Hamilton to Chatham Island

DAY 24, LEG 100 - Hamilton to Chatham Islands

Following a service and the removal of the ferry tank we had fitted for the Pacific crossing, our Beech is ready for the next leg, and the 100th of the tour, to Chatham Island.  This is the largest of the Chatham Islands archipelago home to Air Chathams which operates various types around the islands and to New Zealand including a Convair 580.

Climbing out of Hamilton past Lake Arapuni on the way to Chatham Island.

Approaching Lake Taupo, the largest lake in New Zealand, which lies in the caldera of the Taupo volcano.

The first view of the Chatham Islands about 80nm away from the airport.

In the descent the weather deteriorates slightly so we request the GPS approach to runway 05.

Very overcast as we start the GPS procedure.

Parked at Chatham Island airport in the drizzle.

A close-up of the Beech as we get ready to refuel and head off on the next leg!

NZHN - NZCI stats

Take off time:  0826

Landing time:   1021

Flight time:       01:55

Fuel used:        815kgs / 1793lbs

Norfolk Island to Hamilton

DAY 23, LEG 99 - Norfolk Island to Hamilton

Our last leg of the day takes us to Hamilton, New Zealand, home of Eagle Airways maintenance who will overhaul the aircraft overnight and remove the ferry tank which was fitted in Santiago to allow us to cross the Pacific.  Before setting off, we make sure the ferry tank is empty so we do not lose any fuel when the engineers take it out!

Parked at Norfolk Island preparing for departure.  It appears someone has hung the Australian and New Zealand flags the wrong way round on the terminal building!

Taking off from runway 11 at Norfolk Island and setting course.

The sunset is having a dramatic effect on the clouds below.

Approaching the city of Auckland and preparing for descent.

A little high on final to runway 36 at Hamilton but the aircraft is configured for landing and the speed is coming back so it should present no problems for the Beech.

Parked in front of the hangar at Hamilton.

YSNF - NZHN stats

Take off time:   1844

Landing time:    2108

Flight time:        02:24

Fuel used:         1030kgs / 2266lbs

Sydney to Norfolk Island

DAY 23, LEG 98 - Sydney to Norfolk Island

As we continue on towards Hamilton, New Zealand, we get the opportunity to sightsee around the world famous Sydney Harbour on our way out to Norfolk Island, about halfway along our journey to Hamilton.  Sydney approach has cleared us along the Parramatta River at 2,200ft which should provide some spectacular views of the city.

Our destination of Norfolk Island is around four hours flying time to the east of Sydney and we expect it to be dark when we land.  We should be able to continue to Hamilton today leaving the aircraft with the engineers to work on removing the ferry tanks overnight before continuing with our journey.  The island used to boast its own airline, Norfolk Air, which operated one 737-300 but ceased operations in 2011, when Air New Zealand took over the running of flights through the airport.

The weather for departure is fine and warm with a temperature of 29 degrees centigrade, but the wind is beginning to pick up and the take off will be in a crosswind of 21 knots!  The weather at Bankstown for the final landing of my last world tour was very similar so it would seem I have been rather unlucky with the wind at this airport during my visits.

Taking off in a strong crosswind.

Approaching Sydney harbour.

A good view of the city centre, the Sydney Harbour Bridge, and the Sydney Opera House.

Passing overhead Sydney Harbour Bridge.

Downtown Sydney.

Leaving Sydney behind and climbing up to our cruising level for the oceanic crossing.

Passing overhead Lord Howe Island, approximately halfway to Norfolk Island.

Dusk settles as we descend into Norfolk Island.

Final approach.

Parked at Norfolk Island.

YSBK - YSNF stats

Take off time:   1405

Landing time:    1826

Flight time:        03:21 (+1 hour time difference)

Fuel used:          1391kgs / 3060lbs

Cairns to Sydney

DAY 23, LEG 97 - Cairns to Sydney

Our eventual goal for day 23 is to deliver the aircraft all the way to Hamilton, New Zealand, where the engineers at Eagle Airways will remove the ferry tanks we had fitted in South America and perform an in-depth maintenance check.  Therefore there isn't much time to enjoy the rainforests of northeastern Queensland and we press on to Sydney.

This leg is an important one as far as the tour is concerned as it will take us to Bankstown Airport in Sydney.  This airport is a busy GA airfield and was the start point for the previous world tour so it has been a planned destination for this tour from the beginning.

Ready for departure at Cairns. 

Take off from runway 15 at Cairns.

Climbing out over the Trinity Inlet.

Dunk Island, part of the Family Islands National Park.

Townsville Airport and city.

Stretching our legs in the cabin while we cruise over Queensland.

Looking east over the vast plain.

Lake Maraboon, near Emerald, Queensland.

Starting our descent into Sydney.

Suburban Sydney.

On final approach to Bankstown.

Final approach to runway 11C at Bankstown.

YBCS - YSBK stats

Take off time:  0852

Landing time:   1344

Flight time:       03:52 (+1 hour time difference)

Fuel used:        1636kgs / 3599lbs