“Wings” has 17 aircraft types in show
Wings over Wairarapa, halted by Cyclone Gabrielle in February, is promising 17 airplane types when the air show blasts into local skies from Hood Aerodrome for three days in late November.
The festival is regarded as one of the best air shows in the country, with what promoters say will be “exhilarating flying” and exciting displays on the ground.
The programme includes the Goodyear FG-1D Corsair, considered the premier navy and marine fighter of World War II, which will be making its first air festival appearance in six years.
Other highlights include the Avro Anson MK 1, the only flying Anson in the world. A maritime reconnaissance bomber, it was one of the RAF’s most important planes when WWII began.
The crowd favourite Strikemaster also returns – the ex-RNZAF plane which was used for advanced pilot training on the Wings Course.
The British-built training and light attack aircraft was operated by the RNZAF from 1972 as a lead-in trainer for the A4 Skyhawks.
The RNZAF will also showcase the new P-8A Poseidon which will be in action for the first time, as well as the Black Falcons aero display.
A new aspect of the event will be an expanded STEAM (science, technology, engineering, art and mathematics) programme called Take Flight, for the first time being extended to all secondary school students (years 11-13) from the lower North Island to participate in for free. The three-day programme is designed to promote and inspire people to consider flight and aerospace careers.
Former Defence Minister Ron Mark, board chair for Wings Over Wairarapa, is thrilled the festival can still deliver an exciting programme. … Continue Reading
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