Cycling to see the Boeing 757 aerobatics

I went for a couple of bike rides last weekend in an effort to get a few km’s practice in before the trip. Saturday’s had an aviation theme as headed up to Whenuapai Airforce Base to watch, from the road, the Air Force Open Day display. I didn’t seen the morning activity but the afternoon display had most the airforce “types” in the air. This included the Kiwi Blue Parachute Team, Iroquois helicopter, Hercules, Harvard, Seasprite helicopter, Boeing 757, Orion, Red Checkers Aerobatic Team and a RAAF F-111.

While all were good I think the most impressive was the extreme flying by the RNZAF Boeing 757. It was obviously lightly loaded but the short take-off – maybe 3/4 of the 6600 ft runway – then pulling into a maximum rate climbing turn was cool to see. I’ve flown in a 757 but can’t imagine what it’s like being in one thrown around like this!

It wasn’t all aircraft as there were a few nice classic cars on the road. If anyone knows what the red one below is I’d like to know. It appeared to be American, rear engined (vents on the trunk/boot), but not sure what it was – a Corvair?

Tags:  RNZAF