CrestClean Amphibious Microlight takes flight over Lake Rotoiti
The CrestClean sponsored Amphibious Microlight has spent the last three months clocking up air miles throughout the North Island.
Pilot Derek Holmes has enjoyed seeing Auckland, the Coromandel, Bay of Plenty and Taupo from the air as well as meeting people who are interested in the unique aircraft.
“I love it,” he says. “It’s great interacting with people. It’s awesome that people are so interested in the aircraft. I always field questions from people and I really enjoy sharing my passion with them. The aircraft turns a lot of heads. It’s so unique and people like that about it.”
The Microlight, which is the only one in New Zealand, displays the countries two flag options on either side of the aircraft’s wing – the current New Zealand flag and the contender flag.
“It is a historic time for New Zealand and it is important to recognise that,” he says. “Canada went through it almost 50 years ago. It will give people a visual of both flags and it will create a talking point.”
Mr Holmes purchased the aircraft in Florida two-years-ago, drove it across to California then shipped it to New Zealand.
“It is the only Amphibious Microlight of its type in the US that’s gone through its full certification process as a light sport aircraft,” he says. “It can take off on water, grass runways and at airports. The amphibious nature of the aircraft is unique. It has a four stroke motor and can travel at a speed of 80km/h.”
This weekend, weather permitting, Derek will be flying around Taupo. Introductory flights are available this weekend for those who would like to learn how to fly the unique aircraft.
“It is great to be able to share the thrill you get when you are flying an aircraft with other people,” he says.
For more information call Derek on 020 407 61432.
