Mid 2024 WASSI Update

Wise WASSI Words from Woody

Yes, it’s about time I hear you say. And you’d be right, I even have some (relatively) interesting developments to share. We have changed the lease arrangements of two of our aircraft (NJT & FML), we have committed to and begun the refurbishment of MAJ, and we continue to make steady progress toward the completion of MUM.

NJT and FML

In mid-June we were advised by the then CEO of Air Hawkes Bay at Hastings that AHB had been sold by the HB&EC Aeroclub to a partnership with effect 1 July, and that the new owners would not need NJT. The required 10 days’ notice was given that their lease of NJT would terminate.

On the 1st of July, one of the new owners emailed that “we can always continue this lease as a backup aircraft but that would only mean aircraft will do 15–20 hours a month, and also will have to sit outside with covers on due to hangar shortage. If you have a better option or still want to continue with lease cancellation, then this is fine also.”

To me, this email sent a clear message as to the value they put on our aircraft and on our business relationship. I advised that we would proceed with the lease termination. I also gave 10 days’ notice of the termination of FML’s lease to them. I value the contributions of all members (and others) too much to leave our aircraft in leases with organisations that do not share our values.

This development turned out to be very timely, as the Marlborough Aeroclub was having one of their Tomahawks (ZK-WAA) stripped and repainted by JEM at Omaka and were keen to lease FML while their aircraft was out of the air. As a result, James Hillson organised the ferry of both NJT and FML from Hastings to Omaka.

MAC are very happy and making very good use of FML. The medium to longer term lease of FML is not finalised, but we are fortunate to have a number of options under consideration.

With the AquaMax paint stripping team at Omaka for WAA we took the opportunity to save $$$ and have MAJ paint stripped at the same time. NJT was swapped with MAJ and is on a temporary lease with Mid Canterbury Aeroclub while MAJ is being painted and refurbished at Omaka. Indications are that MCAC are very happy with NJT and will likely continue the lease long term.

MAJ Refurbishment

The paint stripping is complete, with comments from the AquaMax team that the paint just fell off and it was not before time. MAJ still had its original paint from manufacture. MAJ’s repaint has begun and will be completed in turn around the availability of the spray booth. While this process is underway, we have taken the opportunity to replace the threadbare and insecure carpets, to have the seats recovered and to give the internal plastics a refresh as required. I know, I know, I acknowledge that MAJ’s retro look will be missed by many of you, but you’re just going to have to get over it! She will look great when complete, I promise.

Coincidently, the CEO of ASPEQ, Hamish Findlay, contacted me to offer their continued sponsorship support of WASSI and has committed to cover the cost of LED Nav and Beacon lights on MAJ.

We currently do not have the funds to cover the fitting of two GARMIN G5s in MAJ for the AI and DI/HSI, but Grant Reidy has offered to help with respect to fundraising and his first objective is to progress this funding task.

MUM

Last week Ruth and I were in Blenheim visiting family, so while she enjoyed some handbrake-free time in the CBD, I visited Jay at Omaka to get an update on MAJ and MUM. We are at the fiddly stage of the completion of MUM. The decals for the new console have arrived, which means that job can be completed, and the avionics can be mounted.

Then the engine and flight control cables and controls can be fitted, the internal plastics fitting completed, and the seats fitted. Then the wings and tail feathers can be refitted. The target is to get MUM to that stage by early September.

Other Opportunities

While it would be imprudent to share too much detail too early, we are actively exploring a number of other opportunities to expand our fleet.  Some are probably a pipe dream but I explore them none the less. And some, I struggle not to be very hopeful will come to fruition.

What I can say, is that while it may seem very quiet, there is plenty of effort going on behind the scenes to continue the great progress we have all made moving WASSI to where we are now.

Thank you very much for your continued support, advice and efforts.

Woody