Piper Pacer
VH-IDK
The Bandicoot Piper Pacer is a “classic” aircraft and is now 55 years old. Its high wing design, rugged front suspension and overall strength make it an excellent utility and family get around plane. We have found it great for landing paddocks, beaches and rough locations. It seats 4 people, has a baggage locker, travels at 110 Knots and only needs refueling every 3.5 hours.
The "Super Pacer"
Flying in New Zealand’s south island, the Piper Pacer was exceptional when landing on the tops of plateaus, traversing ridges, exploring valleys and on remote rocky rivers where usually only helicopters are seen. The Piper Pacer is such a great platform for bush flying. “Sounds Aero” in New Zealand produce a “Super Pacer” with appropriate modifications for flights into the roughest and most remote locations.
Flying in New Zealand is a great experience that I recommend. Before you fly in NZ, Australian pilots need an appropriate NZ license as per the Trans Tasman Mutual Recognition Act. Training and paperwork for this can be obtained through Kerry Conner from Wakatipu Aero Club. Kerry is a very experienced and diverse commercial pilot, who also loves to fly World War 1 aircraft. Kerry flies these aircraft at air shows such as War Birds over Wanaka.
The Pacer is excellent for completion streamer cutting (check out the Bandicoot YouTube), seen during the The Royal Federation of Aero Clubs Australia competition at Latrobe Valley. A toilet roll is thrown out the window which forms a streamer. The aim is to cut it as many times as possible as it falls to the ground. The Pacer can perform tight turns at slow speed, which are good attributes for streamer cutting.
One of the most immaculate examples of a Piper Pacer located in Australia is owned by friend Bob Tait. Bob is well known in Australia and around the world for his aviation theory books and on site school at Redcliff.
