Taking skies to celebrate Kiwi Air Force history
New Zealand’s military aviation heritage will now be on regular display throughout the country with the establishment of the four aircraft-strong Air Force Heritage Flight of New Zealand at Royal New Zealand Air Force (RNZAF) Base Ohakea in the Manawatu¯ .
The purpose of the flight is to commemorate and sustain the memory of New Zealand’s military aviation heritage, and to remind New Zealanders, friends and allies of our past shared sacrifice and continued commitment to global security.
The flight also aims to inspire current and potential New Zealand Defence Force personnel through engagement, respect and pride.
Heritage Flight replaces the former RNZAF Historic Flight, and is a collaborative venture between the RNZAF and civil organisations that operate aircraft relevant to the RNZAF’s heritage.
The RNZAF will be providing the pilots to fly the aircraft and the intent is to conduct flypasts, displays and static displays throughout New Zealand.
The flight commander, Squadron Leader Michael Williams, said the unit hopes to bring a sense of pride, respect and esprit-de-corps to their flying displays, while honouring those who originally flew these aircraft in World War II.
The Air Force Heritage Flight of New Zealand currently comprises
Harvard NZ1076, Tiger Moth NZ662, Spitfire PV270 and Avenger NZ2518 (“Plonky”), all legendary aircraft.
“Avenger 18 is particularly poignant for the RNZAF as it was in the original aircraft that RNZAF aircrew were shot down and killed during an operation in the Pacific. Direct relatives of the original crew continue to serve in the modern RNZAF,” Squadron Leader Williams said.
The RNZAF pilots in the flight are Squadron Leaders Williams, Jim Rankin, Paul Stockley, Sean Perrett and Stuart Anderson.
The flight will be marking the 85th anniversary of the RNZAF by conducting a series of flypasts in central New Zealand on the day, Friday, April 1. They will fly over towns in the Manawatu¯, Wairarapa and Wellington areas, and then on to Christchurch and back to Ohakea by a different route in the course of the day.