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Post by Dave Homewood on Dec 21, 2023 14:24:44 GMT 12
Merry Christmas and a Happy New Year Wishing all our friends and supporters the very best holiday season and we look forward to seeing you all in person at Warbirds Over Wanaka next Easter. Please read on and find out more about one of our International Pilots who'll be performing at the airshow. Stealth pilot heads to Wanaka One of the star international pilots signed up for next Easter’s Warbirds Over Wanaka Airshow still gets goosebumps when he sees an F-117 Nighthawk stealth fighter-bomber in a museum. The F-117 was the first stealth fighter aircraft to be deployed by the United States Air Force and Dean ‘Wilbur’ Wright flew the aircraft on numerous missions during the Gulf War in 1991. “Because of my nature, I rarely took the time to reflect on the uniqueness of what I was doing while I was doing it. I had a mission to complete and I was purely focused on that. Having said that the very nature and ground-breaking achievements of the F-117 were not lost on me.” “It was by far the largest divergence from anything I had flown before. Not only did it not have normal flying characteristics because of its angular design but the mission was vastly different from anything I had done before. Most of the flying was night-time, single-ship bombing attacks and with very little pre-mission planning required by the pilot as most of that work was accomplished by the intel shop and then briefed to me before take-off.” ‘Wilbur’ says the aircraft was incredibly effective at what it was assigned to do, take out high-value hardened targets with pinpoint accuracy. “Now it’s been retired, I must admit I still get goosebumps when I see one in a museum.” ‘Wilbur’ will be flying at Warbirds Over Wanaka next Easter as part of the American Eagles jet display team. Back in the US he still flies at many airshows with The Patriots Jet team, widely considered the best civilian jet team currently in the US. During his illustrious Air Force career Wilbur flew numerous types including the F-16, F-18, F-117, A-10 Warthog, A-33B and Hawk trainers along with the Harrier jump jet while on exchange with the RAF. Another major highlight of his military career was being selected to fly in the USAF’s Thunderbirds F-16 jet display team – realising a childhood dream. “I applied three times before I was finally accepted into the team for the 1999 and 2000 seasons. Interestingly, the selection process is not all about your flying ability. To make it through the interviews and into a cockpit requires the other team members to buy into who you are as a person. Do they like you? Can they live on the road with you for eight months at a time?” Another big highlight was his time on exchange with the RAF flying Harrier Jump Jets. “The Harrier was the most challenging jet I ever flew. Also challenging at times were some of the accents of the other pilots. There was one particular sortie during my training when I was very thankful I paid close attention to the brief because my instructor was Scottish and my wingman was Irish and I rarely understood a word either of them said for the entire flight!” ‘Wilbur’ and his three compatriots will be flying L-39 jets during their display at Wanaka, the same aircraft type they all fly as current members of The Patriots back in the US. “The L-39’s have some interesting characteristics when it comes to formation flying. The engine has a dramatic lag in its response meaning when you push the power up, the engine’s thrust will not increase for several seconds which can seem like an eternity in the middle of a loop.” Wilbur’ says the L-39 is not as loud, not as big and not as fast as the F-16 or the F-18 but it makes up for that with its speed through a small turning radius. This makes for a display that stays in front of the crowd. “With our performance you won’t see those typical dead times between manoeuvres that you normally see with other jet teams.” The American Eagles will be performing on all three days of Warbirds Over Wanaka, March 29, 30 and 31.
GRANDSTAND SEATS STILL AVAILABLE FOR CHRISTMAS Our grandstand seating is selling fast. Currently we still have Silver Pass grandstand seats available for the Friday and Sunday. If you want a grandstand seat click here: premier.ticketek.co.nz/shows/show.aspx?sh=WARBIRDS24We still have plenty of General Admission tickets, either 3-day or single day, plus Family passes. Grab your family and friends, your camp chairs and come and make a day of it at New Zealand's premier airshow. NO CASH OUT FACILITIES
Warbirds Over Wanaka will continue to accept CASH AND CARDS for all purchases at the airshow. However, we will NO LONGER have cash out facilities at the event. This means NO ATM machines at the airshow next Easter. So if you want to use cash you will need to bring it yourself. If you don't want to use cash then all purchases will be able to be made using cards. We urge our international visitors to look at getting an international debit card, for example a Wise card, which you can load up with NZ currency before getting to the airshow. mailchi.mp/warbirdsoverwanaka/warbirds-over-wanaka-december-newsletter-9609942?e=13c60f4f9f
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Post by Dave Homewood on Feb 7, 2024 8:11:47 GMT 12
F-16 and C-17 Demo Teams Are Go Warbirds Over Wanaka International Airshow has confirmed the United States Air Force is supporting the event this Easter with both the F-16 fighter jet and C-17 demonstration teams heading down under. The F-16 Fighting Falcon team is based at Misawa in Japan with the jets being escorted to New Zealand by a KC-10 Extender tanker aircraft which will provide air-to-air refuelling. Meanwhile the C-17 Globemaster III team is coming from their base in Hawaii. Warbirds Over Wanaka General Manager Ed Taylor says they’re thrilled to have these aircraft confirmed. “The United States Air Force has been a major supporter of our airshow over the years. Their teams always put on top displays and their personnel on the ground are always great ambassadors for their country.” “The F-16 is such an iconic Warbird and not just because it can reach Mach 2 (2,000+ kph). The aircraft first flew in 1974 and is still being manufactured today - 50 years later. What a way to celebrate your 50th with a ‘fast and furious’ display at Wanaka. The F-16 is relatively small and light giving it amazing manoeuvrability – perfect for showing off in front of a big crowd,” says Ed. Not so small and fast but equally impressive is the huge C-17 Globemaster III which is set to fill the sky above Wanaka during the airshow. The American participation backs up an impressive line-up of modern military aircraft already confirmed by the Royal New Zealand Air Force. Highlights include the New Zealand airshow debut for the new Poseidon P-8K maritime surveillance aircraft which has replaced the P-3K Orion and what’s expected to be an emotional farewell to the C-130H Hercules which is performing its last major airshow display before being retired. The RNZAF is also bringing the Air Force Heritage Flight of New Zealand including the Spitfire, P-51 Mustang and Grumman Avenger. They will be flying with the modern Texan T-6C trainers which will also perform as the Black Falcons. Fans of helicopters will get to see all three RNZAF types in action at once along with the Kiwi Blue parachute team.
Grab a ride in a P-51 Mustang Long-time Warbirds Over Wanaka display pilot Graham Bethell will be performing his final ever low-level aerobatic display in his P-51 Mustang this Easter. Graham has been a fantastic supporter of our airshow in the past and for 2024 he has donated a 20-minute ride for us to use as a fund raiser as we continue to recover from losing two sraight airshows. This ride will be auctioned off by way of a silent auction at the airshow. Call into our information kiosk in our main merchandise tent any time from Friday morning to 3pm on the Sunday and lodge your bid. You could be flying high in a WWII fighter aircraft the very next day. Ticket Sales A reminder that tickets are selling like hotcakes for the airshow. Our top-of-the-line Titanium Pass tickets sold out in the first few days of going on sale. We have one (1) of these passes valued at $610.50 which has become available and the first person to contact ed@warbirdsoverwanaka.co.nz will secure the ticket. A couple of other ticket reminders: The only remaining grandstand seats available are Silver Friday passes All children up to the age of 16 are FREE on Friday There are heaps of General Admission tickets still available - both 3-day and individual day passes To book click here: premier.ticketek.co.nz/shows/show.aspx?sh=WARBIRDS24Bike to the Airshow Wanaka Airport is located 10 kms from the Wanaka CBD. There is a great trail ride which you can use to get to the airport. When you get to the airshow you will be able to bring your bike right into the airfield to park it in a specially designated bike park. If you are a visitor to town and wish to hire a bike to get you out and back to the airshow, or just to check out the Wanaka trails when you're not at the airshow, we recommend checking out the rental range at Bike It Now www.bikeitnow.co.nz/category/bike-hire/FLYING INTO THE AIRSHOW A reminder to those wanting to fly private aircraft into the airshow for one or multiple days you will need to book a parking space. We have limited aircraft parking this year. To guarantee your park book via our website: www.warbirdsoverwanaka.com/getting-wanaka/private-aircraft-coming-to-wow/
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Post by obiwan27 on Feb 7, 2024 11:21:47 GMT 12
Well, a little late as a 60th birthday present to myself, but I have just bought a One Day Silver Pass for the Friday Practice day.
The Opportunity to see the F16 perform again is too good to miss!!
Then there's the Corsair, Graham Bethell's swansong display and the Must23 debut - too good not to purchase a ticket!
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Post by ZacYates on Feb 8, 2024 11:19:45 GMT 12
Terrific news, thanks for sharing Dave! I was really impressed by the F-16 and C-17 displays at Ohakea in 2017 so it's going to be something special to see them at Wanaka (I know both types have been at Wanaka before but I've not attended since 2010).
And Ken: I totally agree. A great lineup already! (also a belated happy birthday!)
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Post by obiwan27 on Feb 8, 2024 15:20:23 GMT 12
Terrific news, thanks for sharing Dave! I was really impressed by the F-16 and C-17 displays at Ohakea in 2017 so it's going to be something special to see them at Wanaka (I know both types have been at Wanaka before but I've not attended since 2010). And Ken: I totally agree. A great lineup already! (also a belated happy birthday!) Thanks Zac - actually later this month and well before WoW, but yeah, just couldn't resist!
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chrisr
Squadron Leader
Posts: 102
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Post by chrisr on Feb 8, 2024 16:04:41 GMT 12
Well, a little late as a 60th birthday present to myself, but I have just bought a One Day Silver Pass for the Friday Practice day. The Opportunity to see the F16 perform again is too good to miss!! Then there's the Corsair, Graham Bethell's swansong display and the Must23 debut - too good not to purchase a ticket! We got a a two ship F-16 flypast on the Friday last time, was worth the ticket price just to see that. Hope you enjoy!
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chrisr
Squadron Leader
Posts: 102
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Post by chrisr on Feb 17, 2024 17:22:57 GMT 12
Wanaka are teasing a debut of a WWII aircraft to be announced Monday, how far away is NZ2308 from it's first flight?
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Post by ZacYates on Feb 17, 2024 22:27:23 GMT 12
Here’s the Facebook post the WOW team posted earlier, for the benefit of those who don’t do social media:
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Post by joey05 on Feb 18, 2024 9:17:05 GMT 12
Not holding my breath for NZ2308 as with test flights etc. would put her on a very, very tight timeline, saying that NZ Airshows have a history of last minute restorations attending! Could it be the COF FW190, don't recall a FW190 at Wanaka, but as Frank is the only current pilot and I assume he will be busy with Corsair NZ5648 so no current pilot available (unless Mr Frew is looking for something to keep him busy over easter).
Yaks are all still a bit off yet (CF2025 looking exciting). P51 NZ2423 is already confirmed as is Steadfast (which might be her first WOW?)
Guess tomorrow will be a very exciting day!
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Post by ErrolC on Feb 18, 2024 9:26:45 GMT 12
It's almost as if that second sentence is written so it could mean multiple different things on purpose.
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Post by johnnyfalcon on Feb 18, 2024 11:25:05 GMT 12
Does the L-10 Electra qualify?
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Post by FlyingKiwi on Feb 18, 2024 12:15:38 GMT 12
That probably depends on whether you consider 'iconic WWII aircraft' to be one statement, or the 'iconic' and 'WWII' parts to be separate... I would say it's probably not what they're referring to.
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Post by Dave Homewood on Feb 19, 2024 8:11:03 GMT 12
A composite image of the first three de Havilland DH.98 Mosquito aircraft restored by the hugely talented team of restorers at Avspecs. Mosquito Confirmed In a major coup, Warbirds Over Wanaka International Airshow has secured one of the world’s most iconic WWII fighter-bomber aircraft for its Easter 2024 airshow. The ex-RNZAF de Havilland DH98 Mosquito NZ2308 is weeks away from the end of a fifteen-year restoration in Auckland and the American owners have generously agreed to allow the aircraft to fly at the Southern Hemisphere’s largest Warbirds airshow before it is dismantled and shipped to its new home in the US. Warbirds Over Wanaka General Manager Ed Taylor says securing the Mosquito is the ‘icing on the cake’ for airshow organisers. “We already had an amazing line up for our first airshow in six years but now it’s gone next level with confirmation that we are to have a Mosquito on the flightline”. Ed says the news does come with a caveat. “Warren Denholm and his team at Avspecs are confident they will have the Mossie flying in time but there is always the possibility that there may be a last-minute problem which prevents that.” This is the fourth Mosquito restored by Avspecs and Warren has told airshow organisers his team has committed to doing “everything within their power” to complete the job on time. All four aircraft have been built for American customers. The only other airworthy Mosquito in the world is in Canada. Ed says having the aircraft at Wanaka may well be a ‘once-in-a-lifetime’ opportunity for many New Zealand and Australian warbird enthusiasts. His only regret is that Warbirds Over Wanaka founder Sir Tim Wallis, who passed away late last year, will not be at the airshow to see this great Warbird lead the fighter flypast. “We know Tim will be looking down grinning from ear to ear to finally see a Mossie fly at the airshow he started 36 years ago.” The aircraft will be test flown at Ardmore and then displayed at Wanaka by accomplished American pilot Steve Hinton. Steve, a former Reno Air Race champion, has flown numerous Warbird types, including the last Mosquito from the Avspec’s workshop, and is currently President of the Planes of Fame Museum at Chino in California. Barnstormer is a leading international apparel brand that specialises in crafting high quality, aviation inspired clothing and accessories. The company is coming from France to support the launch of locally-owned Barnstormer NZ-AUS here at Warbirds over Wanaka. In collaboration with the airshow, they have proudly crafted a high quality special edition polo shirt commemorating Mosquito NZ2308 flying at Wanaka. These polos will be available for purchase at the airshow, don’t miss your chance to own a piece of aviation history. F-16 team makes flying visitAn advance team from the US Air Force dropped into the Warbrids Over Wanaka office last week including Demo pilot Ethan Smith who will be performing at this Easter's airshow. It was Ethan's first visit to New Zealand. He was impressed with the stunning mountain landscape around Wanaka and says he can't wait to be back here in a few week's time - this time at the controls of one of the world's great fighting aircraft. Silent Auction for Mustang flightLong-time Warbirds Over Wanaka display pilot Graham Bethell will be performing his final ever low-level aerobatic display in his P-51 Mustang this Easter. Graham has been a fantastic supporter of our airshow over the years and for 2024 he has donated a 20-minute ride on Easter Monday for us to use as a fund raiser as we continue to recover from losing two sraight airshows. This ride will be sold off by way of a silent auction at the airshow. Call into our information kiosk in our main merchandise tent any time from Friday morning to 3pm on the Sunday and lodge your bid. You could be flying high in a WWII fighter aircraft the very next day. Ticket SalesThere are plenty of General Admission tickets remaining including 3-day and 1-day options - grab family and friends and your camp chairs and enjoy a huge day out at Wanaka. There are also Silver Pass grandstand tickets still available for practice day on the Friday.. To book click here: premier.ticketek.co.nz/shows/show.aspx?sh=WARBIRDS24Bike to the AirshowWanaka Airport is located 10 kms from the Wanaka CBD. There is a great trail ride which you can use to get to the airport. When you get to the airshow you will be able to bring your bike right into the airfield to park it in a specially designated bike park. If you are a visitor to town and wish to hire a bike to get you out and back to the airshow, or just to check out the Wanaka trails when you're not at the airshow, we recommend checking out the rental range at Bike It Now www.bikeitnow.co.nz/category/bike-hire/ FLYING INTO THE AIRSHOW A reminder to those wanting to fly private aircraft into the airshow for one or multiple days - you will need to book a parking space. We have limited aircraft parking this year. To gaurantee your park book via our website: www.warbirdsoverwanaka.com/getting-wanaka/private-aircraft-coming-to-wow/NO CASH OUT FACILITIESWarbirds Over Wanaka will continue to accept CASH AND CARDS for all purchases at the airshow. However, we will NO LONGER have cash out facilities at the event. This means NO ATM machines at the airshow next Easter. So if you want to use cash you will need to bring it yourself. If you don't want to use cash then all purchases will be able to be made using cards. We urge our international visitors to look at getting an international debit card, for example a Wise card, which you can load up with NZ currency before getting to the airshow.
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Post by machina on Feb 19, 2024 16:00:09 GMT 12
Awesome news for the show - absolutely gutted I can no longer make it!
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Post by ZacYates on Feb 19, 2024 16:18:25 GMT 12
Excellent news. That paint scheme looks neat and I must have one of those shirts!
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Post by johnnyfalcon on Feb 19, 2024 19:26:12 GMT 12
Bloody brilliant news!!! So, are those markings a combination of RNZAF and D-Day?
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Post by snaphead on Feb 21, 2024 14:04:51 GMT 12
where are the F-16 transiting from in NZ?? RNZAF Ohakea or Operation Deep Freeze Chc?
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Post by mcmaster on Feb 21, 2024 16:26:28 GMT 12
where are the F-16 transiting from in NZ?? RNZAF Ohakea or Operation Deep Freeze Chc? Based on last visit CHC.
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Post by planecrazy on Feb 21, 2024 17:26:15 GMT 12
Excellent news. That paint scheme looks neat and I must have one of those shirts! Agreed be interested to find out if you can get them from somewhere without being there?
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chrisr
Squadron Leader
Posts: 102
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Post by chrisr on Feb 21, 2024 19:56:04 GMT 12
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