* Two New Fighters DVDs Released [06 November, 2008]
Due to popular demand, we've released two new aviation DVDs: Classic World War One Fighters and Classic World War Two Fighters. These two disks combine all the WW1 and WW2 video footage from the first four Classic Fighters Marlborough airshows (2001-2007) into a single place on their respective disks. This allows those folks with a more specific interest in either/or both eras to obtain this great footage, without spending a lot of hard earned cash on the complete airshow event DVDs. Take a look at the on-line store page for more details.
* Bristol Freighter Taxis For First Time In 20 years [06 November, 2008]
In recent months Alastair Marshall has done great things with Bristol Freighter
ZK-CPT at Omaka Aerodrome. He has resurrected the aircraft's two Bristol Hercules
engines, and has recently been able to power up the aircraft and taxi about
the aerodrome -- the first time the aircraft has moved under its own power in
approximately 20 years.
A higher quality and larger version of this video is available on our YouTube Channel.
Almost thirty years ago on the 30th of December 1978, Safe Air's Armstrong-Whitworth Argosy "Merchant Enterprise" (ZK-SAE) was flying from Wellington to Christchurch in New Zealand, and became a major player in New Zealand's most famous UFO 'incident'.
Now thirty years on in December 2008 a UFO Anniversary programme is being held in Blenheim. This will include a reunion of many of the people involved with the Kaikoura sightings in December 1978, a recreation of the December 30 flight and a day long symposium at the Marlborough Research Centre, and other activities.
Details are available at the Argosy Trusts website at http://www.argosy.co.nz
* Up and Coming Aviation Events & Airshows [06 November, 2008]
There are a number of aviaton events and airshows planned for New Zealand over the next few months. See the Events section of our latest newsletter for details.
* Classic Fighters 2007 DVD Well Received [14 September, 2008]
After a long wait, the Classic Fighters 2007 DVD was released in early August and we've had plenty of feedback which indicates most viewers are more than happy with the disk. This is your last chance to grab a copy at the special pre-order price. Take a look at the on-line store page for details on the DVD.
* Propeller Bar & DC3 Day Trip To Lake Hood [14 September, 2008]
Next time you're in Christchurch you might like to stop in and join Paul and Caroline from Wigram Brewing Company for a drink and a snack at their new establishment, the Propeller Bar which is located in the old No.1 Officers Mess at Wigram on Henry Wigram Drive.
Notwithstanding the history of the location, the bar has a real aviation theme, the Wigram Brewing team are most convivial hosts, and the beer is pretty good as well. Stop in and say hi! Their first event is a day trip trip by DC3 to Lake Hood near Ashburton on December the 13th. Travel to Ashburton airfield on the Southern DC3 and then transfer to Lake Hood for lunch. Only 28 seats are available, so if you are interested give them a call (03 341 8269) and ask for the Propeller Bar or even better, book when you call in for that beer and chat.
* New Online Videos Available [14 September, 2008]
In the last month or so we've added a few more aviation videos to our YouTube channel, including some Spitfire, P40 Kittyhawk, and Sopwith Triplane footage. Check these out at:
We've still got lots more footage in the archives, and will be endeavouring to release some more material in the coming months as time permits. Feel free to let us know what you'd like to see.
* Photo & Video Shoots [14 September, 2008]
While we at HAFU make an effort to get out and about and take photos and video footage of all manner of aircraft (and sometimes motor vehicles), we can only undertake these shoots if we know about them. If you've got a flying event planned, or if you're an aircraft owner (or pilot) who's looking for a bit more than some amateur snapshots and shaky video footage of you and your aircraft, do feel free to let us know.
* Wings Over Wairarapa 2009. [27 July, 2008]
The (10th Anniversary) Wings Over Wairarapa 2009 airshow is going to be held at Hood Aerodrome in Masterton (New Zealand) on the 17th and 18th of January 2009, and as always it's going to be a great show. This year HAFU are very pleased to be able to provide some support and sponsorship for the team in Masterton. Read More...
* YouTube Channel [27 July, 2008]
For those of you who like to spend a little time in front of YouTube, please note that you'll now find our freely available videos at:
* Classic Fighters 2007 Souvenir Edition Book is now shipping.
A little later than originally anticipated, but never-the-less worth the wait. Take a look at the on-line store page for details on the book, and some sample page spreads.
* New WW1 Aero Photo Gallery
Check out our new aviation Photo Galleries containing some great air-to-air shots, especialy those of the newly built SE5-1a and one of only three original Bristol Fighter F.2b's flying in the world.
* New Desktop Wallpapers Added
We've finally had a chance to add some desktop wallpapers to the site for your enjoyment. There will be more to follow in coming weeks, so check back here again.
* Sopwith Camel MP3 Ringtone Added
We've added a short mp3 file of the Gnome-powered Sopwith Camel to the downloads page, so that you can use it as a cell phone ringtone if you wish. Let us know if you'd like to see other aviation related ringtones.
Almost thirty years ago on the 30th of December 1978, Safe Air's Armstrong-Whitworth Argosy "Merchant Enterprise" (ZK-SAE) was flying from Wellington to Christchurch in New Zealand, and became a major player in New Zealand's most famous UFO 'incident'.
