STRATFORD AERODROME

2011-11-22T21:40:00.002+13:00

A personal note.

ZK-EDR fly's again Whoo Hoo.

Russel Woods of Christchurch built the first one the D-11 (amoung other builds) which was an absolute honey of a a machine.

The new EDR is a D-18 a very nice looking machine. So here she is with a comparison of the original EDR.

EDR seen here with previous owner Bill McWilliam in the T-51. EDR's tend to keep good company....... :0)

2010-12-21T20:54:00.004+13:00

Well thats me been a blast had a hoot. See ya in the Skies.

Cheers Nick ( thor682@hotmail.com )

2010-12-19T10:05:00.003+13:00

Rather tasteful looking Jet Ranger XQ was in for gas last Sunday not a lot else happening really.

2010-12-05T18:25:00.003+13:00

Some Mountain Shot with her good hat on.

Oh and these neat looking Cumulus Clouds in the setting sun.

2010-12-05T18:18:00.004+13:00

As you can see we run a full range of Services at the Aero Club.......

The Glider Dudes were at it again. A bit fickle in places by all accounts.

Bantam with Snazzy mate.

SNW had been out for a tootle with Wayne and Pax looked like he enjoyed the Ride.

2010-12-05T18:11:00.004+13:00

Gary H was about in RVH Sat and it was HOT.......

A few Photo's of him landing RWY09 and the Bird was No 2 to land.

Watch that there tree Gary .......

As ya can see in the last Pic looks pretty darned pleased with himself if the big grin anything to go by.

2010-12-05T17:59:00.002+13:00

The Sanfords Yard from the Air.

2010-11-23T18:34:00.004+13:00

Seen at Stratford on Sunday.

Well not quite as he needs at least another 1500 foot of Rwy. So had to go to Auckland.

Nice chap (from the U.K. his real job is a Farmer....... ) who flys this puppy round the world. Off to the States next I think he said

Had some time tyo kill waiting for the Boss so tripping round the airfields he could find.

2010-11-21T10:44:00.006+13:00

No pic's from the Aerodrome as hardly get there now working 12-14 hour days 6 days a week so here's pic of me with me work Buddy and the big Pointy thing .

Around 5.30 am

Also me Mini's found a new home down Feilding way.

My cat Cassie looking a bit less than impressed.

2010-11-07T10:57:00.002+13:00

Gary enjoying some Flying in EDR.

Spotted this in Stratford the other day a blast from the past.

2010-11-07T10:40:00.002+13:00

Another shot of the whinch over the unwashed Fletcher of Dingle.

Gary H getting some go Juice.

C-172 ZK-Jez did a stop and go.

Heli - Ag was in with someone possibly doing a BFR due to the flight profile flown.

2010-11-07T10:25:00.003+13:00

My New Plymouth "Foreign Correspondent" Glyn sent some Pic's in.

The Glider Dudes wete at it last Sunday and were playing with there winch system. Photo of Pete operating the Beast .........

Tim and Steve looking like they having far to much fun (they'll have to cut that out..... ) Tim dropped off the line at 900 foot Pete said and ended up at 5000foot not bad. Mind you he's a tin bum when it comes to that sort of thing.

If ya wanna fly or Drive in for Glider Flight and Fly STRATFORD these are the people to call

John Tullett
(06) 7552493
tullett@primowireless.co.nz
Peter Williams
(06) 2784292
peter.williams@xtra.co.nz
Tim Hardwick-Smith
(06) 7647573
timhs@farmside.co.nz
Peter Miller
(06) 7510824
peterandlynn@xtra.co.nz

2010-10-24T11:37:00.004+13:00

My Range Rover has left the District and heading to Auckland.

New owner Brian C and his new ride with our lil land mark in the Background.

Going to a good home as he has SD1 Rover as well.

So long good friend and excellent ride.

2010-10-12T10:31:00.001+13:00

Shot taken my place a fleeting glimpse of the mountain.

2010-10-12T10:22:00.003+13:00

Gary M getting down and dirty with EEF.

She is just about ready to go after her new AeroVee fit and has gone fromRevmaster 65hp on a good day to the AeroVee of around 85Hp.

That fella who looks after ya SHORTS Gary H.

Mark T Local WAW Cresco Wrangler with GUS the dog.

How many Pilots and helpers does it take to solve a problem.......

2010-10-10T11:54:00.001+13:00

Finally some shots from my place and yes Spring has Sprung if the Trees etc anything to go by.

Also some spiffing shots of the Mountain.

2010-10-10T11:50:00.002+13:00

The Glider Guys were going full Tit all day.

2010-10-10T11:42:00.002+13:00

A new addition to No.1 Hangar the Starlet as she was getting a bit wet in No.2

A R22 doing autorotains for a bit during the day.

2010-10-10T11:36:00.004+13:00

Yours Trully giving Nathans Quicksilver MX a run a true string bag Microlite this Puppy count the wires folks. An inteesting fair weather machine. I have been told one of these has been up round the Mountain.

We had a re shuffle so they got a bit of sun for a while.

John R has flown these in the past and a good one to have a listen two as these guys started out in these puppys and it's more what he hasn't flown along with a few others that makes it all interesting and they have been some place in these machines.

2010-10-10T11:31:00.002+13:00

Allan had PRO out for a run and said he got up to 5000ft on his way round the district.

Allan giving her a thorough run up on the Pickets before setting off.

2010-10-10T11:27:00.003+13:00

The Sonerai's return.

Sitting and chilling in the Sun and a spiffing shot with the Mountain.

The last shot as Shaun does an Aproach and Overshoot. This thing is seriously fast as I was only able to get this shot.

2010-10-10T11:20:00.004+13:00

Lil Gary M was tinkering with EEF as she had a couple things needed sorting. As one knows always something to do. Although the Aerovee has given her some real get up and go.

The Lads enjoying the Sun and it was HOT.

2010-10-10T11:11:00.003+13:00

Last Sunday the 3rd October was one outa the bag as there were planes ,Choppers, Gliders and RC all going to it at the same time. Although always in a very orderly fashion.

First up the Sonerai Eagle Squadron as they headed of to Taumaranui to spot some Tigers at the annual Tiger Rally there. That being SNW & SND

2010-10-03T10:45:00.002+13:00

Couple Aviators out and about Sat ish.

Don in DBZ.

Dingle trucked back in from Spreading.

Mower captain Mike was out and about mowing the Model strip then the the Mower made it's biggest trip ever to Hangar 1 for a wash.

Dave our Caretaker (Retired) did the lawns and edges round the club house looks quite slick now. Hadn't been able to do much due WX.

2010-09-27T11:55:00.003+13:00

Well these Lenticular clouds appeared last week can't remember the day off hand. I thought him the Glider Guiders be champing at the bit looking at those and I was right as Tim and Co got to 12000ft odd.

2010-09-22T16:49:00.003+12:00

Also about 4 inches snow my way this AM.

2010-09-22T16:39:00.002+12:00

Some of the RNZAF CT-4 Fighter Squadron were zooming around Stratford on the way back from NP me thinks.

Saw them some North earlier in the AM.

2010-09-19T10:52:00.004+12:00

This here young fella from Japan Makoto dropped by so spent some time showing him what real Aircraft are like. He seemed rather impressed by it all. Looking at doing instructor rating tried NPAC they told him to go to Wanganui strange but true..............

I had a call from Wayne Harrison CFI at New Plymouth Aero Club regarding my comments above. He advised had talked with Makoto re instructor rating but advised they had just completed an instructor course and needed a Minimum of 4 pupils to do another. He advised didn't have the quota as yet to start another course. The Wanganui thing may have been a langauge thing as Wayne advised didn't tell hiom to go there.

Let it not be said I don't gve both sides of the story.

Wayne also said possibly on the look out for Cessna 152 replacement all very interesting. They tried a Tecnam but decided to light of construction fer flying training. The Cessna Skycatcher be to long wait and expensive (in the hundreds of thousands NZ) they are considering the Jabiru as they have them on line at Tauranga and being composite less hassles with corrision being so close to the sea. The other thing is you can get a custom Cockpit fit to suit your requirements usually now. Another option maybe the LSA version of the Foxcom Terrier 200 http://www.foxcon.com/home.html just some thoughts. Really the Cessna 152 and Tomahawks are getting passed it now especially with the new technology around today. The cost of doing up the panels etc would be more than the aircraft are worth.

Just thinking out loud here......

Also the power of the wind the last couple days. Spotted this about half way down York Road where I live.

2010-09-16T10:50:00.005+12:00

Some more of the day Trippers.

Is that a Brett Truck........

The flight deck on Sonarei SNW with the new Garmin 296. More gear and newer than most G.A. Aircraft.

2010-09-16T10:41:00.003+12:00

We hosted Allan Gooch and his merry band of Mystrey Bus Trippers. The WX was Crapp and then some. Nothing this lot hadn't senn before.

They were a delight to show around and asked some really good questions and some of those Ladies & blokes I suspect are Petrol heads. Also some of the Ladies advised they had been flying in days past. Outstanding.

They were quite inmpressed about what ya can get in the Microlite class these days SNW was very keenly admired.

They were quite interested in the Square hole in the wall in the Club house. Ya had to be there.

Wayne Myself and Stu showed them around and we also spun some good aviation Yarns and tales for some light entertainment.

2010-09-16T10:37:00.002+12:00

JQB was in waiting out the weather this a P & W powered machine. Presume he was heading Hamilton way as thats the way he went.

2010-09-10T14:48:00.003+12:00

Some more.

2010-09-10T14:43:00.002+12:00

The Chaps from International Rescue (OOP's Taranaki Rescue Trust) were in today doing Missed approaches etc Maybe training or BFR.

It was all FAB.

2010-09-02T10:55:00.002+12:00

Wayne was also out for a Tootle round the park in SNW trying out his newly fitted GPS looks real good to. So good in fact looks like been there all the time.

Also the Mower Chaps were hard at it before the big wet as well.

2010-09-02T10:48:00.002+12:00

Mananged to get me Sister liz and Partner Warren up for blat round the park. Mountain was a Tad windy so couldn't do that this time.

Also give EDR a run b4 the big Rain.

2010-09-02T10:44:00.001+12:00

A Tadpole (DA-40) was in doing T & G's when the sun was shining Wed.

2010-08-27T14:27:00.003+12:00

This here 152 was in from NP as they had just delivered the Tow Plane back from TFT I presume.

2010-08-23T13:34:00.002+12:00

I think was Matt in for Gas today.

2010-08-23T11:34:00.001+12:00

Jodels well.........

Garys Smiling cause he been flying a Blinder eh......

Big crowd must be Beer oh Clock.

Hell thats means summers here already......

2010-08-23T11:30:00.002+12:00

EDR and RVH chewing the fat after a run round the district to keep them regular like as WX been that crappy of late been a while since been out.

2010-08-23T11:27:00.001+12:00

Gary M was out and had his new old Prop back on EEF. He gave it a run for bit then a wash. Nathan and Gary H assisting.

2010-08-16T09:07:00.001+12:00

The Chaps had the Trucks out for the Wind Fri/Sat.

2010-08-14T10:55:00.002+12:00

The Puddles of DOOM after the big Rain.

People and planes hasve disappeared in those Suckers.

2010-08-13T11:33:00.002+12:00

The RNZAF were in shooting so T & G's Wed.

2010-08-09T09:35:00.003+12:00

Jodel ZK-EDR sitting under forlorn grey skies just chilling.

Wayne was out in SNW. Now this puppy has small wheels but gets off Stratford No worries it was damp.

2010-08-09T09:25:00.002+12:00

Some of the Chaps were about the Aerodrome. Steve and Ross Tinkering with DGV.

2010-08-08T11:19:00.002+12:00

It's funny how life fires curve balls at one but change is a constant. It all depends on how fast ya Side Step.

Me am moving overseas as thats where the work is so me lil darling Jodel D-11 ZK-EDR is up FOR SALE. She has been a great machine shame to let her go.

As you casn see she keeps very good company.

FOR SALE JODEL D-11 ZK-EDR.

100 hourly and ARA just completed. Radio/Txpdr test done,new brake pads,Fuel hoses,Compass swing,New wheel bearings etc. 700 size tires & Maule t/wheel. Always fussed over. Has done 170 hours since I got her in 2008. Always Hangared. Comes with extras (call for details). Great all round flying machine. Range 4.45 hours at 2500rpm 90 knots. Cover by Barsal.

Moving overseas so make an offer no matter how silly lets talk turkey. Nick on 06 762 8662 or 0275 611 518 or bigsky4394@gmail.com

2010-08-07T10:18:00.000+12:00

Oh and this one.

2010-08-07T10:12:00.001+12:00

Last ones. Not to bad considering the light.

2010-08-07T10:07:00.002+12:00

Some more

2010-08-07T10:03:00.002+12:00

Wayne and I managed to get out and about the District Friday give the girls a run before the Big Wet arrived Saturday.

2010-08-03T13:32:00.003+12:00

This here is the man from GILBARCO these guys are pretty good if we have any issues they are here quick smart. Am quite amazed at the frequency of there checking of the tanks. Nothings ever a problem.

These tanks at Stratford are in great condition and since the 2 odd years I have been here I have never had any water in my fuel drain at all. So pretty clean and waterless fuel can't get better than that. So if ya want the good stuff ya no where we are.

Also a shot of the mountain this AM which was Superb until Crappiness appeared around 1230.

2010-08-03T13:19:00.003+12:00

The RNZAF was in and about the District and Aerodrome this AM with there KING AIR,s doing some pretty interesting attack profiles according to my INTEL. Here seen making a run for Home (Ohakea) as the WX is about to turn real crappy.

The RNZAF is always welcome at Stratford Aerodrome and if we are in a Coffee or Tea and if ya real lucky a Biscuit awaits.

Now these here are our Windsocks. NEVER ever trust the one on the Hangar Roof.

2010-08-03T13:03:00.001+12:00

Having lucnh atb the Aerodrome today this R44 was in for a break from Line inspection for those pesky trees.

2010-08-01T11:09:00.003+12:00

Some of the Stratford Gang at rest after a bit of Aviating.

2010-08-01T10:53:00.003+12:00

Had EDR out for a run Sat as she just got back from her annual so wanted to check her out by giving her a good run.

Tootled over Tarata woke up Ian, then to Gary M's new Strip for a look see at Fern Glen then over my place to se whats going down. Then whizzed to Hawera stopped in there for Coffee. The chaps were dealing to the front Tyre on the Tecnam which wasn't well. In the pic how many people does it take to change a tyre :0) 4 and one supervisor. :0) Then whizzed on back to SD Stratford as was getting a bit lumpy by then.

Nice shot of the mountain hidden mostly by cloud.

Quite a few vapour trails in the sjky yesterday so lot of moisture about.

2010-07-31T10:46:00.002+12:00

The go juice.........

2010-07-31T10:42:00.001+12:00

More pic's. Start up

2010-07-31T10:37:00.003+12:00

Being in New Plymouth during the week spotted Jim H with his new ride. This day was his first after solo in his Yak as been droning round in Bretts with Brett winding up to flying his own

2010-07-19T09:44:00.002+12:00

The Street machine was in being in the form of Jodel JSC.

2010-07-19T09:38:00.002+12:00

Allan was out fiddling with PRO and enjoyed a late afternoon flight which was super smooth.

Thats what we like to see a empty hangar in Winter and they weren't sitting outside either.

Some shots of the Mountain over Gary's machine.

2010-07-19T09:27:00.004+12:00

My master plan is to get everyone involved with the Aerodrome up for a fly to show why we do what we do who how and when.

The Aerodrome has a new Farmer Jonathan W and his family. Gary H in RVH and Me in EDR took then for a run round the park on Sunday.

Jonathan comment was I can see why it's so addictive. I replied when ya starting to learn to fly then ........

His lil Girl Brodie is Mad keen on Planes and anything mechanical by all accounts and she did not want to come down. Although she an't smiling here she really enjoyed herself a very serious lil girl and is querstion central which is a good thing. We also took up Bailey and Tarasha altho didn't get pic of Tarasha as she went up with Gary

Don was out for a bit and reason he smiling here is he has just back DBZ into the Hangar person assisted of course.

2010-07-18T11:26:00.001+12:00

Jodel ZK-EDR sunning herself in the late winter Sun .

2010-07-18T11:10:00.001+12:00

Don toook these Sat before last. I like the underneath shot brilliant.

2010-07-16T12:18:00.003+12:00

Pic of the Mowing Contractor doing an outstanding Job the Arodrome looking bloody Brilliant.

Also Cherokee EDL was in and out.

John was up Thursday it was Uber Smooth and then some.

2010-07-16T12:12:00.003+12:00

The Lazy ace mostly and The Intruder.

Mike taking Ross for a run as Ross is holding on to the Banner. Ya had to be there bloody funny it was.

2010-07-16T11:57:00.001+12:00

Here's a couple more

2010-07-16T11:52:00.002+12:00

Some more

2010-07-16T11:47:00.001+12:00

Some more Model Pic's

2010-07-15T13:09:00.002+12:00

Now the Young Whipper Snappers were out getting there RC fix monday I think it was.

2010-07-15T13:05:00.003+12:00

Nows here's a pic of GUS and he's gotten big real quick.

He's Mark T's mate. Local WAW Ag Pilot and Cresco Wrangler.

2010-07-15T12:55:00.003+12:00

Lil Gary M has been out and is making good progress on the Aerovee he has stuck in the Minicab so much so was out giving it a run. Altho a couple more things to be doing till she's ready to aviate.

Some of the dudes lending there vast knowledge to the engine run.

What a view mountains in the background it was very clear

2010-07-15T12:46:00.003+12:00

Was able to get up over the Mountain in the ole Jodel give her a good decent run. My Pax for the first trip was Vicki J the Property Manager for the Stratford District Council.

I thought what better way to to show her what the Club and us Pilots are all about and why we do it. Also she was able to get jolly fine look at the Aerodrome etc from altitude. She was smiling so must have been a good one and it was super smooth absolutely outstanding day.

There was one dude on the Mountain Summit around 1215.

My friend Heather also arrived later in the day around 1600 so off we went again. What can one say never tire of it. 9000ft and again super smooth.

2010-07-12T11:58:00.002+12:00

Heading home long day looking at Grants face fungus.

Interesting pic of the thye Mountain

2010-07-12T11:53:00.002+12:00

Couple of Aircraft spotted at Feilding Jodel RNR and the RV-10 from Bulls me thinks. Sky Arrow SKO and Marks Sonerai SND.

2010-07-12T11:49:00.001+12:00

Wayne and Shaun coming in over the fence in SNW.Taxing in with those big Props behind.

Oh waht a fine bunch of Stratford Aircraft

2010-07-12T11:43:00.003+12:00

On Track to Feilding on Sunday super smooth and yours trully aviating double chins and all.

A RANS under build at Feilding as we all no 99% done only 99% to go.

EDR sunning herself in the brilliant Winters day.

Couple Gliders heading for Grass RWY 10

2010-07-12T11:38:00.002+12:00

Bit icey Sunday Morning as the Rav now two tone. The Mountion has a good coating as well.

Lyle the brave young Lad ready to go bantaming as it was a tad Chilly (Read as BLOODY COLD)

2010-07-10T14:18:00.005+12:00

Jim was also in to pick up a PAX in CKO.

Another one of Don landing RWY 16

Also couple RV's getting some sun. Gordons been doing things on RVG.

2010-07-10T14:12:00.003+12:00

Don was out this AM and Shooting to Rotorua but needed to check a couple things first. I snapped these on his way to Hawera an back. Dons is the Speedwing version of the Zenair 601 with the six cylinder Jabiru in it.

2010-06-29T09:59:00.001+12:00

Wayne had the lil darling Jodel D-9 CHX up for a tootle round the place mid last week I think it was.

2010-06-27T11:30:00.002+12:00

Aero Club Notice.

Club Mid year Dinner will be at Marbles in New Plymouth 24th July around 1900ish onward.

Names on the white board in the Club house ta. :0)

2010-06-22T10:50:00.004+12:00

Blasts from the past

Now the Fella's are getting Jodel D-11 ZK-DVG ready to go. Now I found this Pic the other day the Homebuilt Info Book dated 1976 actual photo who knows I thinks she set sail about 1974/75.

Also some pic's of Piper Cherokee 180 ZK-DGO based at Hawera now owned by the Imgrim clan. I used to fly her quite a bit when was with Waikato Aero Club

2010-06-18T11:30:00.002+12:00

heres the pic's

2010-06-18T11:27:00.002+12:00

Glyn returning from another sortie. Thats the film dudes out there.

2010-06-18T11:20:00.003+12:00

Graeme was out and about in the 180 late in the day as seen here heading back to the Hangar.

Shot here of Gordons Hangar and the 2 x RV-4's.

Glyn smiling as he's been flying and just got after the Rig's after 22 days a float his return to dry land delayed by WX. Flew most of the day.

Don here in the 601 Speed wing version he was out doing some filming for a super secret project.

Keep it to ya self now.

2010-06-17T08:56:00.001+12:00

On approach to RWY 27 and some of the Model guys on the end of RWY 34

Some more a trinees were shooting T & G's as well this is Massey in one of there plastic fantastic's.

2010-06-17T08:51:00.003+12:00

There are a about 5 Sonerai's being built in Taranaki and we went and visited 2 in Hawera Wed funnily enough we went by Sonerai.........

Couple pic's one of Stratford township as we headed South. Also off to port theres Eltam and finally Normanby and Hawera with Airfield between. Oh and the Mountain.

2010-06-15T09:01:00.004+12:00

Sunday also saw the troops had at work on there aircraft Steve and Ross on the Jodel who later finished by Taxing round the Aerodrome. Steve making aeropklane noises.

Gary and his boy were hard at it sorting out the Minicabs new Aerovee engine and here welding up the new exhaust and the blanket is for the super secret stuff..........

RVH catching some passing Rays.

2010-06-15T08:49:00.003+12:00

Sunday was a bit gloomy but Gary H tested the RWY with ZK-MITSI and headed of into the wild Blue and greyand white and rainy stuff ZK-RVH.

2010-06-11T10:28:00.002+12:00

Here we have the Puddles of DOOM. (planes have gone missing in those puppys)

If you see these it is adviseable to use the main rwy only RWY 27/09 unless ya a Bantam or such like then RWY 16/34. Take off will certainly be on this RWY 27/09 although be advised there are soft spots mainly on the 09 portion. It does Drain rather quickly over all though.

Some shots from Nort,South,East and West. Flyable depending what ya in but be a bit Lumpy and one probably wouldn't enjoy ones self.

2010-06-09T09:06:00.001+12:00

The Mountain this AM with new Snow.

2010-06-08T10:21:00.002+12:00

Theres a 172 in that sun burst just to the right.

Couple Mountain shots from Friday and a stunning photo of a fine peice of Fine British engineering.......:0)

2010-06-08T10:16:00.003+12:00

The Dingle returning Sat.

Also the Glider dudes preparing to commit Gliding

2010-06-08T10:12:00.001+12:00

The Glider Guys were out Sat as well and here's time doing a flyby

2010-06-08T10:00:00.004+12:00

This may have been Friday can't remember. Mark had the Cresco out for a bi as you can see superb day.

2010-06-08T09:54:00.002+12:00

Saturday Les bought RVG home ......

This here Tomahwk did a Touch and go ZK-TAW.

One thing have noted bout these trainees when they do touch and goes or land at Stratford they are landing well in one even touched down at the intersection the other day. Quality training or what.......

The RV-6 and Bantam just Chilling Sat.

2010-06-08T09:29:00.002+12:00

Gary was out in RVH on Monday testing the water so to speak as you can see by the Rooster tail as he was taxing in there was a tad bit of standing water.

Nothing to write home about though one can still land and take off with out to much problems. He did check it with the Mitsi beforehand.

2010-06-08T09:11:00.002+12:00

There was some activity Saturday and Monday Queens Birthday weekend as the rest of it was CRAP due Wx. Pic's are Hangar one

Steve and Ross were out doing some finishing on there Jodel DVG. The Finishing seems to take forever. Steve said be done by Christmas which one he didn't say. Although has been out taxing round.

Gary M & Gary H were busy doing the same thing to EEF as she now sports a Aerovee engine of 85hp replacing the revmaster of 65hp. With the Wheel Spats should seea n increase in speed. Alsas like the Jodel crew so much to do so lil time.

2010-06-04T09:40:00.002+12:00

Some mountain shots from my place this AM and the different colours the mountain goes through before waking up.

Also a pick taken this AM from end of RWY 27 looking back towards the mountain.