Historic warbirds dazzle at Classic Flyers Aero Day event

Squadron leaders Michael Williams, Sean Perrett, and Stuart Anderson.

Pieces of New Zealand’s aviation heritage graced the sky during the Classic Flyers Aero Day on Saturday. .

A Spitfire, a Mustang and a Texan, part of the Air Force Heritage Flight of New Zealand, touched down briefly to inspire a new generation of pilots.

Squadron leader Michael Williams said military flying was unique.

“It’s taken me to the North Pole, South Pole, all around the Pacific, Asia, and the Middle East,” he said.

The T-6C Texan II flown by Michael Williams.

These aircraft represented a time when Kiwis went abroad and fought in conflicts around the world, with some never returning, he said.

“That symbolises a time when New Zealanders stood up for what was right. The values of the Royal New Zealand Air Force back then are exactly the same as they are now.

“We had multiple crews that were lost doing the job.”

The Air Force Heritage Flight of New Zealand is a special squadron that operates within the Royal New Zealand Air Force and helps drive recruitment, Williams said.

Air Force Heritage Flight of New Zealand Supermarine Spitfire Mk IX i

Williams regularly flies the Heritage Flight’s Avenger, but an engine refit saw him fly the Texan today.

He said the planes are provided to the Royal New Zealand Air Force via the Biggin Hill Historic Aircraft Centre at Royal New Zealand Air Force Base Ōhakea.

“The Air Force is very fortunate to have that relationship with Biggin Hill Historic Aircraft Centre,” he said.

The North American P-51 Mustang.

Wiillams works with squadron leaders Sean Perrett and Stuart Anderson, each specialising in a specific plane.

Perrett specialises in the Mustang, while Anderson operates the Spitfire, he said.