Air Force Heritage Flight of New Zealand - News and Events

[Dave Homewood]

The Avenger is out for possibly the next year or so. It's engine shit itself a week or two back.

[tbf2504]

Damm! Know that feeling when it happened to NZ2504 and I was in the back of the aircraft at the time!

[Dave Homewood]

BREAK TO LAND

The Air Force Heritage Flight of New Zealand would like to thank all who took the time to see us this morning, Saturday 28 May. The flypasts went to plan with all points completed exactly to schedule. Unfortunately low cloud prevented people in Woodville from seeing us, however we hope that you at least heard us through the overcast!

This morning's flypasts marked both 80 years since the formation of the RNZAF's No. 14 Squadron, as well as the last Air Force Heritage Flight event for this summer season. The Heritage Flight has thoroughly enjoyed presenting to the New Zealand public their military aviation heritage, and have been blown away by the interest and support that we have received. New Zealanders who are avid aviation aficionado through to those who do not have cause to wonder about their military aviation heritage have engaged enthusiastically with the Team, and we thank you all for that.

The Team now takes a break for the winter. We will not be idle however, as the planning for next season is already underway. We are hopeful for the return of airshows which provide the Heritage Flight with the opportunity to present the Team in a more dynamic nature.

Please keep following this Page; we will provide updates and interesting articles as we count down the days to the 2022/23 season.

Thank you!

The Spitfire is operated by the Biggin Hill Trust.https://www.facebook.com/groups/119982544710555
📷 Biggin Hill Trust

[Dave Homewood]

I would like to say a huge well done and thank you to all the team involved in the Air Force Heritage Flight. The planning and execution of the flights you have undertaken over the past could of months has been exceptional, but more importantly you have taken the RNZAF to the people of New Zealand, right across the country, and shown Kiwis our Air Force in action. From the massive wave of positive feedback I have seen online and heard in person from people, I am sure that it has been an incredibly positive public relations effort. And you will have reached a lot of people who don't live near an RNZAF base and never go to airshows, and see the Air Force in action, so visiting them at their place has been really appreciated. I am looking forward to the next season.

[Deleted]

Lots of great photos on social media, looks like it went fantastically!

[Dave Homewood]

AIR FORCE HERITAGE FLIGHT AIRCRAFT Pt 1 – SUPERMARINE SPITFIRE Mk IX

The Air Force Heritage Flight of New Zealand fly and display iconic World War Two-era aircraft, of which the Supermarine Spitfire is possibly the most evocative.
Owned and operated by the Biggin Hill Trust, the Spitfire flown by the Air Force Heritage Flight is a Mark IX variant that was built in September 1944 and then served with the air forces of Great Britain, Italy, Israel and Myanmar. After decades on the ground it was restored back to flight by the Biggin Hill Trust between 2003 and 2009 and has been flown ever since.

The Biggin Hill Trust has painted the Spitfire in the markings of a similar machine flown by the then Wing Commander Alan Deere in 1943. Alan Deere was a highly accomplished and widely regarded New Zealand fighter pilot and fighter leader who was also the uncle of the founder of the Biggin Hill trust, Brendon Deere.

While Alan Deere did not serve in the Royal New Zealand Air Force (RNZAF) as he was a member of the Royal Air Force (RAF) he is representative of the many New Zealand airmen who have joined the ranks of the air forces of other nations during both peace and wartime. In addition, while the RNZAF never owned or operated Spitfires, many New Zealand airmen (including members of the RNZAF) flew or maintained Spitfires while serving in RAF squadrons during World War II. RAF No. 485 (NZ) Squadron in particular was specifically established for New Zealanders and members of the RNZAF.

By flying and displaying the Biggin Hill Trust Supermarine Spitfire Mk IX, the Air Force Heritage Flight is remembering and commemorating the service of all New Zealand personnel, no matter the force in which they served. It is also reminding New Zealanders of the risks and sacrifices that these members shared when our nation stood up for what was right. Many New Zealand airmen never got to see home again.

The Spitfire is operated by the Biggin Hill Trust
www.facebook.com/groups/119982544710555

[Dave Homewood]

Air Force Heritage Flight Aircraft Pt 2 – Grumman TBM-3 Avenger ZK-TBE
The largest aircraft flown by the Air Force Heritage Flight is the Grumman TBM-3 Avenger, an aircraft type of which 48 flew with the RNZAF during World War Two and into the 1950s.

As with the Spitfire Mk.IX flown by AFHF, the Avenger is owned and operated by the Biggin Hill Trust, based at RNZAF Ohakea. Built in July 1945 by General Motors (hence the TBM designation – aircraft built at the Grumman factory were designated TBF) this Avenger initially served with the United States Navy, including carrier-based operations, until 1957 when it was struck off charge, sold and converted to crop sprayer configuration. After 30 years of crop spraying and fire-fighting duties, the Avenger was returned to its original military configuration by Ray Hanna’s Old Flying Machine Company and was flown out of Duxford, England from 1988 – 1992.

Bought by Sir Tim Wallis in 1992, ZK-TBE was based at Wanaka until being sold to an Australian collector in 1998. After being purchased by the present owner in 2012, the Avenger returned to New Zealand after a 3,200km ferry flight via Lord Howe and Norfolk Islands in February of that year. Of note, this Avenger has maintained a continuous flying history since 1945.

Whilst designed to be a carrier-based torpedo bomber, the RNZAF operated the Avenger as a land-based conventional and dive bomber, with a crew of three. Equipping No’s 30 and 31 Squadrons, RNZAF Avengers flew combat operations from Bougainville against Japanese targets. Five RNZAF Avengers were shot down during these operations, with the loss of all crewmembers bar one who managed to parachute to safety.

The Biggin Hill Trust has painted the Avenger in the markings of NZ2518, an aircraft that was flown for a period of time by the well-known New Zealand aviator Fred Ladd when serving with 30 Sqn RNZAF. Featuring a cartoon of a flying beer keg, similar in rotundness to the Avenger itself, this aircraft was nicknamed ‘Plonky’.

On 5 June 1944, the original NZ2518 was shot down by anti-aircraft fire during an attack on Rapopo Airfield, New Britain. The crew, FLTLT Charles Prior, FGOFF Sydney Clayton and W/O Theo Scarlett, were killed.

During World War Two the RNZAF had two main tasks: training aircrew for overseas service and conducting combat operations in the Pacific. By flying and displaying the Biggin Hill Trust Grumman TBM-3 Avenger , the Air Force Heritage Flight is remembering and commemorating both the contribution made by the RNZAF to winning the Pacific war and the contribution and sacrifice made by RNZAF airmen during all wartime air campaigns.

The Avenger is operated by the Biggin Hill Trust www.facebook.com/groups/119982544710555


The original NZ2518. The aircraft was shot down on 5th June 1944 with the loss of all crew. 📷 Air Force Museum of New Zealand.


The Air Force Heritage Flight Avenger "NZ2518" captured in flight over Raumai near Ohakea. 📷 Gavin Conroy

[Dave Homewood]

Air Force Heritage Flight Aircraft Pt 3 – North American T-6 Harvard

The aircraft which is most flown by the Air Force Heritage Flight is the North American T-6 Texan. Named the T-6 Harvard by the Royal Air Force, New Zealand adopted the British name when the RNZAF introduced the type into service in 1941. While able to be armed, the Harvard was primarily used by the RNZAF as an advanced pilot training aircraft from which pilots would earn their ‘wings’. The RNZAF eventually flew 212 Harvards and didn't retire the fleet until 1977. Not all of the RNZAF's examples were retired however, as NZ1015 was retained for use by the Historic Flight; the forerunner to the Air Force Heritage Flight of New Zealand. It was in fact the forced landing of this example in 2018 that acted as the catalyst for the formation of the AFHF. Surviving relatively unscathed after its engine failure and subsequent wheels-up forced landing, NZ1015 is at present carefully stored whilst the AFHF is established.

Ray Hanna, one of the world’s foremost warbird pilots once said: ‘if you can fly a Harvard, you can fly anything’ and while not necessarily true in every sense, the underlying sentiment reflects why it was a highly successful pilot trainer when in operational service and why the AFHF flies the type today. The aircraft systems and handling qualities of the Harvard instill within new pilots the fundamental skills and attitudes that will then prepare them well for most other piston-engined warbird types.

AFHF utilises the Harvard very similarly to how it was used when in RNZAF service, i.e. as an advanced training aircraft that bridges the training gap between a basic tailwheel type such as the Tiger Moth and the ‘heavy metal’ warbirds such as the Avenger and Spitfire. As modern RNZAF aircraft are very different with respect to systems and aircraft handling, it is vital that new AFHF pilots are comfortable with flying the Harvard before they step up to the more powerful machines.

In addition, the Harvard is also extensively used to maintain skills and proficiency for the Avenger and Spitfire pilots. Annual flying hours for the latter two aircraft types are limited and are best spent through engaging with New Zealanders at displays, flypasts, etc rather than through conducting pilot currency sorties. The Harvard enables the pilots to maintain the core skills that they need to fly the Spitfire and Avenger, without actually having to fly them all the time.

The Harvard is also sometimes flown by AFHF for flypast or display purposes but generally by itself as its speed range makes flying formation with the other AFHF display aircraft an impracticality.

During 2022 the AFHF has so far been flying Harvard ZK-ENB ‘NZ1076’ which is owned and operated by Mr Rex Brereton. Built in 1941, ZK-ENB is technically an AT-6D Harvard III and served continuously with the RNZAF until 1977. Bought by Mr Brereton in 1978, ZK-ENB is a virtual time machine as little has been changed to it since its military days.

Of note, in 2014 the RNZAF introduced a new advanced training aircraft into service, the Beechcraft T-6C Texan II. The name ‘T-6 Texan’ was deliberately chosen by the manufacturer to honour the outstanding legacy of the original Texan/Harvard.

Harvard NZ1037 is operated by the Biggin Hill Trust. www.facebook.com/groups/119982544710555

Harvard NZ1076 is operated by Rex Brereton.

[Dave Homewood]

Air Force Heritage Flight aircraft Pt 4 - de Havilland DH 82a Tiger Moth.

The de Havilland DH82 Tiger Moth is perhaps one of the most iconic pilot training aircraft in the world. Designed in 1931, just fewer than 9,000 aircraft were produced and used to train pilots by Air Forces all over the world.

The RNZAF used the Tiger Moth as a basic trainer during World War II and the original aircraft were delivered to New Zealand after production in the UK. From 1941 the RNZAF started receiving Tiger Moths from Australia, before de Havilland Aircraft of New Zealand (Rongotai; now Wellington Airport) started manufacturing aircraft for the RNZAF, eventually producing 345 aircraft before the war ended.

Following military service many Tiger Moths were used in the civilian sector in the fledgling top dressing industry, as pilot training aircraft in aero clubs, or as personal aircraft for those who could afford them. Many are still flying around New Zealand and the world today.

Much like Harvard NZ1015, NZ662 has a rich history in RNZAF (and also NZ) aviation. After production in 1940 by de Havilland at Hatfield, Hertfordshire, in the UK under construction number 83492, NZ662 was shipped to New Zealand on the SS Rangitiki and brought on charge by the RNZAF on 04 October 1940.

During the war years NZ662 served as a pilot training aircraft on No. 4 Elementary Flying Training School (EFTS) at RNZAF Base Whenuapai and No. 2 EFTS at New Plymouth. In October of 1942 NZ662 moved with No. 2 EFTS to Ashburton. In January 1946 NZ662 was declared surplus to RNZAF requirements and was sold to the New Plymouth Aero Club and re−registered under the civilian registration of ZK−AIE. Following its time in New Plymouth ZK−AIE was bought by Aircraft Service (NZ) Ltd in Ardmore and was configured as a top dressing aircraft with a hopper placed in the front. During her services in this industry ZK−AIE was named ‘Doh−Doh’.
Following a crash ZK−AIE was rebuilt in July 1956 using spares from two Australian Tiger Moths, A17−74 and A17−330. Each of these aircraft had a rich wartime pedigree with service in the Royal Australian Air Force’s various EFTS’. This was a substantial rebuild and accounts for some of the more ‘modern’ (1943!) tags on the airframe.

From its rebuild in 1956 ZK−AIE was owned by various individuals until being deregistered in September 1965 and shipped to Fiji. In Fiji she was re−registered as VQ-FAG and reconditioned by the Nausori Aero Group, being rebuilt and flown in Fiji on 31 March 1967. After the aircraft Certificate of Airworthiness lapsed in October 1970 the aircraft was stored in Nausori, Fiji. She was re-registered as DQ-FAG in October 1971 but was not flown.

In 1973 the aircraft was returned to New Zealand after being purchased by Mr G. R. Kingsbury of mid Canterbury. The aircraft was not re-registered in New Zealand and little is known of its history until being found with another dilapidated airframe in Mr Kingsbury’s barn in 1985. Negotiations with Mr Kingsbury saw ownership of the aircraft pass to the RNZAF Museum in Wigram, where it was rebuilt and re-registered as NZ662.

NZ662 flew again on 08 January 1987 after restoration by museum staff, and on 18 March 1987 it was loaned by the museum to the RNZAF Historic Flight to operate beside Harvard NZ1015.

In 2013 work commenced to place NZ662 on the CAA NZ register as part of the civilianisation of Historic Flight aircraft. During this time the aircraft was also extensively overhauled to a pristine standard by Hawker Pacific, including a complete re-fabric. After over four years on the ground NZ662 flew once again in the summer of 2016-2017.

The August 2018 forced landing of Harvard NZ1015 provided the catalyst for the formation of the Air Force Heritage Flight of New Zealand. With a focus on presenting the high-end aircraft such as the Avenger and Spitfire and the resultant requirement to maintain proficiency on the Harvard, Tiger Moth NZ662 has not flown since the end of 2018. The aircraft is however fully serviceable and the RNZAF is excited to see it airborne again soon.

As outlined previously, the Heritage Flight is a collaborative effort between the RNZAF and civil operators; the RNZAF provides pilots with civil qualifications and experience deemed appropriate by each Operator to fly the aircraft (as that operator’s pilot). In “Tiger ‘62’s” case, work is in progress to engage with a respected civilian organisation to facilitate the operation of this aircraft. In accordance with Civil Aviation Rules this will require the transfer of registration to the service provider, however as is standard practice with civilian registered aircraft, the title will remain with the RNZAF. The intent is to provide a pool of enthusiastic pilots from which future pilots of the Harvard, and hence “high-end” aircraft types, can be recruited from.

[Dave Homewood]

Air Force Heritage Flight of New Zealand Crew Pt 1 - Squadron Leader Michael Williams; Flight Commander AFHF.

This series of Air Force Heritage Flight of New Zealand (AFHF) posts will over the next few weeks introduce the RNZAF crew members involved in the Flight. Administered by the Central Flying School, AFHF is run on a daily basis by the Flight Commander AFHF; a role currently filled by Squadron Leader Michael Williams.

Raised north of Dargaville, Northland, Michael has been flying since 1994, and in fact flew an aircraft solo before driving a car by himself. Following High School he worked in the local area to raise funds for flying, which were subsequently used whilst obtaining a Bachelor of Aviation degree with Massey University. A short period employed as a flight instructor for the university followed before joining the Royal New Zealand Air Force in 2003. Graduating with his RNZAF "Wings" in 2004, Michael went on to Captain the P-3K Orion, as well as instructing on the Airtrainer, King Air and PC-9 (as an exchange instructor with the Royal Australian Air Force). Michael is currently employed as an A Cat Qualified Flying Instructor on the T-6C Texan II.

Flying has always been more than a job for Michael, and he has been fortunate enough to fly World War One types such as the SE5a, BE2 and RE8, as well as World War Two aircraft such as the Tiger Moth, Harvard and P-40 Kittyhawk. It is this experience which saw him suited to fill the Flight Commander role; initially for the former RNZAF Historic Flight, from which he led its development into, and introduction of, the current Air Force Heritage Flight.

Michael is looking forward to the 2022/23 air show season and what that may bring.

[Dave Homewood]

Air Force Heritage Flight of New Zealand Crew Pt 2 - Squadron Leader Sean Perrett.

Sean was born in England and joined the RAF in 1985. Following training he flew the Harrier on 1 (F) Squadron before becoming a Qualified Flying Instructor. As a well respected instructor on the Hawk, Sean was subsequently selected to become a member of the famous Royal Air Force Aerobatic Team, the Red Arrows; a position that he maintained from 1994 to 1997. Sean also flew operational missions in Bosnia and Kosovo and in 2001 was posted to 20 (R) Squadron to instruct on the Harrier.

Sean joined the RNZAF in 2003. He has flown the CT-4E Airtrainer (including two seasons with the Red Checkers) Aermacchi, Harvard, Tiger Moth and B200 King Air. He is currently an instructor on CFS, flying the T-6C Texan, and has been a pivotal member of the RNZAF Air Force Aerobatic Team, The Black Falcons.

Sean is a keen Warbirds pilot, and feels privileged to have flown the Biggin Hill Trust's Supermarine Spitfire since 2009. It is this aircraft and the North American Harvard that he flies for the Air Force Heritage Flight of New Zealand.

The Spitfire is operated by the Biggin Hill Trust. www.facebook.com/groups/119982544710555

[Dave Homewood]

A Winter's Radial Rumble.

Whilst the Air Force Heritage Flight of New Zealand's public display season is generally confined to the summer months, a skeleton crew continue to maintain core currency through the winter. The aim of this is to enable a safe regeneration of the Flight as a whole prior to commencement of the next season. Today was one such a day, with SQNLDR Sean Perrett taking advantage of a steady wind and lack of rain to conduct some general handling in Harvard '76. People local to Ohakea may have heard the distinctive rumble of the Harvard's 22 litre engine this afternoon.

Winter operations, whilst not abnormal, do however bring their own considerations: the more forgiving grass runways are generally not available, and cylinder head temperatures need to be closely monitored to prevent them from getting too low. We also always try to avoid rain, as 300kmh water droplets are not good for the paint!

The Harvard is operated by Rex Brereton.

[Dave Homewood]

Air Force Heritage Flight of New Zealand Crew Pt 3 - Squadron Leader Stuart Anderson.

Stuart was born in South Africa and moved to New Zealand in 1997. With a Bachelor of Engineering degree from the University of Auckland, he worked as a product design engineer for a few years, but always had a passion for aviation and filled any spare time between work and studies with flying.

Joining the RNZAF in 2005, Stuart has flown the Airtrainer, King Air, Sioux, Iroquois, Texan, A109, Tiger Moth and Harvard. His RNZAF display flying experience includes seasons with both the Red Checkers and Black Falcons and as solo display pilot in the Airtrainer and Harvard. Stuart is a former RNZAF Historic Flight Commander (predecessor of the Air Force Heritage Flight of New Zealand) and enjoys presenting aircraft significant to the RNZAF’s heritage to the public and hopes to inspire the next generation of aviators.

Stuart is currently the Standardisation Officer at the Central Flying School, Ohakea. When he’s not at work, he can usually be found flying elsewhere – often in vintage or historic aircraft. Stuart feels very privileged to have been afforded so many opportunities in aviation.

[Dave Homewood]

Air Force Heritage Flight of New Zealand Crew Pt 4 - Squadron Leader Paul Stockley.

Paul joined the RNZAF in 1987 and on completion of pilot training was posted to No. 3 Squadron to fly the UH-1H Iroquois helicopter. Qualifying as a flying instructor in 1996, Paul has since instructed on both helicopters and fixed wing aircraft, including an exchange tour with the Royal Australian Air Force flying the Pilatus PC9/A and full-time service with the Royal Air Force flying the Short Tucano.

A display pilot for many of the aircraft types he has flown, Paul has also been a member of the Red Checkers and has led the RNZAF Black Falcons formation aerobatics team. He is currently a Central Flying School T-6C Texan II instructor.

Having previously flown the Tiger Moth for the now defunct RNZAF Historic Flight, Paul recently converted onto the Harvard and following the retirement of Jim Rankin has now stepped up to flying the Grumman Avenger.

The Avenger is operated by the Biggin Hill Trust. www.facebook.com/groups/119982544710555

[Dave Homewood]

Air Force Heritage Flight of New Zealand Crew Pt 5 – Squadron Leader Jim Rankin.

SQNLDR (now Mr) Jim Rankin has had a long career in the RNZAF, being lucky enough to fly in a number of roles and aircraft types. This includes the Andover, Hercules, Strikemaster, Macchi, Iroquois, King Air and many years on the Airtrainer. He flew with the Red Checkers for five seasons; four of these as team leader.

During a posting to Wigram he was the then Historic Flight Commander, and completed many displays in the RNZAF Harvard and Tiger Moth.

For over 20 years Jim has been the primary RNZAF Display Director and planner. In that time he has organised over 250 air displays, including four Ohakea Open Days and many events at Wanaka, Omaka, Tauranga, Napier and Masterton.

Jim also worked part-time for CAA for 20 years, primarily conducting Av-Kiwi and Aviation Safety Officer courses.

In the civil world he has flown a vast array of different types, including The Vintage Aviator Ltd’s Fokker Triplane. He is also proudly rated on the Catalina. He will most likely however be best recognised for his ten years flying the Biggin Hill Trust's immaculate Grumman Avenger “Plonky”.

As alluded to in a previous post, Jim recently retired from the RNZAF and as such has handed over his role as the pilot of the mighty Grumman Avenger - and leader of the AFHF display team - to SQNLDR Paul Stockley. He describes the recent Heritage Flight trips to Auckland and Christchurch as a highlight and a fantastic swansong to his 44 ½ years-service in the RNZAF. Jim will not be a stranger around Ohakea however, as he is now employed by the NZDF as a civilian.

The Air Force Heritage Flight of New Zealand is indebted to Jim for not just his many years of dedicated service, but for the way he has helped nurture all that are involved in the AFHF.

Thank you Sir!

The Avenger is operated by the Biggin Hill Trust. www.facebook.com/groups/119982544710555

[Dave Homewood]

Thank You Rex!

Today marked the last flight of Harvard "NZ1076" with the Air Force Heritage Flight of New Zealand (AFHF). Operated by Rex Brereton, the AFHF have relied on Rex and this aircraft to provide the pivotal currency flying required to competently fly the much more limited hours available on the Avenger and Spitfire.

The very first flight in the history of the AFHF was conducted by this aircraft on 31 Jan 2022, when inaugural Flight Commander SQNLDR Michael Williams flew the aircraft on a local handling sortie from Feilding to RNZAF Ohakea.

A well known and incredibly original aircraft, '76 has been a special privilege to fly. Ranging far and wide with the AFHF, '76's most notable event was on Anzac Day when it flew all of the way to Waipapakauri in the far North of New Zealand. Additionally, most of the Gavin Conroy air to air photographs that the AFHF have used to promote the Flight were taken from '76.

In a strange and totally accidental coincidence, '76 flew 76 times with the AFHF; a detail that wasn't realised until after the last flight when the totals were added. It is a credit to Rex that remarkably few technical faults were experienced during this time; all of which were simply and promptly rectified by Rex and his nominated engineers.

Having now been operated by Rex Brereton for longer than the NZDF, NZ1076 proved to be a particularly nice Harvard. Each suposedly identical Harvard has their own character, and 76's airframe in particular was noted as being especially "straight" with markedly less changes in rudder trim required throughout the speed range than many other examples.

The Air Force Heritage Flight of New Zealand now looks forward to the return of the Biggin Hill Trusts Harvard NZ1037.
www.facebook.com/groups/119982544710555 It was in fact the scheduled engine change for '37 which resulted in the utilisation of '76; a gesture however that Rex Brereton was under no obligation to provide, and one for which the NZDF will remain grateful for.

Thank you Rex for trusting us with your family heirloom. May '76 continue to fly for many years to come.

[Dave Homewood]

COMMAND CHANGE

The Air Force Heritage Flight of New Zealand (AFHF) is facilitated at a daily level by the Flight Commander; a position held since inception by Squadron Leader Michael Williams. Recent staff movements within the Royal New Zealand Air Force sees SQNLDR Williams being posted to No. 14 Squadron, where he will instruct trainees on their way to becoming pilots within the RNZAF and Royal New Zealand Navy. With the position of Flight Commander AFHF being with the Central Flying School, Michael's posting requires a new Flight Commander to be assigned, and the Flight is excited to announce Squadron Leader Sean Perrett as taking on this important role.

Sean is a highly respected and experienced member of New Zealand's heritage aviation community, and this experience will be invaluable as he leads AFHF into the future.

m.facebook.com/story.php?story_fbid=157394470228160&id=100078728232300

AFHF thanks Michael for all that he has done for the Flight, which includes leading its very inception from the previous RNZAF Historic Flight. Michael will continue to fly for AFHF, and is excited to see what this brings.

[Dave Homewood]

WELCOME BACK HARVARD ’37 AND UPCOMING EVENT
With the routine engine refurbishment complete on the Biggin Hill Trust’s Harvard NZ1037, the Air Force Heritage Flight (AFHF) welcomes back this vital aircraft.

With the Spitfire and Avenger's hours being necessarily limited and carefully husbanded, the bulk of the AFHF’s annual hours allocation is set aside for the Harvard. In this manner the Harvard is viewed as the critical enabler for crews to subsequently conduct safe and proficient display duties on these more exotic types.

Many will recall that Rex Brereton’s Harvard NZ1076 was utilised by the AFHF last year whilst Harvard ‘37’s engine underwent a routine hours-based overhaul; ’76 is a time capsule example of the type and was greatly appreciated by all that were lucky enough to be associated with it. Likewise the Biggin Hill Trust’s Ohakea based ’37 is in immaculate condition and AFHF crews have been impressed by the performance of its now “zero-timed” engine; local residents will no doubt have noticed the return of its distinctive sound as the AFHF pilots regain their proficiency on type.

Like many aviation enthusiasts from around New Zealand and overseas, the AFHF was disappointed to not be able to display at February’s Wings over Wairarapa Air Festival; this outstanding event being logically postponed to 24-26 November due to the effects of Cyclone Gabrielle.

In the meantime however the AFHF and the air show public can look forward to the Flight’s participation at Yealands Classic Fighters Omaka held over Easter Weekend 7th – 9th of April. The AFHF have something very special in mind for this event so be sure to attend!
Please note that due to a technical issue the Avenger will not be conducting flying operations for the AFHF at Yealands Classic Fighters.
The Spitfire and Harvard '37 are operated by the Biggin Hill Trust.

[Dave Homewood]

ANZAC DAY FLYPASTS
Beechcraft T-6C Texan IIs from the Central Flying School and the Air Force Heritage Flight Supermarine Spitfire will fly in formation over the lower North Island this Anzac Day, 25 April.

Departing Ohakea at 0930 the formation will fly over Sanson, Rongotea, Himatangi Beach, Foxton Beach and Foxton before following the Coast to Te Horo Beach. From there the Team will track north east via Otaki, Levin and Shannon to Palmerston North before passing through the Manawatu Gorge to Woodville via Ashhurst. East of the ranges the formation will track as far as Waipukurau and Otane before doubling back to Pahiatua via Dannevirke. Once west of the ranges again the Team will track to Mangaweka before returning to Ohakea via Wanganui, Marton and Feilding.

Exact routing-including the best vantage points and intermediate flypast locations not mentioned above-will be published right here on this page in due course.

The Spitfire is operated by the Biggin Hill Trust www.facebook.com/groups/119982544710555

📷 The Biggin Hill Trust

[Dave Homewood]

ANZAC DAY SPITFIRE FLYPAST SCHEDULE
The Air Force Heritage Flight of New Zealand are excited to announce the flypast program for this coming Anzac Day, Tuesday 25 April. Consisting of the Supermarine Spitfire and three modern Beechcraft T-6C Texan IIs of the Central Flying School, the formation will depart from Ohakea before flying the route detailed below.

The Supermarine Spitfire almost needs no introduction, as it is a machine that is integral to New Zealand's military aviation heritage; the Royal Air Force's No. 485 (New Zealand) Squadron operated the type during World War II, and many other New Zealanders fought this aircraft during that conflict. The example involved in the flypasts this coming Anzac Day is marked in the colours of the famous New Zealand fighter ace and leader, Air Commodore Alan Deere. It is a special privilege for the RNZAF to be able to participate in Tuesday's event in conjunction with such an iconic aeroplane.

The inclusion of the Beechcraft T-6C Texan II aircraft links our military aviation heritage with the modern RNZAF; the Texan II is the training aircraft that all New Zealand Defence Force pilots must master before progressing onto our operational types.

Please find below the schedule for Anzac Day, Tuesday 25 April 2023. Please note that the event is highly weather dependant, however rest assured that we will do all that we can to achieve the flypasts as listed whilst preserving our Spitfire; a tangible example of when New Zealanders stood up for what is right.
Be sure to comment with your pictures and video!

0936 Sanson
0937 Rongotea
0939 Tangimoana (School)
0941 Himatangi Beach (Hunia Terrace)
0942 Foxton Beach (Beach)
0943 Foxton (Cnr. SH1 and Union St)
0945 Waitarere Beach (Surf Life Saving Club)
0946 Hokio Beach (Cnr Kemp St and Hokio Beach Rd)
0947 Waikawa Beach (Hank Edwards Reserve)
0948 Otaki Beach (Marine Parade)
0949 Te Horo Beach (Cnr. Rodney Ave and Granville St)
0950 Te Horo (Cnr. Gear Rd and School Rd)
0951 Otaki (Cnr. Old SH1 and Mill Rd)
0954 Levin (Levin Domain)
0956 Shannon (Te Maire Park)
0957 Tokomaru (Cnr. Makerua Rd and Tokomaru E Rd)
0959 Linton (Cnr. SH57 and Hewitts Rd)
1000 Palmerston North (The Square)
1003 Ashhurst (Post Office Corner Reserve)
1004 Woodville (Cnr. SH2 and SH3)
1015 Waipukurau (Cnr. SH2 and Bogle Brothers Esplanade)
1016 Waipawa (High St CBD)
1017 Otane (Cnr. Miller St and Higginson St)
1021 Takapau (Cnr. Charlotte St and Sydney St)
1023 Norsewood (Thor St)
1024 Makotuku (Forward St)
1026 Dannevirke (Cnr. Miller St and SH2)
1029 Kumeroa (Tattershall Rd)
1031 Mangatainoka (Cnr. SH2 and Makuri St)
1032 Pahiatua (Cnr. Main St and Mangahao Rd)
1032 Mangamutu (Cnr. Mangahoa Rd and Scarborough Rd)
1035 Papatawa (SH2)
1038 Pohangina (Cnr. Finnis Rd and Pohangina Rd)
1040 Kimbolton (Kimbolton Hall)
1042 Apiti (Apiti Hall)
1045 Mangaweka (Cnr. SH1 and Raumaewa Rd)
1049 Hunterville (Queens Park)
1055 Aramoho (Cemetery)
1056 Whanganui (Cooks Gardens)
1058 Fordell (Cnr. No. 2 Line and Station Rd)
1101 Marton (Cnr. High St and Broadway)
1103 Halcombe (Cnr. Stanway Rd and Willoughby St)
1105 Feilding (Feilding Town Clock)

The Spitfire is operated by the Biggin Hill Trust
www.facebook.com/groups/119982544710555