RNZAF Heritage Flight flypast

nuuumannn · Apr 3, 2022

Hi Guys, it's the RNZAF's 85th birthday on the 1st April and a planned flypast of towns and cities didn't eventuate, so yesterday (Sunday here at the front of the world) the RNZAF Heritage Flight flew between its home base of Ohakea in the central North Island down to Christchurch in the South Island, stopped for a loo break and a pie and then headed back. They flew via Nelson, where I live at the top of the South Island for a flyover of the airport and town. I captured them over the airport, which provided an opportunity to get some local wildlife on camera too. A few from my afternoon's outing.

The RNZAF Historic Flight comprises two T-6 Texan IIs, a Grumman Avenger and a Supermarine Spitfire. The Avenger and Spitfire are privately owned and have permission from the RNZAF to camp at Ohakea. The Spitty was restored in New Zealand and the Avenger was brought into the country as well and are both owned and operated by Brendon Deere, who is the great nephew of wartime Spitfire pilot Wg Cdr Al Deere and one of New Zealand's highest scoring aces.

Alan Deere | NZHistory, New Zealand history online

Alan Christopher Deere is possibly New Zealand’s most famous fighter pilot of the Second World War. He was also one of the luckiest – surviving several near death experiences to become one of the outstanding pilots of the Battle of Britain.

nzhistory.govt.nz