Remarks: After 'Beat-ups' of Wanaka Airfield by USAF 'Antarctic Hercules' Callsign 'Skier 96' (93-1096), RNZAF C-130H NZ7001 operated by 40 Squadron did some similar flying at Warbirds over Wanaka 2010. This rear Stbd view shows the aircraft retracting wheels after a low level 'gear down' Flypast over Rwy 11. This was the First C-130 Hercules acquired by the RNZAF.
Remarks: It was a hard act to follow USAF 'Antarctic Hercules' Callsign 'Skier 96' (93-1096). However, the RNZAF C-130H operated by 40 Squadron did some fancy flying at Warbirds over Wanaka 2010. This 'Front View' shows the Herc 'Pitching Up' after a very low Approach to Wanaka's Rwy 29, before pitching over to a steep nose-down attitude - manoeuvers which minimise exposure to groundfire in a war zone. During the approach the aircraft had dipped into Wanaka's famous gully (which 'shot-down' aircraft disappear into!) I first photographed Sister-Ship NZ7002 in Canberra in 1968.
Remarks: Not to be upstaged by USAF 'Antarctic Hercules' Callsign 'Skier 96' (93-1096), the RNZAF C-130H operated by 40 Squadron did some sophisticated flying at Warbirds over Wanaka 2010. This cropped 'Front Top-Side View' shows a demo of a Steep Approach to Wanaka's Rwy 29 - Referred to as a 'Kabul Approach', which minimises exposure to groundfire in a war zone. (In 1996 they called it a Kosovo Approach). The Herc is side-slipping to counter a crosswind from the South. (Note Synchronised Props). I first photographed Sister-Ship NZ7002 in Canberra in 1968. The RNZAF's first three C-130Hs were built in 1965, and they are still in service after 45 years!
Remarks: Photo from the spectator line - C130 demonstrates extreme approach into a hot zone. Got the crowds gasping at the Wings over Wairarapa Airshow 2007
