Hi Guys,
FYI
I saw a very brief couple of lines in a Aussie Aviation mag (iI think called Australian Aviation) there is a rumour that the Macchis may be bought out of storage and used as a lead in aircraft trainer.

ITs A START

Chris

I hope so

There was a brief flurry of excitement at Ohakea abut the middle of the year, but nothing came of it.

I'll believe it when I see it.

We still fly them every week to keep them serviceable, but they are serviced by safeair and not the RNZAF.

Wow so if that happens will that mean that we find a new primary strike aircraft ? or do we just take the Skyhawks out of mothballs?

The Skyhawks will not fly again, in practical terms they are beyond economical repair.

The Macchis would be used as an advanced pilot training aircraft. (As they always were anyway, prior to 1999 all RNZAF pilots regardless of final aircraft type, did fast jet training - it teaches them to deal with a higher workload and makes them quicker at dealing with things). They would lead into the A109 - NH90 / SH2G and Herc / Orion.

Currently the Beech King airs are doing this role, but not very well for the helicopters pilots. (Obviously the King air is being used as multi engine conversion, which would still be needed).

This is very interesting as a friend of mine has just applied for the Air force as a pilot officer. Those NH90s look pretty flash , have we got them in service yet? Im off on my Army basic in January so it will be cool to check them out up close.

Not in service for another couple of years (2010 delivery of the first ones)

In the meantime while the NH-90s are coming, enjoy all the Huey time you can get - won't be much doors-open flying in the 90s and certainly not with that classic thudda-thudda sound...