Hey folks,
First post here. Basically just had a question for Patty. What are the chances of getting you and your aeroplane all the way over to New Zealand for Warbirds Over Wanaka in 2008? No harm in asking!
We have a great line up this year, of Jurgis Kairy's and Svetlana Kapanina, which will be great, but how much I'd like to see Patty here too. Wanaka is in the heart of a beautiful tranquil setting amongst the rugged South Island. Snow covered mountains, rivers and lakes is the region, in short.
I do plan to come to the US in a few years (to see some real action), once I am up to Advanced level, and have my first house (2 years is the target, I'll be 24 by then).
Just a quick note, does anyone have any aerobatic experience in the Yak 52? I am going for a flight in a very nice example based not far from where I live in a couple of weeks. I plan to buy a share in it, there is one for sale, spoken to the seller etc, and all going well, should have a 1/15th share in it after Easter. The main reason why I want it is to take things further, on from Sportsman/Intermediate, and a little closer to advanced, I have seen the 52s flying at advanced level but how difficult is it for someone with only limited hours like myself to perform? It isn't easy in New Zealand as there isn't a huge selection of aeroplanes to choose from, I have had a go in a Pitts (what a dream to fly!), Chipmunk and Nanchang, but there is no chance of getting solo time in these, so I have been continueing on with the Alpha 2160a.
I envy anyone that has anything as good as, or better than an S2B, it was just incredible to fly...

Andy
New Zealand