An Inside Look at the Bantam Manufacturing Facility New Zealand.

[Guest Darren Masters]

Yesterday I made a flying visit into Te Kowhai Airfield to visit the manufacturing facility of one of my favourite aircraft to fly...the Bantam. I used to fly this little gem often back home out of The Oaks Airfield. For those that don't know about the Bantam it is a slow rag-and-tube ton of fun machine. The visibility is excellent and the freedom of wind in your face open-cockpit flying simply magic! Te Kowhai Airfield is the home of the Bantam. It is around 35mins flying time from Ardmore Airfield in Auckland. The grass runway is a healthy 1000m long aligned East/West. We visited the airfield in my mate Phil's Remos G-3 German built microlight.

 

Below: Our Ride Remos G-3 ZK-PRH at Te Kowhai Airfield.

 

 

 

 

 

 

The Folks at Te Kowhai Airfield were simply amazing. Very inviting. Actually reminded me of my old flying days at The Oaks where we had a family-like atmosphere. I enjoyed it so much infact that I am back there next Tuesday to convert my licence over to NZ and jump back into the Bantam! Rates here are $110NZD/hr solo for the Bantam. I think that is quite reasonable. I had the pleasure of meeting Max Clear, daddy and the brains behind the Bantam. A total pleasure. No doubt I will be seeing more of Max and the other friendly folks at Te Kowhai often! If you ever wondered where your Bantam or Bantams you have flown come from, where they are born, look below and it will answer some of your questions. Hope you enjoy the pics as much as I enjoyed visiting this magic place (soon to become my home airfield)

 

Below: Some Bantams and the delivery suite of Bantams.

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

Incidently ZK-ULI is powered by the Four-Cylinder fuel-injected aircraft engine. Can't wait to fly this one!

 

 

[Guest David C]

Ah the Bantam ... What great times we had over at The Oaks . I still recall what brilliant flying times we had together , even circling over my place and yours was a delight .. You notice Darren I haven't mentioned the near engine failure you and Sunny had in the Bantam , or the near barrel roll that day on downwind courtesy of that vicious rotor wind .. what brilliant memories though and talking points .. Have a great time next week on your conversion flight .. just wish I was there to share it .. :luck:

 

 

[Guest Glenn]

Strange looking birds but look like fun. Best of luck with getting back into flying

 

 

[Guest Darren Masters]

Ah the memories Dave. I will have photos. Love to both you and Marilyn. Sometimes you miss memories of great friendships and great flying!

 

 

[Guest David C]

Yes ... Indeed we do Darren .. Best wishes to you too .

 

 

[Guest Darren Masters]

You may want to have a look at Te Kowhai Airfield at:

 

http://www.flytekowhai.co.nz/