Blue skies and big turnout make flypasts great success
The Air Force Heritage Flight of New Zealand Supported the Royal New Zealand Air Force’s (RNZAF) 85th birthday celebrations by hosting a flypast over parts of the North Island last Saturday.
The planes soared over Te Awamutu just after 10.30am, a 1945 Grumman TBM-3E Avenger leading two modern Beechcraft T-6C Texan IIs and a 1944 Supermarine Spitfire Mk IX on the journey.
This event was highly weatherdependent, especially considering how precious the Avenger and Spitfire are to New Zealand’s national heritage.
Air Force Heritage Flight of New Zealand hoped people enjoyed the mix of rural and urban locations.
The aim was for the procession to fly from O¯ hakea to Auckland and back, capturing as many settlements, towns and cities as possible.
The formation flew North to Auckland via the West Coast and central locations such as New Plymouth and Hamilton.
They returned later that same day via central and eastern North Island locations, including Rotorua, Taupo¯ and Napier.
“Perfect weather and an excellent turnout meant that the flypasts were a great success and the crews thoroughly enjoyed
themselves,” says Flight Commander of the Air Force Heritage Flight, Squadron Leader Michael Williams.
“The team could see the crowds on the ground and were very appreciative of everyone who turned out to see their military
aviation heritage.
“Apart from the Spitfire suffering an unfortunate puncture whilst taxiing to the apron after landing at Whenuapai, all of the aircraft performed faultlessly. The team now look forward to planning for their next public engagements on Anzac Day.”
The flypasts were conducted in accordance with Civil Aviation Rules, which allow flight down to 1000 feet over a built-up area, and Covid-19 requirements.
The Spitfire and Avenger are operated by the Biggin Hill Trust.