air safaris franz

Air Safaris

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Air Safaris - All You Need to Know BEFORE You Go (2024)

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AIR SAFARIS (Franz Josef) - All You Need to Know BEFORE You Go

Air Safaris

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Air Safaris - All You Need to Know BEFORE You Go (2024)

Air Safaris

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AIR SAFARIS: All You Need to Know BEFORE You Go (with Photos)

Air Safaris

6 Rankers Reviews

3 Face-to-Face

10 Scenic Flights

4 Franz Josef Glacier

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Office in Franz Josef

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New Zealand's premier, must do flight of a lifetime!

To appreciate the beauty and scale of the Mount Cook National Park, there is nothing better than seeing it from the air. Air Safaris have been flying aircraft in and around the Mount Cook and Westland National Parks since 1970. Over that period, Air Safaris has grown from a single aircraft operation to operating New Zealand’s largest privately owned fleet of modern flight-seeing aircraft. 40 years later, Air Safaris continues to offer the respected ‘Grand Traverse’ flight from both Lake Tekapo and Franz Josef bases. The Grand Traverse is a magnificent flight encompassing 200 km of New Zealand’s most memorable and spectacular scenery. With approximately 50 minutes flying time, The Grand Traverse reveals golden tussock lands, turquoise glacier lakes amongst New Zealand’s highest mountains and largest glaciers. Every passenger has a window seat, and all aircraft have ‘wings above’ to ensure optimum viewing below.

Throughout the year, view for yourself the dazzling scenery of fresh snow on the Southern Alps, in glacial valleys and a more visible ice-carved landscape. Pilots provide an informative in-flight commentary and are dedicated to providing an excellent passenger experience every time. The company takes great pride in the quality of the operation and the experience it provides.

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• Mount Cook/Fox/Franz Joseph/Tasman Valley.
• It was a perfect adventure !
• Just do it!
• A great experience.

It was a perfect adventure ! We had luck, came there and an hour later we could fly !! Beautiful views !Great !

Reviewed almost 6 years ago

Silke Boysen

Just do it! 50 minute flight, memories of a lifetime. We had a four month old baby with us - no trouble at all.

Reviewed about 8 years ago

Robin WUERFEL

A great experience. Friendly, informative and helpful staff. Relatively expensive but a very worthwhile activity.

Reviewed about 12 years ago and experienced in November 2011

Les and Carole Savins

This is one of the best scenic flights we have done anywhere in the world. We really cant say enough about the views. Well worth the money!

Reviewed almost 13 years ago and experienced in March 2011

Mount Cook/Fox/Franz Joseph/Tasman Valley. Departure Lake Tekapo. Very beautiful, good service, not so expensive, $295/adult, (1 hour).

Nathalie Verzeletti

Unforgettable experience and relatively good value for money.

Reviewed almost 11 years ago and experienced in February 2013

Kevin Tranter

Air Safaris

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Air Safaris - All You Need to Know BEFORE You Go (2024) - Tripadvisor

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• Scenic Flight Grand Traverse

Scenic Flight - The Grand Traverse Franz Josef

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Grand Traverse Scenic Flight from Franz Josef

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• 50 minute scenic flight from Franz Josef
• Franz Josef's only scenic plane flight
• Flightseeing over 200kms of scenery
• Guaranteed window seat!

Description

Experience the beauty of Franz Josef Glacier from a bird's eye view on the 50 minute Grand Traverse Scenic Flight with Air Safaris. This once-in-a-lifetime adventure takes you on a journey over the stunning Southern Alps, showcasing the rugged terrain and majestic glaciers that make Franz Josef a must-visit destination.

Flightseeing with Air Safaris is the perfect way to view Franz Josef's dramatic landscapes. The Grand Traverse Scenic Flight takes you on a 50-minute journey above 200kms of scenery, gliding over Franz & Fox Glaciers, Mount Cook National Park, Westland National Park and the Southern Alps. You'll have plenty of opportunities along the way to snap photos of snow-capped peaks, deep valleys and pristine alpine lakes, all while enjoying commentary from your experienced pilot.

The highlight of the Grand Traverse Scenic Flight is undoubtedly flying over the famous Franz Josef Glacier, one of the most accessible glaciers in the world. Marvel at the sheer size and beauty of this natural wonder as you fly over its crevasses, icefalls, and seracs. It's an experience you'll never forget.

Air Safaris' Grand Traverse Scenic Flight is suitable for all ages and fitness levels, making it the perfect activity for families, couples, and solo travelers alike. With comfortable seating and guaranteed windows seats, you can experience the beauty of New Zealand's South Island like never before.

Trip Includes

• 50 minute scenic flight
• Window seat guaranteed
• Informative pilot commentary
• Allow 1 hour (50 minutes flight time)
• 10:00am, 12:00pm, 2:00pm & 4:00pm
• Departs from the Air Safaris office in Franz Josef village 
• Operates daily all year

Other Information

• Child rates apply (3-13yrs)
• Infants 0-2yrs travel free of charge
• Very young infants will sit on an adults lap with a separate lap restraint provided by your pilot
• Aircrafts vary in capacity from 7 to 15 passengers
• We recommend that you fly on your first available date in Franz Josef to allow some flexibility for weather conditions
• If your flight is cancelled or postponed due to weather, you can either reschedule or receive a full refund

Normal Retail Prices

• Adult: NZD$470.00
• Child (3-13yrs): NZD$375.00

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All prices shown in NZD$.

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93% of new customers that used Everything New Zealand to provide advice and securely book their NZ activities have let us know they've had a good or excellent experience with us. Thank you .

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Air Safaris

Activities - West Coast New Zealand

Explore New Zealand’s highest mountains, largest glaciers and much more on the magnificent ‘Grand Traverse’ scenic 'flight of a lifetime'!

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Air Safaris Grand Traverse

To appreciate the beauty and scale of the Mackenzie region, there is nothing better than seeing it from the air. Air Safaris have been flying aircraft in and around the Mount Cook and Westland National Parks since 1970. Over that period, Air Safaris has grown from a single aircraft operation to operating New Zealand’s largest privately owned fleet of modern flight-seeing aircraft. 40 years later, Air Safaris continues to offer the respected ‘Grand Traverse’ flight from both Lake Tekapo and Franz Josef bases. The Grand Traverse is a magnificent flight encompassing 200 km of New Zealand’s most memorable and spectacular scenery. With approximately 50 minutes flying time, The Grand Traverse reveals golden tussock lands, turquoise glacier lakes amongst New Zealand’s highest mountains and largest glaciers. Every passenger has a window seat, and all aircraft have ‘wings above’ to ensure optimum viewing below. View for yourself the dazzling scenery of fresh snow on the Southern Alps, in glacial valleys and a more visible ice-carved landscape. Pilots provide an informative in-flight commentary, dedicated to providing an excellent passenger experience every time. The company takes great pride in the quality of the operation and the experience it provides.

• Ex Lake Tekapo or Franz
• $395 per adult
• $295 per child (3-13 years)

Keyword Tags

Franz Josef , West Coast , grand traverse , southern alps , mountains , glaciers , glentanner park , lake pukaki , sightseeing , air tours , visitor attractions , excursions , aoraki , mackenzie , tourist , milford sound , queenstown , air charters , charter flights , south island , flying , glacier flights , west coast , aviation , airlines , flight-seeing , fixed wing , aircraft , planes , Lake Tekapo , Fox Glacier

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French Duo Air Announces Moon Safari Tour 2024: How To Buy Tickets

P opular French electronic duo Air is bringing their enthralling Moon Safari Tour to the United States and Canada this fall. They’ll be starting their tour in Vancouver, British Columbia at the Queen Elizabeth Theatre in September before wrapping up their Moon Safari Tour at the Moody Amphitheatre in Austin, Texas later in October.

If you think you’ve heard of Moon Safari from Air before, you’d be right. The pair are performing songs from their debut studio album that shares the same name as the tour and fans can’t wait to hear hits like “Sexy Boy” and “Kelly Watch the Stars” all over again.

If you want to see Air live on their latest tour, tickets are available now through StubHub where orders are 100% guaranteed through StubHub’s FanProtect program. StubHub is a secondary market ticketing platform, and prices may be higher or lower than face value, depending on demand.

Air is currently on the European leg of the Moon Safari Tour, playing in countries like Ireland, Poland, Luxemburg, and more. It’s been a while since the duo has gone on tour and it’s long overdue. They’re one of the freshest performers in space pop and always deliver powerful performances.

Air has great merchandise on sale that has been rolled out with their tour as well. On April 20th, fans can get their hands on an exclusive “Kelly Watch the Stars” limited edition picture disc with two songs on either side.

If you’re interested in seeing Air perform their hit 1998 album in the United States and Canada, act soon. Their European dates have sold quickly and the North American shows are sure to do the same. You can get official tickets for Air directly through StubHub or by clicking here .

Air Moon Safari Tour 2024 North American Dates

09/25 – Vancouver, British Columbia, Canada – Queen Elizabeth Theatre 

09/27 – Seattle, Washington – Benaroya Hall 

09/29 – Los Angeles, California – Orpheum 

09/30 – Los Angeles, California – Orpheum 

10/02 – San Francisco, California – The Masonic 

10/04 – Denver, Colorado – Bellco Theater 

10/06 – Minneapolis, Minneapolis – State Theatre 

10/08 – Chicago, Illinois – Auditorium Theatre 

10/10 – Detroit, Michigan – Fox Theatre 

10/12 – Toronto, Ontario, Canada – Massey Hall 

10/13 – Montreal, Quebec, Canada – Place Bell 

10/15 – Boston, Massachusetts – MGM Music Hall at Fenway 

10/17 – Philadelphia, Pennsylvania – The Met 

10/18 – Washington DC – The Anthem 

10/21 – New York, New York – Beacon Theatre 

10/24 – Atlanta, Georgia – Tabernacle 

10/26 – Miami Beach, Florida – Fillmore Miami Beach 

10/29 – Dallas, Texas – Music Hall at Fair Park 

10/30 – Austin, Texas – Moody Amphitheatre 

When do tickets for the Air Moon Safari Tour North American Leg go on sale?

Tickets for all of Air’s North American Moon Safari concerts are on sale now.

Where can I purchase official tickets to the Air Moon Safari Tour?

You can buy official tickets to see Air on their latest tour directly through StubHub .

Are there any presale codes or early access opportunities for the Air Moon Safari Tour?

No, there aren’t any presale codes or early access opportunities for the Air Moon Safari Tour as all tickets are already on sale.

How much do Air Moon Safari tickets cost? Are there different pricing tiers?

Tickets come in different pricing tiers depending on how close you sit to the stage, what concert venue you choose to attend, and what comes with the price of a ticket. Check StubHub for specifics on pricing no matter where you choose to attend.

Is there a limit to how many tickets I can buy?

Yes, StubHub currently has a limit of 8 tickets per transaction. If you want to buy more tickets than that, you may be able to do so in a separate transaction. 

What’s the difference between VIP tickets and regular tickets?

VIP tickets usually come with a wide range of added benefits, sometimes including an exclusive entrance into the stadium/arena, a line-free merchandise shopping experience, free food or drinks, and front-row seating. 

Regular tickets usually just cover the cost of admission and guarantee your seat.

Are there any meet-and-greet or backstage pass opportunities for the Air Moon Safari North American Tour?

It doesn’t look like Air is offering any meet-and-greet or backstage pass opportunities for their latest run of shows. Check with your local venue for confirmation.

What are the Air Moon Safari Tour dates and locations?

While we’ve listed all of Air’s latest shows for their 2024 North American tour run, they may add another leg to their tour later in the year. Check back later if you don’t currently see a tour date near you.

Is there an age restriction for the Air Moon Safari North American Tour?

There shouldn’t be any age restrictions or requirements for the Air Moon Safari Tour but check with your local concert venue through StubHub for confirmation. 

Can I get a refund or exchange my ticket if I can’t attend?

Ticket refunds and exchanges are subject to the venue’s policy. Please contact the venue directly for more information.

Can I bring a camera or recording device to any Air Moon Safari concert dates?

You can bring personal recording equipment like the camera on your phone but you won’t be allowed to bring professional camera equipment or a camera bag.

Will merchandise be available for purchase at the concert?

Yes, Air Moon Safari merchandise should be available for purchase at the concert venue. 

Are there opening acts or special guests for the Air Moon Safari North American Tour?

Air hasn’t yet announced who will be their opening act for their North American tour, if they choose to bring one. Check back later for more information.

What happens if the concert is postponed or canceled?

If the concert is postponed, your tickets will be valid for the new date. If the concert is canceled, you will be eligible for a refund. Please note that this information is subject to change.

How can I avoid scams or counterfeit tickets?

You can avoid scams and counterfeit tickets by purchasing official tickets through StubHub, or by clicking here . 

When you purchase through links on our site, we may earn an affiliate commission.

The post French Duo Air Announces Moon Safari Tour 2024: How To Buy Tickets appeared first on American Songwriter .

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Russian IADS Redux Part-7: The Effectors

In the next part of our series on Russia’s strategic integrated air defence system, we look at the kinetic ground-based air defence systems it deploys.

In part-6 of our series on Russia’s strategic Integrated Air Defence System (IADS) we examined the command and control architecture it depends upon. The IADS’ role is ultimately to provide a response to air threats approaching or entering Russian airspace. In Russian air defence doctrine this response is provided using kinetic and/or electronic effects.

The kinetic side of the IADS depends on the Russian Aerospace Force’s (RASF’s) fighters and Surface-to-Air Missile (SAM) systems. Sources have shared with Armada that both the fighter and SAM force would be deployed in wartime to protect key Russian strategic targets. Typically, these could include politico-military targets like the Kremlin, the seat of the Russian government in Moscow. Other potential strategic targets include hardened facilities believed to be earmarked for use by the Russian leadership in wartime. One of these facilities is thought to be located at Mount Yamantau, southwest Russia. A back-up facility may exist at Mount Kosvinsky Kaman, western Russia. Russia’s industrial city of Elektrostal, on the eastern outskirts of Moscow, was one of the first locations where the RASF deployed its S-400 (NATO reporting name SA-21 Growler) high-altitude, long-range SAM systems in 2010.

The SAM Systems

Moscow itself is ring-fenced by the RASF’s 53T6 (ABM-3 Gazelle) anti-ballistic missile system. The 53T6 employs SAMs equipped with a ten kiloton (one kiloton is equal to 1,000 tonnes of conventional explosive) nuclear warhead. These missiles would detonate at altitude in proximity to incoming salvos of ballistic missile warheads or formations of hostile aircraft. The logic is that this ‘shotgun’ approach will vaporise, or at least badly damage, these targets.

The S-400 is the mainstay of the RASF SAM force. A typical S-400 battalion includes two batteries. A battery comprises between eight and twelve individual launch vehicles, each equipped with four missile tubes. Thus, an S-400 regiment could have between 56 and 84 individual missiles ready to launch if fully loaded.  Each battery has a command post, a 91N6 (Big Bird) S-band (2.3 gigahertz/GHz to 2.5GHz/2.7GHz to 3.7GHz) 324 nautical mile/nm (600 kilometre/km) range surveillance and tracking radar. The 91N6 is joined by a 96L6E (Cheese Board) C-band (5.25GHz to 5.925GHz) early warning and target acquisition radar. This radar has a range of up to 162nm (300km). A plethora of SAMs can be launched by the S-400 with an array of engagement ranges from 21.6nm (40km) using the active radar homing 9M96E missile. Engagement ranges can reach up to 216nm (400km) using the 40N6E missile which has a reported engagement altitude of 98,425 feet/ft (30,000 metres/m).

Legacy systems used by the RASF include the S-300PS (SA-10B Grumble-B) and S-300PM (SA-10D/E Grumble) which have subtle differences. An S-300PS battery has three Maz-543 launch vehicles each with four launch tubes. The battery is also equipped with a single 5N63S (Flap Lid-B) X-band (8.5GHz to 10.68GHz) fire control radar. An S-300PM battery has a single 36N6E (Flap Lid) X-band/Ku-band (13.4GHz to 14GHz/15.7GHz to 17.7GHz) fire control radar with a 162nm (300km) range. Joining the 36N6E is a 76N6 (Clam Shell) X-band (8.5GHz to 10.68GHz) search and track radar with a 70nm (120km) range. The rest of the battery is comprised of up to eight Kraz-260 launch vehicles each with four tubes. Both the S-300PS/PM are thought to deploy 48N6/E SAMs which have a reported 81nm (150km) range. The S-300PS/PM’s 5V55R missile has an engagement range of up to 48.6nm (90km).

Sources have shared with Armada that RASF SAM batteries are not routinely deployed but may deploy from time-to-time to support exercises or training. The batteries would only be deployed in anger to protect key strategic targets like those discussed above. The sources continued that the task of the SAM units is to provide a protective ‘bubble’ above these targets. Air defence coverage up to 54 nautical miles/nm (100 kilometres/km) altitude and a range radius of 189nm (350km) around the target would be provided. The SAM units would work to attrit any incoming air attack as much as possible. Russian air defence doctrine focuses on safeguarding as many strategic targets as possible in anticipation of an eventual counterattack.

One crucial part of the RASF’s SAM force is its 96K6 Pantsir-S1 (SA-22 Greyhound) combined medium-range SAM and anti-aircraft artillery systems. 96K6 units would deploy with S-300 and S-400 batteries. Their role would be to destroy air-launched weapons like anti-radiation missiles or attack helicopters engaging the batteries Armada’s sources added.

Over the longer term, the RASF is looking to introduce new SAM systems to enhance the strategic IADS in the form of the S-350E and S-500 Prometey long-range, high-altitude SAM systems. The S-350E is mooted as a replacement for the RASF’s S-300PS/PM batteries. Open sources state that a S-350E battery has one 50N6A X-band ground-based air surveillance radar with a range of 215nm (400km). The 50N6A is joined by a single 50K6A mobile command post and up to eight 50P6 launch vehicles. Each launch vehicle can fire 9M96/E or 9M100 SAMs with engagement ranges and altitudes of up to 65nm (120km) and 98,000ft (30,000m) respectively. It was reported in January 2020 that the first S-350E battery had entered service, although a developmental system may have been deployed to support Russia’s military presence in Syria. The VKS could receive twelve S-350E batteries by 2027.

The S-500 is mooted to have a longer engagement range than the S-350E. The S-500 ensemble includes a 91N6A(M) air surveillance and battle management radar. This radar is an enhanced version of the 91N6A radar accompanying the S-400. The S-500’s 96L6TSP target acquisition radar is an enhanced variant of the S-400’s 96L6E. These two systems are accompanied by the 76T6 multimode fire control radar, itself thought to be a derivative of the 92N6. Also forming part of the S-500 ensemble is the 77T6 anti-ballistic missile engagement radar the capabilities of which remain largely unknown in the public domain.

Open sources say that missiles equipping the S-500 could hit targets at ranges of up to 270nm (500km). Russian sources have claimed that the S-500 could engage targets at up to 656,168ft (200,000m) altitude. Russian media, seldom the most reliable source, claim that the first S-500 regiment went on combat duty in October 2021.

The long-term prognosis for the S-500 and S-350E systems remains uncertain. As documented by the Royal United Services Institute, a London-based thinktank, the Russian defence industry is dependent on clandestinely-sourced Western microelectronics for sophisticated weapons systems. Will Western efforts to clamp down on Russia’s access to such technology have an impact on the fortunes of the S-350E and S-500?

Stay tuned for more analysis on Russia’s strategic air defence capabilities in the next instalment of our Russian IADS Redux series.

by Dr. Thomas Withington

Read our other Russian IADS Redux   articles:

• Russian IADS Redux Part-1: Resonating with Resonance
• Russian IADS Redux Part-2: Hilltop View
• Russian IADS Redux Part-3: Strategic Skywatchers
• Russian IADS Redux Part-4: Missing Link
• Russian IADS Redux Part-5: Reset Password?
• Russian IADS Redux Part-6: Fundament-alists

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Luftwaffe Air Raids on Moscow (July 1941)

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Rusmania • Deep into Russia

Dorogomilovo District

Battle of borodino museum-panorama.

The Battle of Borodino Museum-Panorama was opened in 1962 to mark the 150th anniversary of the most significant battle during Russia's war against Napoleon.  However the diorama itself was created by Russian panoramic painter Franz Roubaud in 1912 on the 100th anniversary of battle.  In addition to the wonderful panorama the museum also details the course of the war with Napoleon and the personalities involved.  There is free admission to the museum on the third Sunday of the month.

Field Marshal Mikhail Kutuzov Monument

Standing in front of the museum-panorama is a statue of Field Marshal Mikhail Kutuzov who was made commander-in-chief of the Russian army to meet the threat Napoleon posed to the country.  The statue was unveiled in 1973 and depicts Kutuzov on horseback while the pedestal is decorated with statues of 26 other participants of the war against Napoleon including generals Bagration, Yermolov, Platov and Raevsky.

Kutuzov's Izba

Just behind the museum-panorama is a recreation of the izba (small wooden house) where Field Marshal Mikhail Kutuzov held a council with his generals to discuss how to react to Napoleon's march on Moscow.  At this time, the izba was located in the village of Fili which had not yet been incorporated into Moscow.  It was eventually decided to spare the Russian army and abandon Moscow without a fight. The original izba burned down in 1868 but was reconstructed in 1887 according to sketches by the artist Aleksey Savrasov.  Today it is a museum which is run as a branch of the Battle of Borodino Museum-Panorama.  Next to the izba is the pretty Archangel Michael's Chapel which dates from 1912.

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