Back into the Bantam

[Guest Darren Masters]

I'm going down to Te Kowhai Airfield tomorrow morning (about 1.5hrs South of Auckland) to jump back into the Bantam (this time Jabiru powered). Very much looking forward to it :biggrin: Pictures/story to come tomorrow.

 

 

[Guest Darren Masters]

What a good day it was there today.Firstly, I started my day at the Te Kowhai Airfield flying Bantam ZK-SAK with Scott for my BFR. Was absolutely wonderful getting intouch with the Bantam again and what a gem to fly with the Jabiru 2.2. I still don't like to use flap in that machine and there really is no need to.

 

Some pics from Te Kowhai:

 

ZK-SAK

 

 

 

 

 

 

Some inflight pics in ZK-SAK around the Te Kowhai training area.

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

My favourite inflight photo of the day.

 

 

From there it was the short car trip over to the Collins Rd Airfield for the Waikato Microlight fun day. Thoroughly enjoyed the day with the modest $5 entry fee. Was exciting to watch some of the machines come in with the stiff wind. Blair was there with his Mosquito helicopter and also present was Bell 47G from Ardmore ZK-ICJ (video below). Got to have a fly in one of the club X-Air's for $35 for a good 20min flight. Thoroughly enjoyed this also. Below are some of my favourite pics of the day.

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

In summary an awesome day. So good to be able to have my wings again in the microlight category. Awesome to meet so many like-minded people who are willing to take you in. I really missed the flying friendships I had formed back home in Australia and really enjoyed picking up new friends here in NZ. The Bantam is an absolute gem to fly with the Jab 2.2. Totally different to the old Rotax and much less noise which equals more enjoyment. A little video below:

 

Bell 47G ZK-ICJ taking off.

 

[ame]

 

[/ame]

 

 

[Guest David C]

Really enjoyed your post Darren .. The jabiru motor in the Bantam would be great I reckon ... What do you mean there is no coaxing the 582 motor back to life again !! , while taking a close look at the treetops ... you must remember that day at The Oaks ... I miss our flying together , we had good times , most of it spent over Tahmoor or St Marys , but great non the less . I have recently been flying a Jab160 out of Camden . A little dearer , but a nice airplane, apart from the climb rate , and with a glass cockpit ... really swish !! ...

 

I've been a bit quiet on here lately , had some major dramas happening . We are all fine though , and you probably know what I'm referring to anyway .

 

Keep safe , have fun , and I will be in touch ..

 

Dave C

 

 

[Guest Darren Masters]

Glad you enjoyed Dave. It was a truck-load of fun! I will post more as I go. Been thinking of you guys and hope to speak soon. Love to all

 

PS-Those lovely memories cannot ever be taken away!

 

 

[Guest David C]

Glad you enjoyed Dave. It was a truck-load of fun! I will post more as I go. Been thinking of you guys and hope to speak soon. Love to all PS-Those lovely memories cannot ever be taken away!

Yes they were great days ... I certainly wish I could turn the clock back .. I will fill you in with the details when it's the right time ... All the best mate , and happy days ahead ..

 

Dave C

 

 

[dazza 38]

Nice shots mate. I enjoyed that.

 

 

[Guest Darren Masters]

No problem Dazza. Glad you liked them. Dave, I'm sure we can have some more adventures some day.