Warbirds fill the skies over Ardmore once again

On Sunday 10th of March, NZ Warbirds took to the sky with a number of their vintage aircraft based in Ardmore. Displays included the exhilarating De Havilland Venom and Aero L-39 fast jets along with the debut of the freshly restored Mosquito.

The Roaring Forties preforming a four-ship loop during their display| Photo by Noah Stohr-Waldren

In the air, a top flying display was the Roaring Forties. Flying in ex-RNZAF Harvard trainers, the amazing Roaring Forties aircraft fly in formation close and come within 5 metres of each other. The formation was first flown in 1979 over Te Kowhai near Hamilton and has since become a staple of New Zealand airshows. The Yakwits display team flew into Ardmore from Tauranga to put on their show with their two Yak-52 aircraft. The Wanganui-based Venom once again made an appearance at Auckalnds classic airshow. Ardmore-based L-39 challenged the speed and power of the Venom and was pushed to its limits performing a high-speed display for the first time in several years.

On the ground, the Royal New Zealand Air Force flew in their T-6 Texan II from Base Ohakea early on Sunday morning and for the first time, they brought one of their Augusta A109 helicopters up to Ardmore for the event. Also making its public debut was the newly restored De Havilland Mosquito re-built by Avpecs at Ardmore. After a long restoration, the Mossie conducted its first public engine run and is set to have its first public display over Easter at Warbirds Over Wanaka.

The fresh Mosquito preforming an engine run | Photo by Noah Stohr-Waldren

The Event drew a massive crowd of spectators. The event proved to be an enormous success, bringing together a diverse range of individuals and organizations who all played their part in making it a memorable experience for everyone involved.

Fly DC3 provided an amazing opportunity to explore the scenic beauty of Auckland by offering several flights throughout the day. Passengers got the chance to enjoy a breathtaking aerial view of the city while travelling in their fabulous DC-3 aircraft.