Yes, the information is correct regarding Stan Smith having a Gemini under rebuild, progress has been concentrated on the fuselage and cockpit area’s. As a correction to Dave’s post the Messenger does not belong to Stan but to Dave Cowie, it is maintained by Stan.

Scrooge

The touch down thresholds are set by a standard profile (light a/c 1:20, medium 1:40, heavy and fast/military jet 1:80, off memory) taking into account obstacles on the approach. And as this is a military airfield (Switzerland?) the 1:80 profile would be used, particularily if arrestor gear is not present. This means a long field with displaced thresholds to allow adequate landing area, but take off can be from the runway end- also useful in a loaded fighter jet – stol or not.

scrooge

edit: The profiles I used are actually for take off. A normal landing is a 3 degree profile, but the reasoning is the same.

Hi all, back in the 1970/80’s NZCAA ran an article in the then ‘flight safety’ magazine they published that compared various light aircraft in this scenario. From memory they used a Cessna 150, C172, Piper PA28, and possibly a Cessna 180 and Piper Cherokee 6. From the same height turns were initiated at 30, 45 and max rate (edge of stall/60 degree AoB depending on aircraft). Then time to turn, rate of descent etc were compared. Again from memory only the C150 actually made the turn and was able to re-establish wings level before crossing the threshold (not sure of runway length used) and contacting the ground. It was noted however that by doing a flat/skidding turn the C150/C172 were able to reduce their RoD in the turn, but a mistake in this manouevre would lead to a stall/spin loss of control. General consensus was it would not be prudent for most pilots/aircraft to attempt the turn back.

scrooge

For NZ the “four seasons in one day” situation is also a factor, essentially the weather is far more stable in March and April.Also Easter being a long weekend gives better oppotunity for travel, i.e. travel on the Friday and Monday,airshow Saturday and Sunday. Over the last 3 years upper north island grass runways have been unusable until December/January- this year things are much better, but the previous years would not have allowed suitable public viewing areas or parking in local fields.

Prior to Omaka was a Warbirds Fly-in alternating with Wanaka, that developed with attendance and public interest into the airshow.

Basically airshows are hard work, volunteers are great at one off events but don’t appreciate being expected to show up each year, every year. The same applies to pilots and aircraft owners, especially if someone wants to make a profit, then everybody needs to be paid and costs go way up. Not to mention Health and Safety requirements, fencing, toilets, security, food etc- all these cost, so you apply a cover charge, which leads back to the points above. Which could all be ruined by bad weather- so you need insurance or a strong bank balance- which means profit last time or next……

sort of just keeps going doesn’t it?

scrooge

Alex, PM on way.

Regarding the local council, its often a good idea to invite mayors, etc. to any events, this allows a little one on one time for lobbying etc. Also demonstrates what you or the airfield is about. If you can demonstrate involvement/employment with local community groups, industry and businesses it can help. Especially if your airfield can be included in the district plan as a resource. i.e. asset as an airfield.

I recall seeing a cartoon called “Gremlins from the Kremlin”. Very funny, has Hitler flying a H.111 over Russia, as a number of Gremlins (Stalin etc.) destroy the aircraft around him. Probably not acceptable viewing anymore thanks to the PC clowns. Same goes for most of the wartime cartoons, too violent, too racist, too funny!