World War 1 Aircraft 24.1.12 Wanaka: Visitors to the Warbirds Over Wanaka International Airshow will be witness to the flight of a ‘Flying Razor’ - an extremely rare aircraft which was considered the German’s deadliest fighter in the first World War. The building of the Fokker D-8 was completed late last year by the internationally acclaimed Vintage Aviator specialist restoration company, based at Wellington and Masterton. It will be flying at Wanaka for the first time, according to the company’s production manager Gene De Marco. The aircraft is a replica with a reproduction rotary engine. There is only one original D-8 remaining in the world, held at the Caproni Museum in Italy, he said. Mr De Marco, originally from New York, has been building and flying WWI aircraft for around 25 years and will be bringing others to Wanaka for the Easter Holiday airshow. He said the aircraft each had their own quirks and idiosyncrasies and were notoriously tricky to fly. “Some early aircraft don’t have throttles, or brakes or even ailerons. There’s a huge difference from modern aircraft and you really have to be around them to learn about them.” The nimble German D-8 fighter was a parasol-winged monoplane which entered WWI late but was quickly acknowledged as a formidable foe by Allied pilots. It carried two machine guns and was extremely manoeuvrable in comparison to its predecessors. It will be joined at Wanaka by a British Bristol Fighter. This was a very successful two-seater aircraft which served in New Zealand during the early days of the RNZAF, known then as the New Zealand Permanent Air Force. Bristol Fighters were used for pilot training, aerial surveying, and gathering meteorological data in this country, and flew in combat with the RAF in Europe, some piloted by New Zealanders such as the highly decorated fighter ace, Sir Keith Park. A WWI Sopwith Camel will also be appearing at Wanaka this year. The Camel, an agile bi-plane which was difficult to control in landing and take-off, was also flown by Kiwi pilots in WWI.  Mr De Marco, who restored his first aircraft at the age of 16, will be flying the Camel at Wanaka.

Schools at Warbirds Over Wanaka 25.11.11 Cadets from the Air Training Corps 50th Squadron based in Alexandra will be offering their services as airshow guides to Upper Clutha school students on a free day out the Warbirds Over Wanaka International Airshow next Easter. For the second time students from local schools are being offered free tickets to the first day of the three day event. Event manager Mandy Deans said hundreds of students took up the offer at the 2010 event, where the emphasis was on educating young people in the various fields of aviation and New Zealand history. This would be the focus again, with a stronger historical element added by the displays for the RNZAF’s 75th anniversary and the ‘Ford Vehicles Through the Ages’ exhibition. “We invite all students and parents to join the cadets on short tours that will run throughout the morning, or simply explore the event independently. The RNZAF display will provide an opportunity to learn about modern aircraft too and to meet air force personnel.” Ms Deans said educating young New Zealanders about this country’s aviation history was a fundamental objective of the Warbirds Over Wanaka Community Trust.  Students needed to register their interest with their schools before the end of February if they wished to take up the offer.   Aircraft Announcement WOW 2011 18.11.11 Wanaka: When a rare Russian Yak 3 fighter plane performs at the upcoming Warbirds Over Wanaka International Airshow, the most appreciative of its many admirers are likely to be part-owner and pilot Graeme Frew, and his nephew Daniel. Daniel (28) has been one of two full-time engineers working on a major overhaul of the Yak 3 at Omaka near Blenheim for more than three years, Mr Frew said. The machine suffered serious damage in an accident in the USA before it was purchased by Mr Frew and his syndicate and had been the subject of a much longer restoration than first anticipated.     Test flying of the uncomplicated but much-feared aircraft was scheduled to be complete by early next year. This could be in time for the machine’s public flying debut to be at a Tauranga show in January but if there were any delays its first big public outing would be at Warbirds Over Wanaka.   Mr Frew said the Yak 3 was regarded as one of the finest interceptors of WW11. “Luftwaffe pilots became accustomed to shooting down poorly equiped, hastily trained Russians. In 1944 however the German pilots were horrified to find they were being bested by a well-flown, simple little 1300hp Russian fighter made of wood.” While the Frew family will be excited to see the completed aircraft being displayed in front of thousands of people at Wanaka, they will also be indulging in their other passion, old cars. “Daniel being much smarter than his uncle has decided to spend his spare cash not on aircraft, but in cornering the market of the Ford Mk1 Cortina. With luck his GT will feature in the ‘Ford Through The Ages’ line up along with his father Mike’s V8 Mk 1 Cortina Hotrod, which features artwork of the Yak 3 on its bonnet.” Caption: The rare Yak 3 Russian fighter. The team working on the project are from top left part-owner Graeme Frew (Auckland), JEM Aviation owner Jay McIntyre (Blenheim), bottom left engineer Marty Nichol (Blenheim), Mike Frew and son Daniel Frew (Wanganui), engineers Dick Veale and Chris O'Connor (Blenheim). Photo credit: Gavin Conroy

Supermarine Spitfires: WW11 piston-engine aircraft were lining up two by two for the airshow with two Supermarine Spitfires now on the programme as well as two P-51 Mustangs and two P-40 Kittyhawks. Returning to Wanaka for its second appearance would be the immaculate Supermarine Spitfire owned by the Deere family of Marton. The fighter was restored by the family and decorated in honour of family member Air Commodore Alan Deere who served with the RAF for forty years. The second Spitfire, also resident in New Zealand, is owned by Auckland businessman and aerobatic champion Doug Brooker. The aircraft saw much combat action in WW11 and was converted into a two-seater after the war for training purposes. It was imported to New Zealand in 2008, missing the airshow that year. It had since been repainted in the colour scheme and markings of the Mark IX Spitfire flown in the North Africa campaign by Squadron Leader Colin Gray, New Zealand’s highest scoring Ace.

 Aircraft WOW 2012
24.8.2011
 
Three-quarters of a century of New Zealand’s hugely varied military aviation history will be celebrated in Wanaka next April when the Warbirds Over Wanaka International Airshow hosts the Royal New Zealand Air Force’s 75th Anniversary.

A large gathering of key personnel who have served over the decades will gather in Wanaka, along with a unique collection of the aircraft that served them in a wide range of operations. In low powered early monoplanes, much-admired WW11-era fighters and later in modern jets and transporters, Kiwi pilots and their ground crews have historically played a myriad of defence and humanitarian roles internationally.

“Operations in a range of locations such as Vietnam, the Middle East, Antarctica, Africa, the South Pacific, Eastern Europe and beyond would be recalled at the Easter holiday event, as many of the aircraft involved in those operations flew overhead” Warbirds Over Wanaka event manager, Mandy Deans said.

A specialist military aviation commentator would interpret the flying displays to help visitors gain the most knowledge and enjoyment from the event.

“The RNZAF participation in WOW will be the culminating event in our calendar of events celebrating 75 years of serving New Zealand. It is a great opportunity for the Air Force to celebrate our last 75 years, but also to showcase our emerging capabilities with new and upgraded aircraft” Wing Commander Blaikie said.

“It will be hugely entertaining,” Ms Deans said, “but it will also be a great opportunity to learn about our history for our young people. They will experience the might of the aircraft flown by their grandfathers and great-grandfathers in times and in places that are incredibly far removed from the world they now live in.”

Airshow organisers hoped as many Kiwi families as possible would attend the show. “We are encouraging as many people as possible to attend, especially families and we will provide plenty of family-friendly facilities and entertainment, as well as a few incentives which will be announced at a later date”.

Warbirds Over Wanaka and the Silver Fern Air Race
22.7.11

An impressive array of up to 40 privately-owned jet aircraft will make a low altitude visit to the Warbirds Over Wanaka International Airshow next April as part of the Hong Kong to Christchurch Silver Fern Air Race. 

Following races from London to Christchurch in 1953 and Singapore to Christchurch in 1987, a group of businessmen and aviation enthusiasts, some based in Queenstown, are holding a Hong Kong to Christchurch Air Race from 26th March, 2012 until 8^thApril 2012. The race aims to boost travel and business opportunities between Hong Kong, Malaysia, Australia and New Zealand. 

The aircraft will fly from Hong Kong to Kuala Lumpur then on to Melbourne before concluding the race in Christchurch. Organisers had deliberately chosen Christchurch as the destination to illustrate to the world that the city is alive and well. A scenic extension will see the corporate jets traverse Fiordland and fly over Warbirds Over Wanaka. 

“Some air race followers and participants will take Gold Passes and other hospitality options at the Airshow and the spectacle of seeing large corporate jets flying over will be amazing” said Mandy Deans, Warbirds Over Wanaka event manager. Ms Deans said the Silver Fern Air Race fitted the show’s international mandate and enabled organisers to further support the aviation world and Christchurch, from whence many patrons came.

“The Silver Fern Air Race is delighted to be involved with Warbirds Over Wanaka with entrants pleased they are able to fly over around 65,000 spectators” says Ron Collins, CEO of the Silver Fern Air Race. Exactly when during the show the fly over would take place is yet to be finalised.

Skyhawk for new Warbirds & Wheels attraction
11.7.11

The new Warbirds and Wheels visitor attraction announced this week that it will permanently showcase an Air Force Skyhawk fighter jet when opening late this year.  
 

Building work on a new world-class visitor attraction to be called Warbirds and Wheels is progressing well at Wanaka Airport’s largest hangar and is on track for the unique facility to be opened later this year. 

 

The attraction, being developed by the Warbirds Over Wanaka Community Trust would give the organisation an ongoing presence at Wanaka Airport to showcase its internationally-renowned airshow and the show’s history, all year round. Trust chairman Murray Cleverley said “Joining Wanaka’s fine collection of Warbird aircraft will be rare classic cars and distinctive visual artworks.”  

 

Telling the story of the Trust’s Patron and airshow founder, Sir Tim Wallis and his pioneering deer recovery days, Warbirds and Wheels would also incorporate memorabilia, weapons and aircraft honouring both World Wars, Mr Cleverley said. Many artefacts would be sourced from the New Zealand Fighter Pilots Museum which closed earlier this year. The Airforce Museum of New Zealand at Wigram had been working with the collection to ensure it was retained in the public domain and would continue to be properly displayed for future generations.  Displays would include interactive exhibits and would be regularly refreshed so Wanaka residents and others visiting the attraction would have plenty to view.

 

A café and retail shop would complete the Warbirds and Wheels offering with much to tempt families, as well as aviation and car enthusiasts.

 

While it is owned by the Community Trust, a management contract for operating the facility has been let to allow the Trust to continue to concentrate on producing its world-class international airshow.  Located at the entrance to Wanaka Airport, the hangar refit was being undertaken by Wanaka builders, Deane Fluit and a selection of local tradesmen and subcontractors.  “Warbirds Over Wanaka Community Trust has a mandate to ensure that the International Airshow maintains its place as an iconic event and continues to deliver significant benefits to our region from a tourism and economic development perspective. Warbirds and Wheels, as an extension of the airshow, will give the Trust an ongoing presence while making the Trust more sustainable. The Trust is delighted to have this opportunity which has only been made possible with the support and collaboration of all the parties involved including the New Zealand Fighter Pilots Museum, Classic Consortium, and the Airforce Museum of New Zealand” Mr Cleverley said. The Trust hoped to set an opening date once the bulk of the development work was completed.

 

Warbirds and Wheels would be open to airshow visitors during next year’s Warbirds Over Wanaka event on April 6th, 7th and 8th 2012.

Ford Through the Ages
23.5.11

Do you own a Ford vehicle? Warbirds Over Wanaka 2012 announce as part of their Ground Programme they are displaying ‘Ford Vehicles Through the Ages’ sponsored by Dunedin City Ford.

“From Model T Fords to the latest FPV Fords we will be displaying around 70 vehicles for the public to view. Ford cars, trucks, tractors and Hot Rods from 1920 onwards will delight the WOW attendees” says Keith Kippenberger, New Vehicle Sales Manager, Dunedin City Ford. “We will choose a spread of vehicles over the decades and with registrations underway we invite you to exhibit your Ford vehicle to around 65,000 people” he added. 

Dunedin City Ford is the Official Supplier of Vehicles to Warbirds Over Wanaka. In addition Ford will also display the latest and greatest models released for 2012 – the new Focus, Ranger and Territory.

Trade stall site interest is high for Warbirds Over Wanaka, despite the event being almost a year away. Many exhibitors advised the organisers they required sites for the 2012 airshow within several days of spaces being made available, event manager Mandy Deans said.

Ticket sales were also ahead of previous years, and one explanation could be an ongoing effort by the organisers to create a more festive atmosphere on the ground and to cater more to families, Ms Deans said.

Confirmation of other attractions on the ground and of some ‘exciting’ aircraft destined to fly at the airshow, would be announced as plans firmed up. One key focus for 2012 is the celebration of the Royal New Zealand Air Force’s 75th anniversary, Ms Deans said.

Ford Exhibitor forms may be obtained from info@warbirdsoverwanaka.co.nz

WOW 2012 Tickets on Sale
1.2.11

Warbirds Over Wanaka International Airshow 2012 (WOW) tickets have gone on sale for the 14th Airshow at Wanaka Airport.  

“We are delighted with the number of requests for ticket sales since the last airshow and again anticipate a sell out of all Gold and Silver Passes. The flying and ground programmes are currently being formed with some new and exciting action promised at Easter 2012. It is the 75th Anniversary of the RNZAF and we invite you to come and join us in celebrating their personnel, aircraft and their achievements over the past decades” said Mandy Deans, Event Manager.

The Silver Pass last airshow enabled increased public viewing and will again prove very popular with a one day option for elevated seating. Visit www.warbirdsoverwanaka.com to look at ticketing choices and purchase tickets or call Free phone 0800 224 224 within New Zealand or 1300 798 550 within Australia.

The next Airshow is 6, 7, 8th April 2012. Check our website now for travel packages, accommodation and park and ride options nearer to Airshow time.

Challenge for Warbirds Over Wanaka
11.2.11

“Warbirds Over Wanaka Community Trust Board (WOWCT) face an additional challenge as we now accept responsibility for running both an airshow and developing a world class visitor attraction in the large hangar at Wanaka Airport “ said Murray Cleverley, Warbirds Over Wanaka Community Trust Chairman.

In 1993 the New Zealand Fighter Pilots Museum Trust (NZFPM) was established to hold a collection of artefacts, archives and other articles of historic interest which tell the story of men who served their country as fighter pilots. Similarly, in 2006 the Warbirds Over Wanaka Community Trust Board was established to continue running the International Airshow and inspiring and educating generations in the aviation field. Both the airshow and NZFPM have been very positive additions to the region in terms of bringing in tourist numbers and building the region’s economy.

“It is no longer economically viable to continue the NZFPM in its current form so a decision was made by the Trustees to join with WOWCT to form a new attraction. “Like all attractions in these economic times they need to be refreshed and invigorated” said Don Spary, Chairman, New Zealand Fighter Pilots Museum. The NZFPM will therefore be disestablished within the next few months with its assets being transferred to the Warbirds Over Wanaka Community Trust Board. The NZFPM Trust and the WOWCT have been working with the Air Force Museum of New Zealand to ensure that the NZFPM collection of artefacts is retained in the public domain and can continue to be properly and professionally cared for. The NZFPM Trust has made the decision to transfer the artefacts in the collection to the Air Force Museum of New Zealand which will move them to their Wigram site. Some of the collection will be loaned back to the new attraction. 

“We will create an experience that will both reflect our local community and continue to attract tourists for many years to come” said Murray Cleverley, Warbirds Over Wanaka Community Trust Chairman.