Hawker Sea Fury Confirmed For Airshow

28 February 2002: A Hawker Sea Fury will soon be roaring across the Tasman, en route to Wanaka for a special appearance at this year's Warbirds over Wanaka airshow.
 
Warbirds Over Wanaka General Manager, Gavin Johnston, said most visiting warbirds were shipped to New Zealand but the Sea Fury was a little different. "It flies at over 400 miles per hour so it won't take long to get here."
 
The Hawker 'Baghdad' Sea Fury is a heavy-weight in the world of warbirds. Powered by an 18 cylinder piston engine, it has considerably more horse power than even the famous Spitfire.
 
Weighing over five and half tonnes, the aircraft had much success in action due to its surprisingly high accuracy and superior power. Furys did not see action until after WWII, operating off aircraft carriers in the Korean War among other missions.
 
Hydraulic assisted controls help the pilot manage the bulk and power of the Fury, which was essentially the last piston engine fighter to be made before the jet era.
 
Former Australian aerobatic champion Nigel Arnot will fly the aircraft from Brisbane to New Zealand via Lord Howe Norfolk Island. Arnot will also perform the display at Wanaka.
 
Mr Johnston said the Fury last appeared in Wanaka in 1994 where it proved to be a real crowd favourite.
 
The plane was built in 1952 as part of an Iraqi order, which earned it the addition of 'Baghdad' to its name.
 
It will be the third Hawker aircraft at the show. Also thrilling crowds with their magic in the sky will be the pre-war Hawker Hurricane and the post-war Hawker Hunter jet.
 
Well travelled guests to attend airshow

15 January 2002: Some of the most travelled guests at Warbirds Over Wanaka International Airshow 2002 to be held at Wanaka this Easter have attended several of the worlds most prestigious events over the last two years.
 
Born in Lyons, France they visited the 2000 Sydney Olympics, saw Michael Schumacher win the Malaysian Grand Prix, and watched Tiger at his best from the 18th hole in Paraparaumu. Their next two major events (after the airshow) are the national Kapa Haka finals at Bastion Point, and then the Americas Cup early in 2004.
 
Our guests provide much needed support when required and get right in behind every event they attend, Warbirds Over Wanaka General Manager, Gavin Johnston said today. He then announced that patrons purchasing passes into the exclusive Gold Pass area will be well seated after obtaining new grandstand seating from United Scaffolding in Dunedin.
 
The specially designed seats use clip-set construction and allow more seats per square metre of floor space than any other system. Johnston said "Our premium Gold Pass area is very popular and we pride ourselves in providing the best services possible of any event in the world. There are still seats available but we do urge visitors to book early to avoid disappointment". Gold Pass holders also have access to their own exclusive restaurant, closed circuit television broadcast of the airshow and private toilets. The area is situated right on the flight-line adjacent to the taxiway - the best seat in the house.
 
United Scaffolding will ship the stand to Wanaka immediately after the completion of the New Zealand Open.
 
Exciting new aircraft planned to debut at Warbirds Over Wanaka 2002

5 January 2002: Warbirds Over Wanaka have announced the debut of some exciting new warbirds to appear at the Warbirds Over Wanaka International Airshow to be held at Wanaka 29-31 March 2002. General Manager Gavin Johnston said "we are pleased to announce that a number of new aircraft will make their Warbirds Over Wanaka debut this Easter. They include a Lavochkin La-9, 2 Curtiss P-40 Kittyhawks, a Lockheed 12 and Hawker Hunter. The Grumman Wildcat especially imported from the USA for the show will also be a major attraction. "All the crowd favourites like the Spitfire, Hurricane, Mustangs and Polikarpov's will also be in attendance" he noted.
 
Auckland based warbirds restoration company, Pioneer Avspecs, are working on three of the aircraft scheduled to appear. The two Curtiss P-40's are being rebuilt for American owners and will appear at Warbirds Over Wanaka before being shipped to their new homes in America. The type is very important to New Zealanders, the Royal New Zealand Air Force operated over 250 examples in the Pacific during World War II and were responsible for shooting down 99 Japanese aircraft.
 
The Lavochkin LA-9 is being rebuilt for Ray Hanna, owner of the Old Flying Machine Company based at Duxford in England. Built by Russian designer Syemon Lavochkin in 1945, the Lavochkin La-9 took its first flight on June 26 1946. Its 1850hp Shvetsov radial piston engine can reach over 400mph at top speed. Pilots rear-view was constricted by a deep aft end fuselage so the closely similar, and more famous, long range escort La-11 was produced as an alternative The North Korean Air Force, at the outbreak of the Korean War in mid 1950, bought numerous La-9s and over 1630 single-seater La-9s were produced, the majority of them finding service in the air war over Korea.
 
The Lockheed 12 Electra Junior, owned by American pilot Pat Donovan, arrived in New Zealand last year. First flown in June 1936, it was designed as a feeder-line aircraft with capacity for six passengers. A total of 130 were built and the type also saw service with the US Army Air Corps and US Navy. One of the most unusual applications of the Lockheed 12A was by Australian Sidney Cotton who, under the cover of his position as an executive of the Dufaycolour Company, used his specially modified camera carrying version to take clandestine reconnaissance photographs of German military installations in the three months leading up to the beginning of World War II.
 
This particular example was delivered to the Conoco Oil Company in Las Vegas in 1938. After WWII she was sold to a property developer and slowly deteriorated until ending her days dropping skydivers in 1978. She had been out of service for ten years when her current owner found her in the back of a hangar in San Marcos, Texas. Immaculately restored, the aircraft is now named Ilsa in honour of the actress Ingrid Bergman who starred alongside the famed Humphrey Bogart in the classic film 'Casablanca' which featured a Lockheed 12A.
 
The Hawker Hunter jet fighter was the United Kingdom's most successful post war military aircraft, and a total of 1,972 were built, including 445 manufactured under licence in Belgium and the Netherlands. First flown in July 1951 the Hunter was not only an extremely capable warplane, but an absolute delight to fly. It served with 19 air arms and has only recently been retired from service. Powered by a 10,150lb thrust Rolls Royce Avon turbojet the Hunter is capable of speeds up to 700mph (1127 km/h) at sea level. Gavin Johnston also said "the Warbirds Over Wanaka committee are very excited about these new aircraft scheduled to appear and we are sure they will appeal to the record crowds expected to attend. The premium Gold Pass seats are selling quite quickly and we do urge visitors to book early to avoid disappointment".
 
Warbirds Over Wanaka will be held 29-31st March 2002 at Wanaka Airport.
 
Aircraft confirmed to fly at Warbirds Over Wanaka 2002

5 January 2002: The following aircraft have been confirmed for Warbirds Over Wanaka 2002.
 
North American Harvard Team (5 x Havards)
Polikarpov I-16 (3)
Polikarpov I-153 (2)
Yak 52 Team (4)
Lavochkin La 9
Hawker Hurricane
Supermarine Spitfire
North American P 51D Mustang (2)
Curtiss P 40 Kittyhawk (2)
Grumman Wildcat
Hawker Hunter
Fouga Magister
de Havilland Vampire (2)
Consolidated PBY Catalina
Douglas C-47 Dakota
Beech Staggerwing
de Havilland Devon
CJ6 Nanchang (4)
Ryan (2)
Lockheed 12
Boeing Stearman
de Havilland Beaver
 
Rare American Fighter to Display at Warbirds Over Wanaka 2002

29 November 2001: A rare Grumman FM-2 Wildcat fighter aircraft has been confirmed as a major attraction at the Warbirds Over Wanaka International Airshow to be held at Wanaka Airport next Easter (29th-31st March). Confirming the appearance, Airshow General Manager Gavin Johnston said, "We are extremely pleased to have such an important aircraft appear at next years Warbirds Over Wanaka. The Wildcat is best remembered by Americans as the fighter flown by US Navy and Marine airmen in the dark hours of Pearl Harbour, Coral Sea and Wake Island. To New Zealanders it is remembered as the Grumman Martlet of the Fleet Air Arm".
 
First flown in 1937 the Wildcat was ordered by the US Navy in August 1939. The French and Greek Governments also placed orders in early 1940 but with the fall of France that year the aircraft were taken by the British. In July 1940 the Wildcat (designated the Martlet I by the Royal Navy) entered service the Fleet Air Arm (FAA). Two aircraft flown by the FAA were the first American built fighters to destroy a German fighter (a Junkers Ju-88 over Scapa Flow) during WWII.
 
By the time the Japanese attacked Pearl Harbour in 1941 a number of US Navy and Marine squadrons were equipped with the Wildcat and the type saw gallant service aboard the carriers USS Enterprise, USS Hornet and USS Saratoga. It was this one aeroplane that took on the Japanese during the Battles of the Coral Sea, Midway and Guadalcanal. Wildcat - Zero dogfights at Wake, Coral Sea and Midway are the stuff of legend.
 
As well as operating from the pitching deck of an aircraft carrier the Wildcat was operated by land-based US Marines and it was from Henderson Field on Guadalcanal where they mounted their first offensive of the Pacific conflict. On the 24th August 1942 (4 days after their arrival on the island) VMF-223 led by Major John Smith intercepted an enemy flight of 15 bombers and 12 fighters. The squadron shot down 10 bombers and six fighters with their diminutive Wildcat's and within the squadron that day was born the first US Marine fighter ace of the war and the third Wildcat pilot to receive the Medal of Honour.
 
A large number of New Zealanders flew the Martlet during World War II whilst serving with the FAA. The type has never been seen in New Zealand before.
 
This USA based aircraft is assigned to a Confederate Air Force Aircraft Sponsor Group and will be shipped to New Zealand exclusively for Warbirds Over Wanaka 2002. Gavin Johnston said, "The Confederate Airforce have been very generous in allowing this aeroplane to attend. Their major sponsorship has provided Warbirds Over Wanaka the opportunity to display such a famous fighter with so many New Zealand connections, and we are hugely appreciative".
 
One New Zealander looking forward to becoming re-acquainted with the type is Don Nairn of Te Anau. Lieutenant (A) D.J.H Nairn, RNZNVR was the first New Zealander to fly a Grumman Martlet whilst he was with an Operational Training Unit (OTU) at Yeovilton in 1941. He then saw active service with the type in the Middle East before being appointed in December 1942 to the British Air Commission in Washington D.C as a Naval Test Pilot. Don will be a special guest at Warbirds Over Wanaka next Easter.
 
By the end of WWII over 7,500 Wildcats had been produced and must be recorded in the annals of WWII history as the type that served America in her darkest hour - much like the Hurricane did for Great Britain. There are now less than 15 airworthy examples left in the world.
 
September 11, 2001

28 September 2001: The terrorist attacks on the United States of America two weeks ago have touched the lives of people world-wide. Warbirds Over Wanaka wishes to extend its deepest sympathy to the many families affected by it.
 
The Warbirds Over Wanaka Airshow Committee wishes to assure all prospective visitors that the International Airshow 2002 event will take place as planned.
 
"Our show is a celebration of the achievements of mankind over the last 100 years or more in a number of fields, principally aviation in peace and in war but also in agriculture, and technology generally. As usual there will be an aviation trade expo, a large craft market, military vehicles and vintage machinery displays. In short, a wonderful family day out with plenty to capture the attention of the enthusiast," Airshow General Manager Gavin Johnston said. "Warbirds Over Wanaka is of course a proud salute to all those men and woman who were involved in previous conflicts, some of whom gave their lives. Others are with us still today to enjoy this salute to them."
 
Warbirds Over Wanaka International Airshow 2002 will be held 29-31st March.
 
Rare fighter being prepared for Warbirds Over Wanaka 2002

28 August 2001: Work is well underway on the complete restoration to airworthy condition of a rare Lavochkin LA-9 fighter by Pioneer Aero Restorations in Auckland. The LA-9 first flew in 1946 and was used extensively by the North Koreans and Chinese during the Korean War. Owned by Ray Hanna of the Old Flying Machine Company, when completed this LA-9 will be the only airworthy example in the world.
 
General Manager of Warbirds Over Wanaka, Gavin Johnston, said "We are delighted that this aircraft will be at Wanaka next year. We pride ourselves on presenting different aircraft each show and the LA-9 is no exception. Combined with our Polikarpov fighters, the type will clearly show the advances in Russian technology. Other aircraft are also being sourced from Australia and the USA and details of these types will be available shortly" he added.
 
The Lavochkin LA-9 first flew on the 26th June 1946. It was a direct descendent of the earlier Lavochkin fighters that were flown by some of the top Soviet fighter aces during World War II. Of all metal construction, the type is powered by a 1850hp ASH-82FN radial engine. This gives it a top speed in excess of 400mph.
 
One of only five in existence, the aircraft was obtained by Ray Hanna of the Old Flying Machine Company from China in 1996.
 
The aircraft is being rebuilt to airworthy condition by Pioneer Aero Restorations in Auckland. The owner of the company, Garth Hogan, said "the aircraft is well on track to be completed in time for the Warbirds Over Wanaka International Airshow next Easter. The engine and propeller are being refurbished in the Czech Republic and this could slow down the process but we are very confident."
 
Also under restoration in Auckland by Pioneer Avspecs is a Curtiss P-40E Kittyhawk for an American owner. "We are hoping that this aircraft will also be completed in time for the show" Hogan said. "It will be painted in a Flying Tigers colour scheme which has the distinctive sharks mouth painted on the nose".
 
Gavin Johnston added "This will allow us to display three P-40's at Easter in three different colour schemes, representative of the three Pacific rim users during World War II. This new P-40E will be joined by the very rare RNZAF P-40E owned by Ray Hanna and the P-40N in Australian markings owned by Garth Hogan and Charles Darby."
 
Warbirds Over Wanaka commences on Friday 29th March 2002 with a trade display open to the public and aircraft practising overhead. Saturday 30th and Sunday 31st are the two airshow days with continuous flying from 10-00am to 4-00pm. Over 50 aircraft are expected to attend.
 
Warbirds Over Wanaka Passes Posted

22 May 2001: Gold Passes and Three Day Passes are now being posted out to those people who have already ordered them. Although there are still plenty of Gold Passes left, we do urge you to place your orders as soon as possible to avoid disappointment.
 
Warbirds Over Wanaka trade display at Avalon

8 March 2001: A Warbirds Over Wanaka trade display at the Australian International Airshow and Expo held last week at Avalon, near Melbourne, attracted a large number of enquiries for the forthcoming Warbirds Over Wanaka International Airshow 2002. The airshow will be held at Wanaka Airport 29 - 31st March 2002. General Manager Gavin Johnston said "The airshow attracted over 300,000 visitors, and our trade display received many enquiries. We were amazed at the level of interest our show has in Australia. As well as enquiries for passes and accommodation we also received a large number of questions regarding the Wanaka area". Gavin Johnston also spent time looking at possible aircraft and attractions that could be brought to New Zealand for the Easter 2002 show.
 
The biennial Australian International Airshow held at Avalon Airport is the Australian showcase for the worlds aerospace industries. The Australian Government is now looking for their replacement front-line fighter so there was a large presence by European and American consortiums. Aircraft displaying their capabilities included the F-15, F-16 and F-18 Super Hornet. Mock-ups of the Eurofighter and Rafale were also displayed. "Despite this abundance of modern heavy metal we found the public to be extremely interested in Wanaka and our aircraft from the past", Johnston said. "Additionally, we cannot discount the fact that some of these modern jet fighters may attend our show next Easter. Discussions were held with high ranking officials from England, Australia and the USA".
 
As well as visiting Avalon, the Warbirds Over Wanaka team attended the Wings Over Wairarapa airshow held last month in Masterton and will also display at two forthcoming shows at Taupo in March and Classic Fighters at Blenheim this Easter. "The high level of awareness amongst the public of our biennial show proves that have a winning formula. Our combination of warbirds and classic aeroplanes along with vintage tractors, traction engines and military vehicles sets us apart from the other shows we attended. Add to this the unique setting of Wanaka and we have all the ingredients of a very special show".
 
Warbirds Over Wanaka commences on Friday 29th March 2002 with a trade display open to the public and aircraft practicing overhead. Saturday 30th and Sunday 31st are the two airshow days with continuous flying from 10-00am to 4-00pm. Over 50 aircraft are expected to attend.
 
Website Launched

1 December 2000: The Warbirds Over Wanaka International Airshow™ website was launched today. This site will become the authoritative online source of information about Warbirds Over Wanaka International Airshow 2002. Additional content will be added to the site as this exciting Airshow gets closer.