Wanaka airshow

[gojozoom]

Hy All,

I was wondering if any of you maniacs are interested in Wanaka airshow on the Easter weekend, because it would be nice to have some NZ simmers around, have a chat, whatever. I'll be there for sure.

[ardypilot]

Just look out for us wearing the black NZFF t-shirts, see: http://nzff.org/forum/viewtopic.php?t=5776

[FunkymonkeyNZ]

Yea for sure Dude i'll be there, hopeing it will turn out to be one MINT day!!! ill be in my black-T

[BAT22]

QUOTE (gojozoom @ Feb 29 2008, 08:53 AM) <{POST_SNAPBACK}>

Hy All,

I was wondering if any of you maniacs are interested in Wanaka airshow on the Easter weekend, because it would be nice to have some NZ simmers around, have a chat, whatever. I'll be there for sure.

Wonder if it will be cancelled

[chopper_nut]

This show is make or break for Wanaka. Could be the last one guys.

[victor_alpha_charlie]

What? Why?

[ardypilot]

ZOMG!!! I just saw this on the Warbirds over Wanaka site...

QUOTE

25th February 2008:General Manager of Warbirds Over Wanaka, Gavin Johnston, announced today that a warbird would feature in a live gun-firing exhibition for the first time ever at an airshow in New Zealand. "An Auckland based Curtiss P-40 Kittyhawk has been fitted with working guns. The guns will be fired from the aircraft as it takes part in the show", he said.

The Chairman of the Warbirds Over Wanaka Community Trust, Garth Hogan said "The P-40 will fire all six machine guns in an historic re-enactment of attacks on shipping over Rabaul during 1944. The public have never had the opportunity to see such an exciting event. The sound from these guns firing is seriously loud".

As the aircraft passes along the display line at over 240mph (386 km/h) it will fire at the barge in 2-second bursts. In that time the aircraft will have travelled over 700ft and the guns fired more than 60 rounds.

"The sight, sound and smell of these guns firing is a unique opportunity to see what it was like when these aircraft flew in anger during the war", Garth said.

"This event is exclusive to Warbirds Over Wanaka International Airshow 2008. No where else in New Zealand (or the world) will you see anything like it".

The live firing exhibition will take place on both the Saturday and Sunday of the show.

New Zealanders in both the Middle East and the Pacific used the Curtiss P-40 Kittyhawk extensively during World War II. Fitted with six 0.50 calibre guns, the aeroplane was very successful in both the air to air combat and ground attack roles.

Warbirds Over Wanaka International Airshow 2008 will be held at Wanaka Airport over Easter weekend (21-23 March 2008).[/quote]

[ardypilot]

QUOTE

An Auckland based Curtiss P-40 Kittyhawk has been fitted with working guns[/quote]
Fricking sweet! I really hope I can make it down for that!

[chopper_nut]

QUOTE (victor_alpha_charlie @ Mar 5 2008, 11:41 PM) <{POST_SNAPBACK}>

What? Why?

This is a 'new' organisation running the show this year. Bit of a joke really, still all the same people just under a different name. The last few shows have been pretty poor and if this one is the same, they may have trouble getting funding for the next one. The airshow seems to have lost its international appeal and Omaka and Wairarapa have caught up. Just what Ive heard through the grapevine. Also with regard to the 'live firing' demo. I think you will find that this will be a 'live blank' firing demo as nobody in their right mind would allow an aircraft to fire live rounds at an airshow. As part of the ground theatre, I would not want to be out on the field with all those empty .50 cases raining down! A tin hat would not be enough!

[chickenman]

QUOTE (Trolly @ Mar 1 2008, 12:32 PM) <{POST_SNAPBACK}>

Fricking sweet! I really hope I can make it down for that!

That's just what we need for all those bloody rabbits round here. wonder if i could get a private hire......

[A185F]

QUOTE (chopper_nut @ Mar 1 2008, 11:12 AM) <{POST_SNAPBACK}>

This show is make or break for Wanaka. Could be the last one guys.

Ahhh come on, people have said that EVERY show since atleast 02 that it will be the last. Every time I have seen flyers for the next show and wondered if it will happen but every time it has pulled through. So all these comments over the last 6 years have been nothing but hot air and I hope they stay that way !!

[deaneb]

QUOTE (chopper_nut @ Mar 1 2008, 12:58 PM) <{POST_SNAPBACK}>

I would not want to be out on the field with all those empty .50 cases raining down! A tin hat would not be enough!

Yes I'm sure they will be blanks too, but blanks still have cases to be expelled !!

Deane

[chopper_nut]

We were talking about this the other night, there might be catch bags in the wings somewhere for the brass although having used these on other MGs, I can safely say they dont work well! Someones spent a lot of money on that aircraft to get the guns, $5-6k NZD and the ammo. Last time I checked, .50 rounds were selling for about $3 NZD per round! Ive been around .50s when they have been fired, mostly mounted to vehicles, and the concussion is impressive to say the least! Will be interesting to hear and feel six of them go at once!

[Daniel]

Ill be down there
I really hope that the US release that spitfire. It will be such a loss if it doesnt come.
Also i think they will be firing blanks as well. Cant wait to go, Counting down already!
I am flying down on the Friday from Rotorua via WLG and CHC and come back on the tuesday via CHC and WLG again.
How is everyone else getting down? Ill try to look out for the black NZFF shirts.