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Post by Deleted on Jan 10, 2011 19:42:26 GMT 12
Unfortunately I'm unable to get Easter off work this year and, despite very serious intent to resign so that I could get to the show, after some discussion with Miss Rachel I've decided that it would be in my best interest to stay and just miss this show. So disappointingly I'll not only miss Masterton this year, but also the first Omaka since I first attended in 2005. I expect LOTS of pics, regardless of what turns up  |
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Post by FlyingKiwi on Jan 11, 2011 19:03:22 GMT 12
Looks like I'll be taking a 172 down from Ardmore with a couple of other AAC people. Now just got to hope the weather is suitable to make the journey!
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Post by Andy Wright on Jan 11, 2011 23:51:58 GMT 12
Flights booked but still have to do the passes. Going for Gold on Saturday and general on Sunday. Whirlwind trip but will be worth the effort for sure. Meeting a mate on Friday night in C'Church and then heading up at sparrow's on Saturday morning.
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Post by efliernz on Jan 12, 2011 9:17:02 GMT 12
Unfortunately I'm unable to get Easter off work this year and, despite very serious intent to resign so that I could get to the show, after some discussion with Miss Rachel I've decided that it would be in my best interest to stay and just miss this show. So disappointingly I'll not only miss Masterton this year, but also the first Omaka since I first attended in 2005. I expect LOTS of pics, regardless of what turns up Pics... I don't think you need to worry about that!!! |
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Post by Dave Homewood on Jan 24, 2011 21:36:45 GMT 12
Announcement - This forum is now the first place to see news on the Classic Fighters 2011 Airshow. Press Releases will be posted here first before going to the wider press. Cool eh!!? So please give the Classic Fighters team your support and feedback here. Here is the first press release: CF’11 PRESS RELEASE
CLASSIC FIGHTERS EASTER AIRSHOW
THE BIGGEST AVIATION EVENT IN NZ IN 2011!
CLASSIC FIGHTERS - THE RETURN OF THE MAGNIFICENT SEVEN! Enthusiasts attending the Classic Fighters airshow this coming Easter will be thrilled to learn that the show is to host a return appearance of the fabulous collection of SEVEN Fokker Dr.1 Triplanes operated by The Vintage Aviator Ltd. Visitors to the 2007 Classic Fighters show were amazed to see this many examples of the distinctive three-winged fighting scout made famous by Manfred von Richthofen, the famous ‘Red Baron’ during the latter part of the Great War. The collection of Triplanes all appeared in the colours of Jasta 11 when led by von Richthofen in his all red Fokker. That many Triplanes had not been seen together anywhere since 1918, and in fact, the seven have not been assembled again since that Easter in 2007, so this will be a rare and rewarding opportunity to witness this amazing spectacle one more time, as a part of the Great War part of the airshow programme. Classic Fighters Airshow Chairman Graham Orphan said about the Triplanes, “We are absolutely thrilled to be able to see these machines in the air together again. The Fokker Triplane is such a distinctive shape and such an iconic symbol of the Great War in the air that to see one in flight is a treat, more than one, a delight, but SEVEN in the air together is just remarkable and represents a great privilege for all who attend the show”. It is expected that over a dozen WW-I aircraft will participate in the show with mock dogfights coupled with dramatic ground theatre to provide a unique and creative theatrical experience – something for which the Classic Fighters airshow has become famous right around the globe. The collection of Triplanes is normally split between the Aviation Heritage Centre at Omaka and Hood Aerodrome in the lower North Island and as stated above, have only been gathered together once before, and only at Omaka! Graham Orphan cwd@cwd.co.nz |
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Post by angels15 on Jan 24, 2011 21:49:56 GMT 12
Wooohooooo! ;D
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Post by JDK on Jan 25, 2011 0:07:00 GMT 12
Lookout, chaps...  |
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Post by obiwan27 on Jan 26, 2011 20:24:20 GMT 12
Great news about the Triplanes. JDK - superb photo!!
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Post by Officer Crabtree on Feb 1, 2011 2:39:06 GMT 12
Ever since 2005 my family have gone there and I believe that it is this airshow that kindled my intrest in aviation. This is the highlight of every 'odd' year for me, and I am looking forward to taking my new friend from Germany along to give him a taste of aviation. I as a thirteen year old an really privileged to live in Nelson, so that I have easy access to an airshow that could rival Wanaka. ;D
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Post by Dave Homewood on Feb 1, 2011 10:11:22 GMT 12
Good moaning, Officer Crabtree, welcome to the forum. You are indeed lucky to live so nearby to Omaka. It would be great if you can post any aviation news from the Nelson area to the forum too, I'm sure there must be a fair bit going on there. We don't seem to have many forum regulars from down your way. I really like Nelson and the Golden Bay region. It's great to see such a young enthusiast here too.
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Post by Officer Crabtree on Feb 1, 2011 23:51:15 GMT 12
I shall try to find news. A lot goes on with air nelson.
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Post by nzompilot on Feb 3, 2011 14:26:28 GMT 12
A very happy nzompilot sitting in the office here in Brisbane with a huge smile, clutching my gold pass which has just arrived in the mail.
Will be great to get back to Omaka (nzom) been too long since I was last there ... which incidentally was Classic Fighters 2009, as the day after it finished I moved over here.
Will also be good to catch up with all the forumites I met at CF09, and the locals I haven't seen since I stopped frequenting Omaka.
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Post by baz62 on Feb 3, 2011 16:30:12 GMT 12
A very happy nzompilot sitting in the office here in Brisbane with a huge smile, clutching my gold pass which has just arrived in the mail. Will be great to get back to Omaka (nzom) been too long since I was last there ... which incidentally was Classic Fighters 2009, as the day after it finished I moved over here. Will also be good to catch up with all the forumites I met at CF09, and the locals I haven't seen since I stopped frequenting Omaka. And the countdown continues................... ;D |
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Post by Dave Homewood on Feb 5, 2011 13:15:24 GMT 12
The latest update....
CLASSIC FIGHTERS EASTER AIRSHOW. THE BIGGEST AVIATION EVENT IN NZ IN 2011 – THE BIGGEST EVENT OF ANY KIND IN THE TOP OF THE SOUTH……………EVER!
CLASSIC FIGHTERS – COMPANIES GET BEHIND FAMOUS AIRCRAFT IN SUPPORT OF EASTER SHOW
Visitors to the Classic Fighters Airshow this coming Easter will be privileged to witness the largest gathering of historic aircraft to be seen anywhere in the southern hemisphere this year, this occasion made possible by support from local businesses.
One of the major highlights of the show in 2009 was the debut of the just restored Spitfire Mk.IX owned by Brendon Deere of Marton and restored in honour of his famous uncle, New Zealand ‘ace’ fighter pilot, Alan Deere. This exquisite fighter will be returning to Omaka this year, this time with help from Marlborough tractor distributor Gordon Handy Machinery Ltd., in conjunction with John Deere Tractors. Research has identified a link between the New Zealand Deere family, and the world famous tractor manufacturer whose founder, John Deere, formed the company in 1837 to build plows. Both branches of the family can be traced back to Tipperary, Ireland. Interestingly, the John Deere Company has some connection with aviation, having built munitions as well as aircraft parts during WW-II.
Marlborough based wine producer Catalina Sounds is another company that has identified the Classic Fighters show as an iconic event, worthy of support, whilst also capable of growing their business with a significant level of exposure to new markets. To bring this point home they have come on board to sponsor the appearance of the remarkable Catalina flying boat which will wear the name ‘Catalina Sounds’ emblazoned across its nose. The attractive and unusually configured Catalina was used by the RNZAF during WW-II as a maritime patrol bomber. These remarkable aircraft had the ability to stay aloft for 48 hours at a time and were put to many uses including anti-submarine warfare and air-sea rescue. This year the Catalina is scheduled to attend just one airshow this year, so you will see it, but only at Omaka!
Another company that has always supported the event is JEM Aviation at Omaka. For each airshow, company CEO Jay McIntyre agrees to service several of the WW-I aircraft from the Omaka Aviation Heritage Centre and bring their maintenance up to ‘currency’ so that they can be certified ready to fly for the show. Without JEM Aviation’s input, the show would not be able to host the amazing ‘Magnificent Seven’ collection of Fokker Triplanes. This display is unique to Omaka and enthusiasts from around the globe come to Blenheim just to see this amazing collection of 21 cloth-covered wings in the air together!
Many visitors to the Classic Fighters Airshow are not aware that the event has to pay ‘serious money’ to have exotic historic aircraft on display. The World War Two fighters typically cost up to $100 a minute to fly, and this means that money needs to be found by the volunteer organizers not just to have the aIrcraft display, but also to have them fly to and from the airshow, so it is not unusual for a Spitfire or Mustang to be priced at over $20,000 to participate in the event. Those same volunteers also receive no funding from outside sources such as central or local government to help run the show, so it is the businesses that get in behind the event which are the real heroes of the piece!
The Classic Fighters airshow is conservatively expected to attract between 40 and 50,000 visitors this year making it the largest event to take place in the history of Marlborough. This represents a huge boost to the regional economy as well as a great opportunity to create a favourable impression of the region and what it has to offer. With enthusiastic tourists coming from all over New Zealand and from right around the world, companies are asking how they might best gain exposure from this rare opportunity. There are still some iconic aircraft from both world wars, available to be linked to interested companies which can get in touch with the Classic Fighters airshow to arrange such connections with these aircraft. Call Kate O’Sullivan on 021 034 3911.
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Post by baz62 on Feb 12, 2011 19:45:04 GMT 12
I created a little Classic Fighters teaser video on youtube. Video isn't the greatest as its hand held but some of the stills aren't bad. There's even a topdresser in it just for you Zac! ;D
(I'll put this in the Video Photography section as well Dave)
EDIT: I am also posting another one with no music and with the same clips but some additional content.
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Post by Dave Homewood on Feb 13, 2011 12:49:34 GMT 12
Flight unites JUST 10 WEEKS TILL CLASSIC FIGHTERS Last updated 05:00 12/02/2011 Two family groups separated for centuries will be united in spirit at Marlborough's 2011 Classic Fighters Easter Airshow. A World War II Spitfire Mk.IX restored by Manawatu businessman Brendon Deere in honour of his uncle, ace Kiwi fighter pilot Alan Deere, will return after its debut appearance in 2009. Bringing it back for this year's show was made possible thanks to sponsorship from Marlborough tractor distributor Gordon Handy Machinery Ltd. Airshow organiser Graham Orphan says Gordon Handy Machinery sells John Deere tractors and links have been made between its namesake founder and Alan Deere's family. John Deere Company has a presence at the Oshkosh Airshow, Wisconsin, and research uncovered it had manufactured WWII aircraft parts, including undercarriage legs for Kitty Hawks. There was also a John Deere Battalion in WWII. Further research revealed two Deere brothers had lived in Tipperary, Ireland, a couple of centuries ago. They went their separate ways, one via England to the United States, where John Deere was born. He built the first metal plough in 1837 and eventually formed the John Deere Company, a family firm for the next 150 years. The other Tipperary Deere was a forbear of Alan who has become a WWII New Zealand folklore hero. His book, Nine Lives, recounts nine lucky escapes from Spitfires he flew and were shot down in air combat. The Spitfire restored in Alan Deere's honour will be flown at Easter by Royal New Zealand Air Force pilot Sean Perrot. "There are two [Spitfires] in the country and we hope to have the other one here, too," says Graham. In total, there will be about a dozen WWII air combat craft and a similar number from WWI. Marlborough-based wine producer Catalina Sounds is another company supporting this year's Classic Fighters and is sponsoring a Catalina flying boat. They were used by the RNZAF during WWII as a maritime patrol bomber. They were used in anti-submarine warfare and air-sea rescue and could fly for 48 consecutive hours. A third business, JEM Aviation at Omaka is supporting the show again and currently working on several WWI aircraft to get them licensed to fly. The costs of bringing aircraft to the show is huge and the budget for the 2011 event is more than half a million dollars. Graham says a typical fee for a Spitfire or Mustang is $20,000, covering $100 a minute flying time or $6000 an hour. Air-time getting to Omaka and then home again must also be covered, he explains. He is one of a small group of volunteers that run the Classic Fighters' Charitable Trust but he attributes its success to the show's business sponsors. Their reward hopefully comes from visitors brought to Marlborough by the show and a record of more than 30,000 people attended over the three days last time. The theme for this year's show is V for Victory and 2009's inaugural Friday evening display will be repeated this year. Aircraft look wonderful when they are flying in the twilight, Graham says. "They come alive and glow." Ad Feedback A twilight air display will be followed by pyrotechnics and fireworks. Day-time features will include theatrical combat, classic cars, children's entertainment and food and wine stalls, including Taste Marlborough. - The Marlborough Express www.stuff.co.nz/marlborough-express/news/community-papers/4644689/Flight-unites
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Post by Dave Homewood on Feb 15, 2011 16:28:44 GMT 12
CLASSIC FIGHTERS EASTER AIRSHOW – THE BIGGEST AVIATION EVENT IN NZ IN 2011!  CLASSIC FIGHTERS – THE RETURN OF THE LUFTWAFFE! At the outbreak of World War Two, the forces of Nazi Germany enjoyed dramatic success due to the air supremecy quickly gained by the German Air Force, known in that country as the Luftwaffe. As the war raged on, the word Luftwaffe engendered fear in whole nations just as the machinery of that powerful air arm could strike fear in the hearts of every citizen. Names like Messerschmitt, Focke Wulf, Junkers all became household names. If all goes according to plan, for the first time ever, the southern hemisphere is to see representative examples of aircraft from all three of these German companies, on the flightline together at Classic Fighters. CF’11 organisers are waiting with baited breath for the arrival in March of the Focke-Wulf Fw190, nick-named the ‘Butcher Bird’ by the Allies during WW-II. The aircraft has just completed several years of rework in Germany before being packed into a container and shipped to its Kiwi owner who will base the aircraft permanently at Omaka. No example of this menacing aircraft, broadly accepted as the best fighter produced by Axis powers during WW-II, has ever been seen flying in the southern hemisphere so its debut at Classic Fighters will make it one of the key stars of the show. Supporting this distinctive machine will be the return of the Messerschmitt Me108 which has been a feature of the Classic Fighters event since the inaugural show in 2001. Although used as a communications aircraft and VIP transport during the war, the aircraft regularly supports the theatrical side of the show as it stands in for its similar looking brother, the Messerschmitt Me109 fighter this being all the more realistic as the aircraft fires its very audible and visual guns from the leading edges of both wings. Adding to the threesome is the resident replica of the hugely feared Junkers Ju87B ‘Stuka’ dive-bomber. The Stuka was almost completed in time for last year’s show when it was displayed as a ‘Piciatelli’, the name given to the Stuka when operated by the Italian Air Force. Volunteers are just now putting the finishing touches on the Stuka, finally finished in the colours that most represents the way the aircraft would have looked during the height of its success with the Luftwaffe. Hopefully, all three of this menacing trio will be on the field in time for the show this Easter, representing the largest gathering of representative Luftwaffe aircraft ever to participate in an airshow in the southern hemisphere, and coming together this Easter – only at Omaka! Some photos courtesy Graham Orphan and Dave McDonald       |
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Post by baz62 on Feb 16, 2011 13:58:19 GMT 12
Wow they all look great but I take my hat off to the team who constructed the Stuka, a fine job indeed.
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Post by Officer Crabtree on Feb 19, 2011 22:38:02 GMT 12
If I'm damned lucky I may be sitting by that Stuka in a WW2 Luftwaffe uniform. My local Air training corps have been invited to be part of a re-enactment. Keep an eye out for more news from me on that.
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Post by Andy Wright on Feb 21, 2011 18:18:39 GMT 12
Missed out on a Gold Pass as the three day ones obvoucly took all the spots and I haven't seen one day ones become available. Am only there for the better part of the Saturday and Sunday so looks like I'm doing a lot of walking! LOL, I don't really care!
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