Kiwi Scooter with a link

[Splitpin]

This is the first time (I think) that I have screened an aircraft that I have flown in ....enter Dino C from India fox echo with his A-4 / TA-4 models.
Much reasearch has gone into the paints and models ....
The link is the Paint Dino offers of NZ6255 ...as some of you know (and Im sorry to repeat myself) I had 2.5 hours in the back seat of this old bird.
She was born on 21/07/67(I was 9 years old) as BuNo 154911, later to become RAN side number 880, and then NZ6255.

At time of retirement(RNZAF) her airframe had flown 6897.4 hours, she had completed 8686 landings (2 with my skinny butt on board) 122 of those were hooked (or arrested) Her last flight (NZ) Was 11/08/03



Years later (back ground details are not time period correct)





Thats me ...still sitting in the back waiting for another spin

[Jeffref]

Too bad. The pilot just remembered he had a pressing engagement in town.

[emfrat]

Great post, Marty - Was the two hours a punishment or a reward? All I ever managed was about 5 mins in a Link Trainer at Biggin Hill, and an assessment in an Airwork Services Training Cessna for BUA. That was over half-a-century ago
ATB, Mike.

[Splitpin]

Thanks for looking guys .... that model is the fsx one , but shown in P3D3 , I purchased the V4 version tonight, with a 20euro discount from Sim Market, will screen later.
Mike it was a punishment....memorable but a punishment. I was completly drained when we landed. 2 + hours of high G flying was tough on the body.
I still recall the "groundee"who helped me out of the seat/straps when we landed for the last time commenting on the fact that I hadn't released the tension on the straps ...I had been pinned there for the whole flight , not knowing I could have had a little more freedom..... which made sense when the pilot(Flight Lt Steve Moore) offered me the stick for a while and I had a hell of a time trying to move ...anyway, old man memories, maybe later.

[deeknow]

you lucky devil Marty, bet that was a blast.

How does Dino's model compare to the Virtavia? Certainly looks amazing externally. Is it a complicated beast to get in the air?

[chopper_nut]

Marty, is that the same Steve Moore who featured on Test Pilot?

[Splitpin]

Cheers Dino ..... Im not sure how this compares with the Virtavia model , but I will have a look and report back.
It is very easy to get her in the air , and after studying pilots notes for the real thing , it lines up pretty well. Half flap , full power ...hold it straight , seems to come alive at about 80kts. Dont retract the flaps below 200kts (with a load) it will just sink. Its not an F-16 by any stretch power wise ...but its simple, and fun .

[Splitpin]

Marty, is that the same Steve Moore who featured on Test Pilot?

Yes it is Nick ...and a really nice guy. Last I heard he was an Air Commodore. He may have retired now.

[chopper_nut]

Zac (K5054NZ) and I were talking about him. He ended up OC Ohakea

[Splitpin]

Dino ...I bought the Virtavia A-4 tonight(You may me do it ) just to compare. I havent had time to do a good comparison, but I will over the weekend.
To be fair, it could be hard if price is anything to go by ...50euro for the Dino model (20 for the p3d upgrade) and under 20 euro for the Virtavia model. I guess most people would expect more ..for more, so I will have to really study both.
Ive never done a review/comparison before, but I'll do my best ...but one mans Skyhawk may not be , or need to be anothers ..... Oh God , what have I got myself into

[Splitpin]

Zac (K5054NZ) and I were talking about him. He ended up OC Ohakea

I think he is still the RNZAF's only real test pilot. Do you think the forum could stand a few more memories from that flight ? the more I think about it , the more I remember ....maybe in the off topic thread.

[Charl]

Haha... Marty, do you want us to BEG you??
Great screenshot chatter BTW

[Splitpin]

Haha... Marty, do you want us to BEG you??
Great screenshot chatter BTW

Thank you Sir, I'm too tired tonight, and working for a few hours tomorrow.... so maybe I will continue the memory trip on Sunday but on another thread.
It's odd, I can't remember what I had for dinner 3 nights ago ...yet I have (increasing)memories of that day, some of which have been confirmed by people there on the day, and the pilot himself....just in case I thought I was going "off".

[Bugdani]

Would even be a great experience !!! Personaly, I only have a 22mins flight in a Jet Provost....

[Splitpin]

Thanks Dani ...I will continue the story soon , I've just been so busy with all sorts of things over the last week I hardly have time to sleep.