Warbirds OVer Wanaka

[Imac Kiwi]

Warbirds Over Wanaka is a 2 yearly airshow extravagansa held in Wanaka, New Zealand. This would be one of the largest airshows in the Southern hemisphere with 62,000 people in attendance just on Saturday alone!

http://www.warbirdsoverwanaka.co.nz/...sp?id=aircraft

Above is a link to a range of aircraft that flew over the weekend. We borrowed an F1.11 form the ozzies for the show as well. The RNZAF was in attendance with Helis and everything from the CT4 Airtrainer to the Boeing 757.

We had 2 Aerobatic world champions flying the Sukhoi. The first being the Womens aerobatic champion from Russia, Svetlana Kapanina accompanied by the Mens aerobatic champion Jurgis Kairys

And of course star of the show was Frazer Briggs (Bogan) flying the 3M Comp-Arf Red Bull Extra 330. Installation 1 of the pics below showing dry dusty conditions at the airfield with the majestic snow covered Southern Alps in the distance. Much more to come when I receive the CD from Aunty with the pictures.

These pics thanks to Compy 2.6

[Imac Kiwi]

Svetlana Kapanina

FIVE TIMES WOMENS WORLD CHAMPION AEROBATIC PILOT

By winning the 2005 World Aerobatic Championship in the female category for the fifth time and finishing fourth overall (including men), Svetlana Kapanina confirmed she was the best female aerobatic pilot of all times.

In 1987 Svetlana graduated from medical school as a pharmacist. The following year she started flying in Kurgan and by 1991 was a member of the Russian Aerobatic Joint Crew. By 1995 she had graduated from Kaluga Pilot’s School and although Svetlana never believed she would devote her life to flying, what started out as a hobby has turned into serious work as an aerobatic professional.

It has not taken her long to join the ranks of the world’s elite aerobatic pilots. Perhaps her training as a gymnast and the many hours spent on the trampoline have contributed to her success.

In 1991, Svetlana was Absolute Champion of Russia and in 1993 won silver at the European Aerobatic Championships, her first international aerobatic contest. She was awarded the medal “ For Service To Motherland” in 1995 and “Award Of Honour” in 2002.

To date, Svetlana has been awarded 30 gold medals in World Championships and is the one and only pilot to be four times World Champion , in 1996, 1998, 2001 and 2003. In amongst all this, Svetlana has found time to have a family, being the mother of a four year old son and a 2 year old daughter.

[Imac Kiwi]

Jurgis Kairys

WORLD CHAMPION AEROBATIC PILOT

The World Champion aerobatic pilot is back at Warbirds Over Wanaka. Jurgis Kairys from Lithuania, is not just any pilot, but an aircraft engineer who designs his own in order to fly the maneuvers of his dreams.

Asked by the Sukhoi Design Bureau in 1982 to assist them in further developing their aerobatic aircraft, Jurgis was instrumental in the design of the SU 26, SU 29 and SU 31 series of aircraft which have dominated the Unlimited World Aerobatic Championships for over two decades.

Jurgis’ debut at Warbirds Over Wanaka 2004 stunned the crowd with heart stopping maneuvers hitherto unseen in New Zealand. His return to the airshow in 2006 is anticipated with great expectation and enthusiasm. He will fly his SU 26 which is powered by a Russian 400 horsepower PF engine swinging a 2.6 m propeller.

Be prepared for vertical climbs off the ground, hanging on the prop 20 metres above the ground, upside down just above the runway and continuous rolls while turning this way and that - Jurgis will stun the crowd again this year with something new, on that you can rely.

[Richo]

Nice model IMAC Kiwi!!

Not to sure about leting Bogan loose with it in front of 60,000 folks!!!
I'm sure he would of "Roostered" it up.


Cheers,

Richo

[Compy2.6]

Ill slowly add a couple more shots out of the 350 I took over the weekend.

Svetlana Kapanina & Jurgis Kairys

[Kiwi]

Yes well dont to too skimpy Richard, we have a gallery that you can load all 350 if they are good ones. Just think of us poor expat Kiwis crying for a look at what went on mate.

Kiwi

[JeeUm]

More please, it's not nice to tease us!

[SBR_RV]

nice shots there.

[Biff]

Imac Kiwi, you got me! Saw yourthread and was drawn in by the warbird thing. Awesome airshow! The way I figure it, Bogan, the Guzzler, Auntie, Lurch, Mike and you should be able to entertain 62,000 with no props gadgets or script. Great shots, keep 'em coming!

PS,,, Svetlana, it's OVER between us. Stop calling. A woman begging isn't attractive. What we had was fun,but it's OVER!!!

[Compy2.6]

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[Compy2.6]

[Compy2.6]

[Compy2.6]

[Boulder]

Beautiful pics guys!!

Thanks for sharing!!!

[Compy2.6]