This is the last Warbirds Over Wanaka for AFC

[Dave Homewood]

The Alpine Fighter Collection is being dissolved, and the Spitfire has been sold. It's going to Australia, Temora I believe. This was announced today and I got confirmation from AFC Chief Engineer Ray Mulqueen.

The other aircraft are now all on the market.

The next airshow in 2008 will be run by a community based trust rather than the Wallis family. Very sad news, but as Ray says, nothing stays the same. Sir Tim and his team started the serious collecting in NZ, and now others have followed. Hopefully someone else will fill the gap that AFC leaves.

The airshow today by the way was awesome. Three P-40's together in the air (two being ex-RNZAF) with the Corsair, till Garth Hogan's machine had to land early due to overheating (I'm told).

Also Spit and Hurricane routine flown by Nigel Lamb and Stu Goldspink. Awesome.

Lots of the other amazing highlights, F-111, Hunter, Yak 3, Polis, etc. Most of which I'd never seen flying before.

I'm so glad I came down here now. There'll never be another show quite like it.

[steve]

Happy Easter...great to read your updates at Wanaka...
Sir Tim has really been an inspiration for NZ aviation ..some one else will have to pick up the torch and run..
Wanaka is truely a lovely place ,however that runway is to short!! How about an extended Rotorua or Tauranga airport airshow to take some larger planes? Better still Hamilton/Waikato International , combined with the ballons over Hamilton weekend etc...

[mumbles]

Well that is sad news, but like they say, nothing lasts forever.

Thanks for the memories AFC!

It would be nice if the Hurricane stays in NZ. The Mk XVI flagship Spitfire has always been a star, but I think my favourite AFC aircraft was the ill-fated Mk XIV. I prefer late model Spits for some reason, and it was a blast to them both in the air together at the '96 show.

[corsair67]

Some questions for members of the forum -

* Is the "community trust" actually going to be able to effectively organise the next 'Warbirds Over Wanaka' (or whatever format it takes) in time?

* The Alpine Fighter Collection has always been the centrepiece of the show, but with all their aircraft being sold or in the process of being sold, who realistically will be able pick up the slack?

* As so many people loved to see the Spitfire in action, what are the chances of someone bringing a Spitfire to NZ for the next show?

* What do all these changes mean for the NZ Fighter Pilots Museum? The website hasn't been updated for quite some time: is this an indication that all is not well with the NZFPM either?

Just curious as to what you all think.

[Dave Homewood]

I can attempt to answer some of these questions.

1) The Board
From what I heard from people who know and not just gossip, there will be a certain number of people still involved who have been in the past. They said during the show in various parts of the commentary that the next show is already being planned. I was told Sir Tim will be acting as an adviser to the board, I guess he's just not taking such an active role as he has before (although how active he's been with recent shows' organisation I do not know).

I did not hear anything of Gavin Johnson retiring from the organisational side. Does anyone know if he'll continue on the board? I'm fairly certain Ian Brodie will probably continue with his input too.

2) Aircraft
Don't forget that currently there are several interesting aircraft based at Wanaka not owned by the AFC. The OFMC's Yak 3 was sold to a local. The LA-9 is there. Two P-40's are based there. One commentator said one of the I-16's had been just sold to a local Wanaka man so hopefully it'll be around too.

The Warbirds Association will undoubtedly continue to appear with their planes down from Auckland, Tauranga, New Plymouth, Papamoa and all the other places where their members live.

And there's the ever growing Omaka collection and other operators at that place who have projects on the go.

The RNZAF will be there obviously, next time maybe with new choppers (laughing!)

And who knows what else may be imported in the next two years, or gotten flying. I've heard strong rumour of Avengers and a Sea Fury coming this way. If it happens, no doubt they'll be invited to the show.

Don't forget the wonderful contribution from Mandeville too. Wow their aircraft are stunning. More of the vintage stuff that had war service and longer slots would be appreciated. It's not all about the heavy metal.

Now that the RAAF was such a huge hit maybe they'll bring more stuff over in future too.

Ow yes, and the wonderful Old Stick and Rudder Company collection is now about equal to AFC anyway.

I think there is certainly potential for a good show aircraft wise. Maybe not as big as this year, or as good, but certainly could be.

Also do not forget the place has become a hub of aviation people as well as planes. Many warbirds pilots who've maybe recently retired form airlines, etc, have retired to Wanaka simply for the warbird scene there. They will want to see it continue after their investment surely. Sadly with the AFC gone and the OFMC on the brink that is not so attractive now.

3) Spitfire
By 2008 there may be a few Spits already airworthy here. Brendon Deere's is apparently coming along nicely. The Subritzky's may get their's airborne. And there are a few being restored at AvSpecs which may be taken down for the show if they are completed at the right time.

Also, Sir Tim did drop a huge hint in his final speach that he'd like to see TB853 brought back across for the show. Maybe they have worked something out already.

4) Regarding the NZFPM, I have made a post already in the preservation section about how they are currently expanding. They have bought new land and a new hangar and are going to enlarge the museum significantly, something in the planning for the last 5 years. The museum is apparently all tied up in a trust and is safe for the future. It has many other interests involved than just the Wallis family it seems, so it looks like they set it up right just in case.

So, there are lots of ifs and buts involved, and a lot of hoping and praying, but I am trying to stay positive about it all. I have no problem with the decision the Wallis's have made. Good on them. I fully respect them for what they have all achieved over the years, and wish them well. I also wish the new community board the best of luck for next time.