CLASSIC FIGHTERS - THE RETURN OF THE MAGNIFICENT SEVEN!

[DaveM2]

All

Latest Press release - with more to come as we spool up for the show. Hope some of you can make it down (or across!)

Dave







CLASSIC FIGHTERS EASTER AIRSHOW – THE BIGGEST AVIATION EVENT IN NZ IN 2011!


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!

[JDK]

Lookout, chaps...

[PbyCat-Guy]

that's awesome, maybe I need to make a trip to new Zealand. Look out fokkers.

[TAdan]

The folks in New Zealand really seem to know how to put on a show! I cant wait for pics.

[Russell Smith]

I was there for the 7-Fokker flights at the 2007 show. 'Twas quite a sight!

[Dave Hadfield]

I saw those Fokkers in the museum at Omaka a couple of years ago. A stunning achievement! And great promotion on Graham's part.

On another subject, how many rotary-engined aircraft will be flying in the event? The Camel and the 504K?

Dave

[whistlingdeath77]

very nice

[Obergrafeter]

Looks like SNJ-5 better hurry with his WWI planes. He has one finished and one under construction........just five more to go. I will keep room in the underground bunker for you Russ.

[Sopwith]

Hi Dave,While you are on here ,any idea when the next Classic Wings is due? Thanks.

[DaveM2]

I saw those Fokkers in the museum at Omaka a couple of years ago. A stunning achievement! And great promotion on Graham's part.

On another subject, how many rotary-engined aircraft will be flying in the event? The Camel and the 504K?

Dave

Dave - Just in the 'prospecting stage' re the WWI aircraft at present (the theme this year is WWII). The locally based Sopwith Pup should debut though.


Sopwith- the latest is at the printers now, so not too far away. As you will have figured we are running behind-the airshow taking all our waking hours at present, with the magazine suffering as a consequence! We will get another out before the show in order to 'catch up'.

regards
Dave

[Sopwith]

Thanks for your prompt reply Dave.I'll look forward to it.