Warbirds over Wanaka 2024

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Wanaka, South Island, New Zealand 29-31 March 2024 Report by Peter and Kim Davison After cancellation due to the pandemic in 2020 and 2022, justice was served when rare perfect weather blessed this, the greatest southern hemisphere warbird airshow. Both the Saturday and Sunday sold out in advance, creating a few traffic issues but hailed as a resounding success by attendees from many countries. This year's star exhibit being the first showing of the freshly restored de Havilland Mosquito from AVspecs at Ardmore, prior to it being shipped to new owners in the USA.

Mosquito NZ2308

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Mosquito public debut, Wanaka, New Zealand, March 29th-31st 2024 Report by Peter and Kim Davison WOW stands for ‘Warbirds over Wanaka’ the greatest warbird airshow in the southern hemisphere held at Easter on the South Island of New Zealand on even numbered years. WOW is also what many exclaim when the see this amazing restoration to flight of this de Havilland Mosquito the ‘wooden wonder’.

Moth Club Meet – New Zealand

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Taupo Gliding Club, New Zealand, 16-17th March 2024 Report by Peter and Kim Davison The Tiger Moth Club of New Zealand aims to nurture an interest in flying and sharing the magic and history of classic and vintage aircraft; particularly the de Havilland Tiger Moth. A dedicated group of like-minded enthusiasts formed the club at Taumarunui in 1969 and their common interests have grown to include types such as Chipmunks and Stearmans though, on this occasion, it was the DH82 Tiger Moth that dominated. The Sunday at Taupo on North Island also included the Clubs AGM. Fortunately fine weather blessed the calendar after two very wet days in the area.

Malta International 2023

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Luqa Airport and St Paul's Bay, Malta 23-24th September 2023 Report by Peter & Kim Davison This biennial gathering on a Mediterranean island was disrupted by Covid so had not been held since 2018; hence the local population was ready and waiting in large numbers, particularly with advanced notice that the RAF Red Arrows would grace their skies. With the commercial airport now busier than ever, particularly with low cost carriers, only the static display was held at the airport with an afternoon flying display to the north at St Paul's Bay providing a free show for coast lovers. Sadly, due to extreme winds and concerns for a maritime rescue should there be an incident, the Sunday display had to be cancelled.

Grass Roots Fly-in 2023

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Popham Airfield, Hampshire, UK, 18-20th August 2023 Report by Peter & Kim Davison & Colin Coulthard This eagerly awaited event is the annual gathering for microlight and homebuilt aircraft from around the United Kingdom. Although the early weather forecast looked fine a wind and rain event scuppered arrivals on the Friday but had blown through by Saturday lunchtime. Around 150 visiting aircraft arrived followed by nearly a hundred on Sunday.

Royal International Air Tattoo 2023

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RAF Fairford, Gloucestershire, 14-16th July 2023 Report by Peter Davison & Colin Coulthard Reputed to be the largest military airshow in the world RIAT certainly lived up to its name this year. Compared to the dry sweltering heat of 2022 the weather this year was disappointing; Friday was almost totally washed out with severe wind and continuous heavy rain, the Saudi display team being the only significant fliers. Saturday and Sunday also had frequent heavy showers but the sun shone occasionally. With numerous surface attractions with some shelter the crowds still came and enjoyed this amazing spectacle.

UK Grand Prix Helicopters 2023

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Turweston Aerodrome, Buckinghamshire, 9th July 2023 Report by Peter & Kim Davison The British Grand Prix is held at Silverstone Circuit and, as the event grows in status and popularity, the road closures and parking restrictions have increased to a point where dawn departures and extreme patience are needed to attend as a spectator. No doubt inflated hotel prices also limit bookings to those 'on the payroll' of sponsors or contributing teams. The need for a local helicopter shuttle has therefore increased to a point where circuit management of an aerial kind is required. The airfield at Turweston, headquarters of the UK LAA (Light Aircraft Association) provides the main base; particularly on race day itself.