Gyrate New Zealand Limited

Well, after a break in Europe where I checked out the open day at the German AutoGyro Factory, visited the Arrowcopter assembly line and flew the Spanish Phenix it was a full speed return to service in NZ.
The Malaysian Airways flight came in on time at Auckland,  23.00 hrs Thursday the 6th October, to await a flight to Tauranga, Sue and I checked into the car park where the brand new Novotel now stands.  Wow was this touch of civilisation welcome after 26hours on the move from Heathrow. On Saturday the 8th I was being flown to Opotiki by Brian Murphy in his ELA07, a real nice experience now that he has fitted a pilot seat from an Eagle which protects the passenger from the elements very well.  Bruce Watson flew me back in his Eagle and it was great to see these two guys established in their own machines again.
On Wednesday the 12th jet lag was fading but the rain was increasing, I sneaked between showers to get 30 minutes of stick time in the brand new Calidus Fern MZM. This was crucial to me as having not flown for over 2 months I needed to refresh myself before heading to Te Kowhai to display the machine on the Thursday. Flair was an event sponsored by NZ Trade and Industry to promote Kiwi aircraft and innovation, they agreed to let me have a stand in return for a demo flight on the basis that we are a unique facility in NZ and do much to promote grass roots aviation.  On that Thursday with rain clouds heavy overhead and mud heavy on the gum boots they were very pleased to see the Calidus sneak in through the Waihi gap and across the Waikato plain. Three days and five display slots later I was pleased to make it back to Tauranga dodging through heavy showers in time to watch the rugby WC semi-final.  Sorry Wales I was wearing red and my sunburnt head was glowing your colour!!