her own steam.
90% done.
New Projects.
We are pleased to announce that in the next week or so we will be recieving 3 new projects, details of these are on our website.
P39 on Transporter.
T28 Prop on.
As you can see by the photo the prop has been fitted to the Trojan, with the engine cowls now on as well it gives the aircraft real presence. Engine runs to come in the next day or so.
Prop on.
T28 in the sun.
For the first time in a little while the now freshly painted T28 sits outside in the sun on the Ardmore tarmac. Re-fitment of the many surfaces, doors and panels starts today.
Ready for reassembly.
Strikemaster 72 Annual.
Strikemaster 72 after it’s first years flying back in New Zealand starts its annual servicing today. Check current maintenance on the website for details.
In the sun waiting for space.
T28 Update.
Airspray Ardmore are now well into the painting on the T28 and as you can see from the pictures attached it is not going to be hard to spot once it is rolled out. The paint scheme should make it a stand out in any company and I am in no doubt it will be a popular subject for the country’s aviation photographers.
LH Wing
RH Wing
LH Fuse
Croydon Aviation Heritage Trust Macchi 339C.
Last week with assistance from Colin Smith and his team from Croydon Aircraft, Pioneer Aero assembled the ex RNZAF Macchi 339c, 75 to go on display in the Trust’s fine hangar at Mandeville just north of Gore.
We are pleased to report that all went well and the aircraft is now on display. The only real casualties were the teams waistlines as they suffered from four days of fine southern hospitality.
Thanks and best wishes to Colin, Maeva and the rest of the crew.
Macchi assembly crew.
The bookends of 60 years of RNZAF trainers.
Tail ready.
Ready for wings.
The time is now.
It has taken some time but thanks to a lot of work and some fantastic support from all of those keen to see this happen Strikemaster 62 is now ready to test fly. So hopefully in the next day or so depending on pilot availability the airspace around Ardmore will echo with the sound of another Bluntie.
Air to Air.
Attached are a couple of air to air shots taken on Friday from Strikemaster 70 over the Firth of Thames. I have added more to our website under Strikemaster 70.
Family Photo
Thought this might bring back a few memories for some, a shot of the last 30 years of RNZAF jets which unfortunately may be the last of the RNZAF jets.
Nice shot none the less taken in New Zealand Warbirds hangar at Ardmore.
Family Photo