< PreviousKiwiFlyer Magazine Issue 71 10 Brett leading Peter during a photo flight. They really do look great together backed up by a nice Navy looking background and some outstanding formation flying. One of the key acts for Warbirds Over Wanaka 2020 was to be an aerobatic pairs routine flown by Brett Emeny and Peter Vause in their North American T-28 Trojans. Unfortunately with the arrival of COVID-19, that show never took place. Brett and Peter have kept their display routine current however, and recently invited Gavin Conroy along for some photo sessions. Gavin tells the story of how this team came about and how these two good friends ended up owning this matching pair of aircraft. contributed by Gavin Conroy Taranaki Trojans Brett’s Trojan is a T-28C version that has been on the airshow circuit in New Zealand for many years. This aircraft was originally imported by John Greenstreet from the USA in 1989. In 1991 a syndicate was formed around this machine with many hours being flown by many different pilots such as Frank Parker, Rob Silich, Peter Beaumont, and Dave Brown, etc., most of its time being spent at Ardmore. In 2017 the syndicate came to an end after which the aircraft was eventually acquired by Brett Emeny and is now based in New Plymouth. 11 2020 #5 KiwiFlyer Feature Gavin Conroy image Once Brett had the aircraft flying again, he decided the old girl needed a birthday, so he repainted the aircraft in the same colour scheme such that it looks factory fresh once again. Peter Vause is also based in New Plymouth and owns a Yak-52. He bought the Yak following a flight with Brett one day, being so impressed that he just had to have one. He has since spent many years flying the aircraft as part of the Yak-52 team. Brett offered Peter a flight in the Trojan one day and guess what happened? The same thing. Peter loved the Trojan so went about Aircraft owners can now apply for an ADS-B Grant. You must have either booked an ADS-B installation, or already have installed ADS-B. Get advice from your Part 66 LAME or Part 145 workshop to install the right ADS-B equipment. Apply for your ADS-B Grant now! Don’t get left in the hangar To apply go to www.nss.govt.nz/adsb ADS-B Grant scheme 1. Book 2. Apply 3. Install & validate 4. Claim Pre application checks Have you checked your eligibility for a grant? Have you checked that your aircra registration details are correct? Have you booked your ADS-B installation with an Avionics Workshop/Installer? ADS-B Grant scheme FAQs www.nss.govt.nz/adsbKiwiFlyer Magazine Issue 71 12 Trojan Pair finding a suitable aircraft overseas as at that Time Brett’s was the only one flying in New Zealand. Peter found one in Australia that by all accounts had been maintained and well looked after by well- known warbird restorer and pilot Cameron Rolph Smith. Peter talked at length with Cameron about the Australian Trojan. Cameron spoke highly of the aircraft and said, “Mate I know that machine inside out. If you want to buy it I am so confident that I’ll be happy to deliver it to you New Zealand.” Peter said, “If you have that much confidence in the aircraft then I will take it.” Thus Peter was now the owner of a T-28B Trojan. He needed to get it home to New Zealand. As agreed Cam set off across the Tasman with a friend and pilot for the delivery flight. They got to Norfolk Island easily enough however his friend has misplaced his passport and had to return to Australia, leaving Cam solo for the remainder of the flight. Cam rang Peter to tell him what had happened and Peter jokingly said, “Just head east until you see land, you won’t miss us Cam.” Fortunately Cam followed his own navigation methods and arrived safely in New Zealand a few hours later. About the Trojan The North American T-28 Trojan series was designed to replace the North American T-6 Texan in service with the USAF and the SNJ which is essentially a modified Texan to train Navy pilots. These aircraft had several things in common, they were fast, rugged, and demanding for students to fly and both had big radials up front. The biggest change was that the Trojan was configured with a tricycle undercarriage, as the day of the tail LAST LOT LEFT SOLD SOLD SOLD SOLD SOLD SOLD SOLD Lot 3 is a 5500m2 site with direct access to the 839 metre runway. Build your permanent or holiday home right next to the strip with plenty of room for your hangar and pool. No waiting in a queue for take-off here. Well away from all the heavy traffic of the Auckland North Shore area. Only 7 minutes to Warkworth and an easy commute to Auckland especially with the motorway extension coming soon. A unique and peaceful location. Call for further info. David Goodhue 021 663 633 d.goodhue@barfoot.co.nz VIEWING View by apptmt, Newton Rd. www.barfoot.co.nz/547050 FOR SALE $790,00013 2020 #5 Peter on the down side of the loop. In a Trojan the loops are big, similar to a WWII fighter in my view. Gavin Conroy image dragger was over for the US military. The T-28A version was ready for squadron service in 1950 but technology was already catching up on the Trojan and two years later the USAF began to use the T-37 Tweet at their trainer of choice for up and coming fighter pilots. The Navy however saw a lot of potential in the aircraft so North American developed the T-28B version which was upgraded all round and fitted with an R-1820 engine developing just under 1500 hp. This changed the aircraft dramatically and shore-based Navy training showed a lot of promise, so the Navy sought a version that could be operated on and off of carriers. The T-28C version was then developed with a stronger undercarriage and fuselage strengthening (for the rear fuselage mounted arrestor hook). Many would say this was the ultimate version of the Trojan whether it be operated off land or a carrier; it was a jack of all trades and master of them all. As mentioned, technology was improving at a rapid pace in regards to fighter jet design and this ultimately saw the Trojan replaced by carrier equipped jet aircraft like the T-2 Buckeye. The Trojan however had served the Navy well and is a well-loved type by many US Navy pilots. The Taranaki Pair Back in New Zealand, there was now a pair of Trojans and the obvious next thing to do was for Brett and Peter to team up and create an aerobatic pairs routine. Earlier this year and after many hours in the air together, they were ready for Wanaka and very keen to display the Trojans together for the first time. They were also to take part in the jet racing, Brett in his de Havilland Vampire and Peter in his L-39 Albatros. They decided to head out one day for some practice at New Plymouth, then after they had landed and shut down they were told Warbirds Over Wanaka 2020 was cancelled due to COVID-19, a gutting decision for the whole airshow scene but none more than the committee who had put nearly two years into the planning. Brett and Peter have stayed current in the aerobatic routines they had developed so I recently went up to conduct some photo flights with them and to go along for one of the two-ship practice flights. I had flown in Trojans before as they are a good camera plane with comfortable KiwiFlyer Magazine Issue 71 14 Trojan Pair seating plus a nice roomy cockpit. The seating position is in fact some 8 feet off the ground. I had never flown aerobatics in the type and was very impressed with the Trojan’s ability. It has plenty of power which allows for a nice punchy take off and all of the manoeuvres are flown with ease. Brett is the leader and Peter has power in reserve to quickly move in formation with him. Being a big aircraft with a lot of power the loops are big and the G is on for a while so the experience feels very much like a WWII fighter to fly in when the power is up. The Trojan climbs well and accelerates like a rocket downhill. One of the most demanding moves is the line abreast loop. The aircraft fly in close formation literally wing tip to wing tip and this is a difficult loop to perform but Peter manages it with ease. After some formation loops, rolls, and wing overs the practice session was concluded and we headed back for a buzz and break followed by a formation landing. It was great to get an insight into this newly formed team. With everything they had done to get up to display flying standard only to be dashed by the pandemic, the silver lining is that we will get to see them fly this display - hopefully at Warbirds Over Wanaka 2022. When you do see both Trojans at a show you might wonder which is which. The tell-tale is that the B model does not have an arrestor hook. Many thanks to Brett and Peter for a fantastic weekend of flying, and also to camera pilot Doug Batten. Gavin Conroy The break before landing. Brett’s aircraft has a smoke system fitted. Peter has plans for this setup also. Our last photo flight was with Brett’s Vampire and Peter’s L-39. These guys really have too much fun sometimes. The camera plane was Peter’s T-28B Trojan flown by Doug Batten. F K Patented Kiwi Made Spray Nozzles Improved Chemical Delivery Better Spray Drift Control Less Ground Time Tried and Proven Contact Glenn . 027 473 1403 . GlennKeane@xtra.co.nz For all Consultancy Services related to Safety Management Systems Risk Management Airworthiness SMS Training Maintenance Planning and Control Contact Jaivir Singh on 027 445 4220Brett gives the ‘straightening’ hand signal to Peter. Note curious reflection in canopy. 15 2020 #5 Typically American with everything in a logical place and as much room as a Cadillac! Peter warms up the engine for our aerobatic flight. The Trojan has a big presence. Peter’s Trojan has a nice bit of nose art: “The Trojan Warrior”. CAA Part 115 certified LIVE YOUR DREAM FLY IN A WARBIRD EXPERIENCE THE THRILL OF FLIGHT IN A WWII FIGHTER WITH WARBIRD ADVENTURE RIDES HARVARD l P-40 KITTYHAWK l SPITFIRE WWW.WARBIRD.CO.NZ GIFT VOUCHERS AVAILABLE The Best Experience in South Westland Waiatoto River Safari caters for all mobilities, and provides a free local-fare BBQ for groups of 6 pax and over. Need a pick up from the aerodrome? Let us know. Use promo code KiwiFlyer when booking online www.riversafaris.co.nz/group-river-tours-and-chartersPilot’s Log KiwiFlyer Magazine Issue 71 16 Book Review Simon Spencer-Bower should need little introduction to New Zealand aviation enthusiasts. Those who aren’t familiar however, can rely on the words of none other than Kurt Robinson, President of the Robinson Helicopter Company, who introduces Simon’s new book, Pilot’s Log, thus: “Simon is one of the world’s most experienced pilots / instructors, especially in the Robinson R22, R44 and R66 helicopters. His amazing 50 year career and extensive mountain flying gives him the knowledge and insight most of us can only dream of having. Simon Spencer-Bower’s unique story is one every pilot or adventurer will look forward to reading.” This is indeed a superb book, richly illustrated and of some 452 pages, beautifully presented, and full to the margins of New Zealand aviation and Simon’s career and exploits within it. As you might expect the book is also bursting with a passion for aviation. In the opening pages Simon summarises his approach to creating the work; “I have written in mind with the majority of readers being aviators, and hence the focus on aviation, and in particular, to understand the evolution of helicopter instructor flight training in New Zealand. However, in spirited character I vent my spleen with a dose of ‘bull-shit’ and a few ‘holy shits’; I give gratitude for the joy of my work and deep passion for the environment in which I fly experiencing, ‘once in a lifetime, every day’; and with compassion I express the deepest grief for loss of life - ‘Fly Forever’. I have written for the historian, too, commencing every chapter with reference to my heritage and agricultural roots, showing relevance that my endurance has evolved from the graft of farming.” This book is about Simon from the beginning and not just about aviation, though there’s a great deal of aviation within including many anecdotes and much wisdom. There aren’t pages and pages of uninterrupted text, but instead a friendly-to-the-reader sequence of timelines, experiences, superb imagery, extended captions, quotations, thoughts, tales and more. The book frequently moves between past and present, the former giving context to the latter, and is interwoven with historical anecdotes from past generations of Simon’s family which have directly or indirectly created influence and for whom Simon is obviously very proud. Pilot’s Log is a very readable telling of a very interesting life. Simon begins the story with a ‘Pre Flight Check’, covering ‘Descendent, Direction, Discipline and Destiny’. Thus we hear of family history, childhood influences and interests, numerous anecdotes that instilled or otherwise relate to discipline including schooldays and tales of travel, and then the experiences and path that cemented a future in aviation and the creation of Canterbury and then Wanaka Helicopters. These chapters, as with the entire book, are fast-paced and full of storytelling that captures attention and imagination. Here’s an example, relating to discipline, from an opportunistic ride-along on a sky-diving flight. “The opportunity was there to climb on board the De Havilland DH89 Dominie biplane and, because the seats and seat belts had been removed in the vintage beauty, for the sky-diving I wore the customary parachute as a safety precaution. It seemed all too easy watching the sky divers, tumble out, pop the chute, float down. Full of bravado – and beer – as the last sky diver tumbled out, I too launched myself. On a ‘planned’ inaugural jump, a line is attached to the plane so that as you fall the attached line tightens, opening your chute. On advanced jumps you free-fall with experience, choosing the moment to open the parachute. I was neither attached to a safety line nor experienced with free-fall. I flopped around wildly, falling bum first to earth, with just the heavens above me. Woo hoo… Holy shit! What do I do?” My hand found a handle, I yanked it and the parachute opened. The cords twisted around my flailing skyward legs, I floated down and ‘Once in a lifetime, every day’ Simon Spencer-Bower at the controls of a Wanaka Helicopters AS350.l and 2 Place Intercom l l Transceiver module with 2.1/4” or 3.1/8” remote control head 10W CW TX power (unmodulated carrier) Built-in VSWR meter for antenna checks, tuning and transmitter protection 25Khz and 8.33Khz fully compliant receiver and transmitter Offset carrier support for all classes MGL V16 Airband Transceiver Automatic store & recall of last received transmissions (up to one minute total) 12/14V to 24/28VDC operation, lowest power consumption in class Dual/priority scan mode Two place digital intercom with advanced VOX Rugged mechanical design Very low cost l l l l l l ll 09 489 9650 val@hoodbrokers.com www.hoodinsurance.co.nz Public Liability Insurance Business Protection Insurance General Insurance Offering the best possible solutions to protect you business and yourself. 17 2020 #5 landed in a big – drunken - heap, having narrowly whooshed past a structure by a whisker.” With background established, Simon moves to chapters of Creation, Instruction, Regulation, Reputation and Presentation. There’s no question that Wanaka Helicopters operate in one of the most scenic locations in the world and there are pages of cockpit scenery to make anyone living anywhere else very jealous. You couldn’t not love a lifestyle like this. Simon relates: “There are passengers with tears in their eyes, being in awe of the grandeur. I become the greatest thing that’s ever happened because their flight is the greatest thing they’ve ever experienced - They are overwhelmed by the experience, and I love the aspect that my job creates such joy. The privilege is never lost on me of being able to manipulate and operate a machine that allows me to work in such an environment - experiencing the splendour of creation.” With 14000 hours of instructing time in his logbook, readers can expect plenty of instructing anecdotes. Many of these have been provided from high profile pilots Simon has trained who have contributed a wealth of experiences to the book. These high profile pilots aren’t only those who have become well known in the industry either, for example, “In 2015 an email came from Wade advising he was recommending the Advanced Mountain Training Course to a client; that the client was filming a movie in New Zealand; that the client had previous limited mountain flying experience; that NZ CAA had requested the client complete Simon Spencer-Bower’s course before filming and flying in the Southern Alps, and before being granted a licence to fly in New Zealand - and the ‘client’ was Tom Cruise (who would be flying a helicopter in the movie sequence in which he was starring).” The chapter on reputation follows, covering a string of awards received over many years including in 2010 a Queen’s Service Medal for services to aviation and in 2015 a Certified Flight Instructor of the Year Award, awarded by the Helicopter Association International in Florida. In Simon’s words: “While I receive the awards, Carolyn deserves the adulations - Carolyn who mothers, manages, motivates, travels, educates, farms, hosts, cooks, housekeeps and houses our family and our businesses.” A chapter on Presentation speaks to the importance of respect for appearance, equipment and oneself. On logbooks: “I’ve always been very proud of my logbooks and couldn’t wait to write up each flight. I have photos and articles slotted into the pages and young students just love browsing through. If your logbook is higgledy-piggledy so will your flying be. It’s as reflective as that, and I’ve seen enough untidy logbooks and flying styles to attest the fact. On encountering an untidy student’s logbook, my instructors would advise -“Just take a look at Simon’s logbook - that’s how yours should look.” All fourteen of my logbooks have been filled with enormous pride and represent a long, intriguing, varied and satisfying aviation career.” A section of the book is entitled Airborne and covers many of the interesting flying experiences Simon has accrued over the years. A number of these have been at the controls of significant warbirds. Sir Tim Wallis relates: “Simon has played a pivotal role in New Zealand aviation since the early 1970s, specifically involving helicopters, aircraft safety and flight training. He was involved in teaching my four sons to fly helicopters and was one of the few pilots I selected to fly the various Alpine Fighter Collection aircraft, Pilot’s Log is full of photographs including many awe inspiring images from Simon’s ‘back yard’.SCENIC FLIGHTS HELI CHARTER HELI FISHING PROPOSAL FLIGHTS HOTEL TRANSFERS COMMERCIAL OPS PHOTOGRAPHY PPL and CPL TRAINING CAANZ CERTIFICATED R 22, R 44, S 300 SAFETY AWARENESS COURSES TYPE RATINGS INSTRUCTOR RATINGS NIGHT RATINGS (unlim) 09 299 9442 sylvia@heliflite.nz www.heliflite.co.nz EuroFOX DtiAircraftSales.com NZ Agents for AeroPro EuroFOX. LSA or Microlight category. Tricycle or tail wheel undercarriage. Glider tow version. Rotax 912 ULS engine. Wings can be folded. Outstanding quality and reliability. Priced from €60,000 ex-factory plus options KiwiFlyer Magazine Issue 71 18 Book Review including my favourite Mk. XVI Spitfire - TB863. Pilot’s Log will no doubt be an interesting and entertaining read and I am pleased he has taken the time to record his story.” The story moves to the growth of Canterbury and Wanaka Helicopters and an aborted venture in Oman. Then come plenty of tales of operations including sling, onboard fires, over-water trips, search and rescue, fire-fighting, emergencies, and more. Some of the things related are humourous, some are serious, and some are educational. They’re all very interesting. There are many pictures included including a section of stunning Wanaka scenery. Says Simon, “I feel so privileged to work in these locations every day that most people visit only once in a lifetime” Pilot’s Log concludes with a section entitled Touchdown. Simon talks of competition, including motor racing at age 72 with very respectable results - “Life goes by in a heartbeat, and regrets are, for want of a better adjective, regrettable. I’ve often said, I don’t want to end up in a retirement home saying, ‘I wish I’d done that when I was younger’.” Simon’s story would suggest there isn’t too much chance of that. Farming and conservation come into the story, as does succession; “I honour the richness inherited from my ancestors, and I am proud of the richnesss I have passed on to others.” And Simon concludes his Pilot’s Log with what else, but logbook details. These include 71 fixed wing types flown and 28 helicopter types with more than 14000 hours in Robinson’s R22. It’s a great career so far which has been warmly told in Pilot’s Log, and is sure to inspire current and future pilots to pursue their passion and to fly well. A worthy footnote to our review of Simon’s book comes via a quote within by Dave Good; “There will come a day when Simon Spencer- Bower retires from the NZ aviation industry. He has trained an entire generation of pilots and I’ll be forever grateful that I was one of them. I want the name Simon Spencer-Bower in my logbook because that name alone will carry weight for wherever I turn up or for whatever I do in the years ahead.” Well said Dave. On behalf of everyone who is going to enjoy reading this book, thanks for sharing your story with us Simon and congratulations on another great achievement. Michael Norton Purchase Pilot’s Log from Wanaka Helicopters or www.pilotslog.co.nz F KP: 09 298 8206 or 0800 322 206 F: 09 298 8218 E: insure@avsure.co.nz www.avsure.co.nz Contact us at AVSURE for a free no-obligation quote on any aviation related insurance requirements that you have AIRCRAFT AVIATION LIABILITY PROPERTY PERSONAL l Pleasure & Business Aircraft l Charter l Aircraft Sales l Flying Schools l Clubs l Agricultural l Helicopters l Premises l Airports l Products l Chemical l Hangar keepers l Hangars and Contents l Pilot Personal Accident l Passengers l Pilots term life AVSURE provides the most competitive insurance programmes available in the Aviation Industry. When considering your aircraft insurance, you definitely need the best ADVICE, EXPERIENCE and RESOURCES. At AVSURE, WE DELIVER. AVSURE - where aviation insurance isn’t just a sideline, it’s all we do! RPAS, UAVs, DRONES l Commercial Operator Cover for: Hull & Liability or Liability only SPECIALIST AVIATION INSURANCE BROKER Boston Marks | A Gallagher Company Aviation Insurance contributed by Bill Beard 19 2020 #5 Aviation Insurance Explanation of Terms Insurance policies have a number of terms and definitions that may not always be fully understood. Bill Beard from Avsure explains: Hull Insurance This is the main component of an aircraft policy and is intended to provide payment towards the cost of repairing or replacing an aircraft that has been damaged. Most policies protect the aircraft on an “all risk” basis, meaning that the aircraft is covered against any cause of loss unless specifically excluded. Excluded items typically include things like mechanical breakdown, ordinary wear and tear and loss of use. You can buy coverage while the aircraft is on the ground, taxiing and in flight. Aircraft Liability Coverage This is the other major element of an Aircraft Hull and Liability Policy. Liability coverage protects those who are covered by the policy against action brought by others who claim that they have suffered injury or that their property has been damaged in relation to the insured aircraft. In New Zealand personal injury and death claims fall under ACC legislation. Named Insured This is the actual policyholder(s) specifically named on the policy. Named insureds are responsible for premium payment, and have the authority to cancel or make changes to a policy. Additional Assureds Are persons or entities other than the policyholder, who are covered under the provisions of the policy. They are given the same protection under the policy that the policyholder is. It should be noted that the ‘limit of liability’ is the maximum that the insurance company will pay to settle a claim. In other words, say three entities are each ‘additional insureds’ on the policy in an action, the ‘liability limit’ of the policy will be split among the individuals. Private, Pleasure and Business Uses Private Pleasure and Business aircraft insurance is coverage for non-professional, non-commercial aircraft. In other words, general aviation aircraft, flown by the owner or authorised pilot, operated for pleasure or non-aviation business use but specifically not for hire, or rental or compensation. This means that you cannot make a charge for the use of your airplane or helicopter. Open Pilot Warranty A clause in the insurance policy that lays out the requirements for pilots who fly the aircraft other than those specifically named in the policy and is usually subject to the pilot meeting minimum qualifications and flying experience requirements. Subrogation A legal doctrine under which your insurance company attempts, in your name, to recover money it has paid under your policy due to the fault or actions of a third party. In aviation insurance, the most common example of this is physical damage to your aircraft caused by a third party, such as a maintenance provider. Waiver of Subrogation A promise, in advance, by you and your insurer not to try to recover damages from a party who causes damage to your aircraft. Waivers of this sort can be found in hangar agreements, and are sometimes requested by Instructors or Professional Pilots who will be providing you with pilot services. To discuss this or any other topic relating to aviation insurance or to seek quotations, contact Arden Jennings or Bill Beard on 0800 322 206.Next >