Past Projects

Since 1990, we have completed many restorations of various aircraft utility types, including:

Piper Super Cubs
Cessna 180
Cessna 185
Cessna 206
A total of eight De Havilland DHC2 Beavers.

Here you will find more information about some of these restorations.

ZK-BRY

This super Cub was originally imported to New Zealand for use as an agriculture sprayer. It was further used in the venison recovery industry during the 70’s and 80’s, and eventually as a worn out glider tug.

Wrightair NZ then stripped the complete airframe for inspection and repair as required and it was then recovered in modern ‘Ceconite’ coverings. Modifications including the addition of Cleveland brakes, all new glass, a complete new leather interior with new instruments and radios were installed.

The aircraft is now owned by an Auckland businessman, who has continued to enjoy the aircraft over the last 10 years.

ZK-BSP

This Cessna 180 had languished in a private owner’s barn for some time and following purchase was relocated by a special ferry permit to Wrightair’s workshop shop for complete restoration.

Upon completion this Cessna 180 was sold a syndicate of Air New Zealand pilots for their personal use. They have averaged over 120 flight hours annually, and it is probably the most active privately owned 180 in New Zealand.

ZK-JGO

This popular Cessna 6 place utility aircraft had previously been used as a skydive platform for a number of years before being purchased by Wrightair NZ as a restoration project.

This aircraft was also in need of major airframe overhaul and included the TSIO-520 turbocharged engine had long since passed its TBO of 1700 hours.

Following a complete and major overhaul, the aircraft was once again returned to the skydiving role based in the Southern Alps at Queenstown, which is now recognised as the ‘adventure tourism capital’ of New Zealand.

ZK-FRW

This 1963 Cessna 185B has had an interesting career, firstly operating as a floatplane in Canada, then in Zimbabwe and Australia before being finally imported to New Zealand for overhaul and restoration.

Following its total restoration it was then used by Wrightair NZ as our own personal aircraft before being sold to a South Island owner.

The Cessna 180 and 185 aircraft are very popular here in NZ, with their superior capability of allowing access into remote and isolated wilderness locations and the excellent hunting and fishing adventures that New Zealand provides.

DHC-2 Beavers

Wrightair New Zealand have now completed seven previous De Havilland Beaver projects with all of them having been exported to discerning owner/operators around the world including:

‘Glacier Air’ at Fort St James, BC, Canada
‘Viking Air’ in Victoria, BC, Canada
‘Andrews Airways’ in Kodiak, Alaska
‘Seawing Airways’ in Sydney, Australia