Cessna 152, ZK-MDS

Cessna 152, ZK-MDS:

Paul McSherry's two seat Cessna 152 shared its container with ZK-MDV to arrive from the USA in May 2008.

Like the bigger four seat C172s, the two seat C152s are known for their reliability and ease of flying, are popular in NZ and many are used for flight training.

Alpi 300, ZK-CUZ:

A retractable undercarriage Alpi with a distinctive blue and silver colour scheme.

ZK-CUZ is based in the South Island, and is seen here during 'Logan's Safari 2008', a week long tour of the northern North Island by a group of ten Alpi aircraft in February 2008.

Alpi 300, ZK-CUZ

Foxcon Terrier, ZK-SOD

Foxcon 'Terrier', ZK-SOD:

In this photo the partly obscured plane is Anthony Matthews' Foxcon 'Terrier', based at Warkworth.

Photo taken at the Parakai fly-in Feb 2007

Air Trainer, ZK-CTA:

Previously used by the NZ Air Force for initial pilot training, the Air Trainer is aerobatic rated with a hydraulic constant speed (variable pitch propeller) unit, and came in 4 cylinder and 6 cylinder versions.

ZK-CTA is a 6 cylinder version, owned by Hugh Jones and operated by the North Shore Aero Club, seen here visiting Parakai Airfield.

Air Trainer, ZK-CTA

Zenair, ZK-SWW

Zenair, ZK-SWW:

A Zenair CH601-XL, similar to the Zenair ZK-MZP that is available for training at Parakai.

ZK-SWW is owned by a syndicate of three owners, and is seen here visiting Parakai with its nose in Leading Edge Aviation's hangar having a new 'DUC' (ground adjustable pitch) propeller fitted.

'DUC' props are carbon fibre and give a constant speed effect achieved by aerodynamic means rather than by adjustment of the pitch during flight.

Whitman, ZK-RET:

The Whitman 'Tailwind' is owned by Cliff Bellingham and based on the airstrip on his property near Waiuku, south of Auckland.

Seen here on a visit to Parakai.

Whitman Tailwind, ZK-RET

GyroBee Gyrocopter, ZK-RDA

GyroBee Gyrocopter, ZK-RDA:

Oskar Stielau's GyroBee is a single person gyro, one of the 'minimalist' variety of aircraft with everything reduced to the basics.

ZK-RDA is the first of its type flying in NZ, with two others currently under construction.

Cal Parker Tweenie Two: ZK-DUO

This Tweenie Two has a polished aluminium finish, and is owned by Julian Thornton from Hamilton.

Tweenie Two, ZK-DUO

Foxcon 'Terrier', ZK-MEG

Foxcon 'Terrier', ZK-MEG:

Based at Opotiki, Graeme Addison's Foxcon Aviation 'Terrier' known as Meg, is a fast two seat aircraft with good range.

Aztec, ZK-ZFR

Built of composite materials, the 'Zephyr' has long and relatively thick section wings for good low speed handling for short airstrips.

Seen here taking part in the Northland Microlight Club's 21st birthday party at Parakai, Dec 08.

Aztec Zephyr, ZK-ZFR

Rans Coyote, ZK-WMR

Rans Coyote, ZK-WMR:

A nosewheel Coyote, fabric over metal tube construction, the aircraft was built by Wim Laan and previously based at Parakai.

ZK-WMR has since been sold and has moved to the South Island. It's hangar space is now occupied by a 'tail dragger' version of the same design.

Tecnam Eaglet, ZK-WTF

Purchased new in Dec 08 by the Northern Recreational Flying Club (NRFC) at Whangarei to replace their well loved original Tecnam, the early model 'Echo' ZK-EKO.

The 'Eaglet' is the later model that replaces the 'Echo', with many incremental improvements such as a more efficient wing and fuselage shape, hinged engine cover, tie down points on the wings, fuel overflow from the outer tips and a higher general standard of fitout.

Tecnam Eaglet, ZK-WTF

Jodel, ZK-SCJ

Jodel, ZK-SCJ:

Stephen Chilcott's single seat Jodel is a nicely fitted out aircraft, seen here visiting for the Northland Microlight Club's 21st birthday flyin and BBQ at Parakai Airfield.

The Jodels are constructed of fabric over a wooden frame by home builders, and are easily recognised by their turned up wingtips. They come in one and two seat variations.

Jodel D18, ZK-JAC:

Noel Bailey's Jodel is the single seat version. The Jodels are popular home-built aircraft constructed of fabric covering over a wooden frame.

The aircraft is based at Hamilton and was photographed while attending one of the Parakai Aviation Club's BBQ lunches.

ZK-JAC

Jaburu UL-7, ZK-CJP

Jabiru UL-7, ZK-CJP:

This Jabiru is a tail wheel variant, which gives a higher speed for the same power than the nose wheel (tricycle) variety.

The Jabiru's composite airframe allows for good streamlining and hence fast flight and long range. Owned by P Haywood and based at Rangiora, near Christchurch.

Cessna 150 Aerobat, ZK-DOF:

Bob Jago's Cessna 150 Aerobat is based at North Shore airfield, and is a good example of a popular 2 seat aerobatic type of aircraft.

Seen here visiting Parakai for service.

Cessna 150 Aerobat, ZK-DOF

Tri-R, ZK-TEL

Tri-R, ZK-TEL:

A 'KIS' (Keep It Simple) kitset four seat aircraft made by the 'Tri-R' corp in the USA, ZK-TEL is registered in the 'experimental' class in NZ.

The fibreglass composite airframe allows for smooth streamlining and good speed while still having reasonable fuel consumption.

Aircam, ZK-SUN:

Cyril Wright's 'Aircam' is a highly specialised aircraft designed for low level filming in difficult locations.

The camera operator in the front seat has an uninterrupted view, the aircraft can fly slowly and quietly. It has 2 x Rotax 912 engines and can fly well on just one, to ensure that even an engine failure will not result in a forced landing, such as filming lions at low altitude in Africa where this could be 'inconvenient'.

The 'Aircam' was assembled and carried out its initial flight testing at Parakai.

Aircam, ZK-SUN

Cessna 172, ZK-TAT

Cessna 172, ZK-TAT:

A Cessna 172 from Ardmore that came to Parakai Airfield to fly cadets during the ATC camp held on the weekend of 16th May 09.

Cessna 172, ZK-JRE:

A Cessna 172 from Ardmore that shared the load of flying cadets during the ATC camp held on the weekend of 16th May 09.

Cessna 172, ZK-JRE

Cessna 206, ZK-DAS

Cessna 206, ZK-DAS:

This Cessna 206 is a six seat aircraft that was used by Blue Skies Skydiving during 2008 for lifting sports and tandem tourist skydivers from Parakai.

Europa, ZK-EPA:

Gavin Lee's 'Europa XS' is one of the centre wheel variants, which have a single large wheel that retracts into a well in the centre of the fuselage. The outrigger wheels on the wings come down the the main wheel is lowered.

Europas also come in a conventional tricycle undercarriage version.

Europa XS, ZK-EPA

Thorp, ZK-MBY

Thorp, ZK-MBY

Owned by Michael Boyles, this Thorp is a homebuilt aircraft with a distinctive maroon colour.

Seen here at a Sports Aviation Assn (SAA) BBQ at Parakai in June 09.

Zenith, ZK-ZXZ:

This Zenith CH601 visiting for the SAA BBQ in June 09.

The Zenith 601s have a 'Y' shaped central control stick allowing the one central stick to give control from either seat.

Zenith, ZK-ZXZ

Cresco

Cresco

Super-air's topdressing aircraft used to operate out of the 'Wings' airfield between Paparoa and Maungatoroto.

Seen here making use of Parakai's long runway to carry good loads of cricket baits for a local farmer.

Bantam, ZK-FTJ:

Andrew Guyan's Bantam seen here at the Parakai Aviation Club's 'Shortest Day' BBQ, 20th June 09.

There are many Bantams based at Parakai.

Bantam, ZK-FTJ

Challenger, ZK-MYC

Challenger, ZK-MYC:

A 'Quad City Challenger', Grant Corlett's aircraft has the optional side doors to keep out the breeze.

It is based at Grant's 'Warkworth South' airstrip.

Pulsar, ZK-KFC:

Cliff McChesney's 'Northern Aviation Adventure Group' owns this Pulsar XP which is based at Thames.

Attending the PAC 'Shortest Day' BBQ, June 09 with a large Border Collie (who enjoyed the sausages) in the back as copilot.

Pulsar, ZK-KFC

Cessna, ZK-CAA

Cessna 172, ZK-CAA

A nicely maintained early C172 'B' model Cessna is owned by Murray Smith and based at Ohaupo near Hamilton.

Sport Cruiser, ZK-JBZ:

John and Julie Bubb's Sport Cruiser flew in from Paeroa for the PAC 'Shortest Day' BBQ in June 09, joining company with the aircraft from Thames as they passed.

Czech Aviation Sport Cruiser, ZK-JBZ

Tecnam, ZK-SJS

Tecnam, ZK-SJS:

Stephen Robinson's retractible undercarriage Tecnam P2002S is based at Thames.

Max Dean and Stephen flew up for the PAC 'shortest day' BBQ June 09.

Challenger, ZK-TPL:

Anthony Lloyd's 'Quad City Challenger' aircraft is based near Warkworth.

The Challenger has a pusher propeller mounted on the back of the wing, which is an aircraft design that provides good ground clearance for the prop, and hence short legs are possible.

Challenger, ZK-TPL

Cessna 206, ZK-NOK

Cessna 206, ZK-NOK

A 2006 model Cessna 206, was imported by Nokomai Station in the South Island to replace the previous Cessna 206 NOK that was renamed to ZK-NOC when sold.

With a full instrument rated capability and glass cockpit ZK-NOK can fly anywhere at any time with a suitably rated pilot, and has a powerful turbo charged 540 c.i. engine.

Cessna 150, ZK-CXK:

The Cessna 150 'H' model is an early Cessna variant that flew in from North Shore airfield for the Parakai Aviation Club's 'Shortest Day' BBQ in June 09.

Cessna 150, ZK-CXK

Jabiru, ZK-CEN [Warren Butler photo]

Jabiru, ZK-CEN:

A Jabiru SK80 imported from South Africa in 2009 by Warren Butler. Jabiru also make engines that are used by other types of aircraft.

ZK-CEN is seen here taking part in the PAC's 'Shortest Day' BBQ in June 09.

Cessna 150, ZK-CXG:

Wayne Munro's Cessna 150 tied down for the night at Parakai, is one of the many Cessna 150s and 152s in NZ... reliable 2 seat training aircraft in which many pilots have gained their licences.

Cessna, ZK-CXG

Mosquito, ZK-IOS

Mosquito, ZK-IOS:

Oskar Stielau's Mosquito helicopter, which took to the air for the first time in Sept 09.

Oskar also has a skeletal Mosquito without the cabin structure, but this one gives better protection from the wind.

Cessna 152, ZK-TUT:

"Toot" is a Cessna 152 owned by Judith, one of the PPL/CPL instructors at Parakai. The aircraft was imported from the USA Sept 09 with Leading Edge Aviation tidying it up and doing the mods required for NZ specific requirements. In this photo the NZ registration just issued and temporarily applied with tape waiting for the machine cut lettering.

Cessna 152, ZK-TUT

Cessna 182, ZK-RDJ

Cessna 182, ZK-RDJ:

Based at North Shore, ZK-RDJ is a Cessna 182 with a 6 cylinder engine and owned by the Old Lake trust.

Seen here having flown to Parakai for service at Leading Edge Aviation. The inspection panels under the wings are removed for inspection of the spars and control mechanisms.

The Parakai Airfield courtesy car is available for owners of aircraft flying into Parakai for service, or they can be collected by Bryn Lockie, flown to parakai for service and delivered back afterwards... good to have an engineer do a 'before and after' flight.

Cessna 152, ZK-MDK:

Another addition to Paul McSherry's growing fleet, imported in Sept 09 from the USA where it was 'N45992'.

In this photo, Leading Edge aviation have put in a new engine and done the mods for NZ specific requirements, and its ready for its final inspection by CAA.

Seen here with its final paint job, click on the photo to see it partly done.

Cessna 152, ZK-MDK

Alpi 300, ZK-MWL

Alpi 300, ZK-MWL:

Mike Leefe's very nicely presented Alpi 300, lives at Ashburton but covers a lot of ground around NZ. Mike is a retired NAC/Teal/Air NZ pilot, and his aircraft is painted in the old 'Teal' airline colours.

Seen here on a visit to Auckland, having the Rotax engine's carburettors pneumatically balanced at Leading Edge Aviation.

Tecnam 'Golf', ZK-EHG:

Owners by the Hauraki Aero Club at Thames, and the 'Golf' is seen here attending a Parakai Aviation Club fly-in.

Many Tecnam aircraft are the high wing versions, such as ZL-CDL and ZK-PAB training aircraft based at Parakai, however, the low wing version is also popular and very similar in handling.

Tecnam 'Golf', ZK-EHG [PAC photo]

ZK-FOB [PAC photo]

American 'Falcon', ZK-FOB:

An 'American Aircraft Falcon' on a visit to Auckland.

Owned by John Thomson and based at Wellington, it is thought to fly out of Paraparaumu.

Jodel, ZK-DBY:

A 'D 11' model of Jodel, a fabric over wood construction aircraft popular with home builders.

Owned by Bill Izard of Omega Aviation at Te Awamutu, the Jodel is seen here at the Parakai Aviation Club 'Vintage Day' in Nov 09.

Jodel, ZK-DBY

Alpi, ZK-RMV

Alpi 300, ZK-RMV:

A retractable undercarriage Alpi, ZK-RMV is an 'Alpi 300 Pioneer' model, based at Kerikeri airport and owned by the 'Pioneer Aviators' group.

It was one of the (definitely non-vintage) visitors to the Parakai Aviation Club 'Vintage' event in Nov 09.

Avid Flyer, ZK-MMP:

Though obscured by the DynAero 'Clubsport' tail in this photo, it is still possible to see the large separate control surfaces on the trailing edge of the wings on Peter Karl's Avid Flyer, ZK-MMP.

Having the control surfaces separated from the wing and down in the clean airflow provides good control at low speeds, hence slow take off and landing 'STOL' characteristics of this Avid Flyer allow it to use very short airstrips.

Avid Flyer, ZK-MMP

Cessna 152, ZK-SSG

Cessna 152, ZK-SSG:

One of the North Shore Aero Club's Cessna 152 trainers, on a visit to Parakai.

With North Shore airfield being only 10 miles to the East, Parakai and North Shore aircraft often visit each other's airfields.

Zenair 601, ZK-JFN:

Colin Herrick's Zenair 601 is the same model as the Zenair ZK-MZP that is based at Parakai.

The Zenairs are a popular advanced microlight with good performance, constructed from aluminium in the Czech republic. They have the unusual feature of a luggage compartment in each wing.

Zenair 601, ZK-JFN

Tecnam, ZK-TEB

Tecnam, ZK-TEB:

Barry Ford's Tecnam 'Golf' is based at Collins Rd airstrip near Hamilton, seen here visiting accompanying ZK-DXO which was picking up a liferaft for a Tasman flight.

Cessna 172, ZK-DXO:

Jan Reekers' C172 lives at the Collins Rd airstrip near Hamilton. The airstrip is also home to the Waikato Microlight Club. ZK-DXO is seen here visiting Parakai to collect a liferaft in preparation for its flight to Norfolk island, Lord Howe Island and Australia.

Cessna 172, ZK-DXO

Cessna 172M, ZK-DRM [Scott Jeanes photo]

Cessna 172M, ZK-DRM:

The Waitomo Aero Club at Te Kuiti has this Cessna 172, a 'M' model, seen here on a visit to Parakai during one of the fly-ins.

Tecnam Echo, ZK-LJW:

ZK-LJW is on-line with the Hawera Aero Club, seen here doing a cross country flight to the north and stopping at Parakai for a break.

This Tecnam is the same model as the Parakai Flying School's ZK-CDL but with a glider towing hook... click here to see a close up.

Tecnam Echo, ZK-LJW

Robinson R22, ZK-ISC

Robinson R22, ZK-ISC:

A Robinson R22 Helicopter owned by Lifestyle Aviation Ltd, Auckland.

Seen here doing a training flight at Parakai.

Tecnam Sierra, ZK-PAJ:

A low wing version of the popular Tecnam aircraft, ZK-PAJ is based at Thames airfield. Here is it visiting Parakai on a cross country training flight.

Tecnam Echo, ZK-PAJ

Mooney, ZK-DBK

Mooney, ZK-DBK:

A Mooney M20C owned by Don McMillan, and based on his farm near Kaikohe. Seen here on a visit to Auckland.

Don is one of the previous owners of ZK-TWT, the Parakai Flying School's Cessna 150 Aerobat trainer.

Europa, ZK-CHV:

A monowheel Europa 'XS' owned by Bill Sisley at Katikati. Seen here at the Parakai Airfield summer fly-in, Feb 2010.

The big main wheel and small stabiliser wheels on arms, retract during flight.

Europa, ZK-CHV

Rutan, ZK-PND [Brian Millett photo]

Rutan, ZK-PND:

Dave Kilbourne's Rutan 'Varieze' ZK-PND is based at Tauranga.

At point of lift-off on runway 07. A canard design where the wings are at the back and the 'tail' is at the front. Seen here at the Parakai Airfield summer fly-in, Feb 2010.

Piper Sport, ZK-SXY:

The Piper Sport Sportcruiser is made by the Czech Aircraft Works, and is now sold under the 'Piper' name.

Owned Anton Meier of Aerosport Aviation, ZK-SXY is seen here at the Parakai Airfield summer fly-in, Feb 2010.

Piper Sport, ZK-SXY

Storm 300, ZK-VEE

SG Aviation 'Storm 300', ZK-VEE:

Robert Byal's 'Storm', ZK-VEE seen here at the Parakai Airfield summer fly-in, Feb 2010, is based at Waihi Beach.

Corby Starlet, ZK-TNT:

The single seat Corby Starlet is seen here at the Parakai Airfield summer fly-in, Feb 2010.

Alfred Hirzel built and flies this nicely presented aircraft.

Corby Starlet, ZK-TNT

Yak 52, ZK-TYS

Yak 52, ZK-TYS:

ZK-TYS is a high performance aerobatic aircraft owned by the Thames Yak Syndicate, but based at Auckland.

Seen here at the Parakai Airfield summer fly-in, Feb 2010.

Lancair, ZK-MHS:

Norman Bartlett's ZK-MHS seen here at the Parakai Airfield summer fly-in, Feb 2010.

The Lancair aircraft have large engines... note the size of the prop to absorb all that horsepower. This combined with a sleek structure provides a high performance aircraft type designed for fast and long distance travel.

Lancair, ZK-MHS

Glastar, ZK-MPO

Glastar, ZK-MPO:

Lloyd Morris's Glastar seen here at the Parakai Airfield summer fly-in, Feb 2010.

The 'Glastar' is a high performance fibreglass composite aircraft.

Tecnam Golf, ZK-PPG:

Godfrey Smith's is a low wing Tecnam.

Seen here at the Parakai Airfield summer fly-in, Feb 2010.

Tecnam Golf, ZK-PPG

Tecnam Echo, ZK-THA

Tecnam 'Echo', ZK-THA:

Dale Charles' Tecnam is based at Thames airfield, and seen here at the Parakai Airfield summer fly-in, Feb 2010.

ZK-THA is the same model as Parakai Flying School's ZK-CDL.

Eagle Autogyro, ZK-KIW:

The Eagle autogyro ZK-KIW seen here at the Parakai Airfield summer fly-in, Feb 2010.

Owned by 'Gyrate NZ' and based at Taurgana airport.

Eagle Autogyro, ZK-KIW

Eagle Autogyro, ZK-MTO

Eagle Autogyro, ZK-MTO:

Based at TeAwamutu, this Eagle autogyro is owned by D & P Hall.

Seen here at the Parakai Airfield summer fly-in, Feb 2010 where it flew in with another Eagle, ZK-KIW.

Flight design, ZK-FDB:

The Flight Design ZK-FDB owned by Sports Aircraft Ltd, and based at Springhill airfield near Wellsford.

ZK-FDB is a composite aircraft with good performance.

Flight Design, ZK-FDB

Texan, ZK-TXS

Texan, ZK-TXS:

Fly Synthesis 'Texan' is a composite aircraft seen here at the Parakai Airfield summer fly-in, Feb 2010.

Ron Miller and the TXS syndicate fly ZK-TXS from Whangarei Airport.

(The apparent curve on the prop in this photo is a false camera effect).

Piper, ZK-EKB:

The Piper PA-28 is based at Napier, seen here at the Parakai Airfield summer fly-in, Feb 2010.

Many pilots learned to fly in this model of Piper, which was popular for a long time as an Aero Club initial trainer.

Piper, ZK-EKB

Piper, ZK-OHA

Piper, ZK-OHA:

The Piper PA-28 is seen here at the Parakai Airfield summer fly-in, Feb 2010.

Owned by Evan Harris the Piper is based near Hamilton.

Foxcon, ZK-PCF:

Peter Flood's composite aircraft, ZK-PCF seen here at the Parakai Airfield summer fly-in, Feb 2010.

Foxcon, ZK-PCF

ZK-Westpak Rescue Helo

ZK-Westpak Rescue Helo:

The Westpak Rescue Helicopter flew into the Parakai Airfield summer fly-in, Feb 2010.

The big helicopter drew a crowd keen to see it up close.

Falco, ZK-TBD:

'Falco' aircraft have a moulded ply wooden airframe, and ZK-TDB is so well finished that it looks like moulded composite.

A fast aircraft, the Falcos were designed in the 1950s but look like a year 2000 design.

Seen here at the Parakai Airfield summer fly-in, Feb 2010.

Falco, ZK-TBD

We'd like to add to this collection of Parakai aircraft portraits. If your aircraft is not shown and you have a photo taken at Parakai, or can improve the description, please send to:

Harvey@ParakaiAirfield.co.nz

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