PLANE SAILING

The Fletcher FU-24 topdressing plane which stood on poles at the entrance to Gisborne Airport for over 21 years returned to terra firma yesterday. The plane was in a state of corrosive decay and needed to come down, Gisborne Airport manager Murray Bell said. The poles were also removed, ending an era of the plane greeting airport visitors. The Fletcher is to be restored by Gisborne Aviation Preservation Society. Pictures by Liam Clayton

The yellow topdressing plane at the entrance to Gisborne Airport has landed in a new home.

The aging aircraft was carefully taken down from the poles where it had been displayed for the last 20 years.

It was winched through the air, loaded on to a trailer, then transported to the nearby Tairawhiti Aviation Museum, where it will be restored by a team of volunteers.

“This Fletcher FU24 is a reminder of local agricultural and aviation history,” Gisborne Airport manager Murray Bell said. “After two decades outside in the elements, it was very corroded and needed to be moved, so we thought the natural home for it would be the museum.”

Gisborne Aviation Preservation Society's Barry Atkinson said they were delighted to take delivery of the donated aircraft.

“We'll give the Fletcher a good clean and eventually start work on restoration.

“It will sit alongside our wide range of exhibits, which feature a collection of paintings and models by Graeme Mudge, historical photos and a number of classic planes.

“There's lots to see and do here, including a range of activities for children.”

The poles, which were specifically designed to hold the top dressing plane and were donated by the Jex-Blake family, have also been removed.

The aircraft's removal marks the end of a long tradition of aviation craft-based landmarks at the airport entrance.

The entrance was home to a Lockheed Lodestar for 21 years before it was removed and taken to the aviation museum where it is still undergoing restoration.

That aircraft was removed from its position near the turn of the millennium.

Its restoration is almost completed.

The Aviation Museum at Gisborne Airport is open to the public on Sundays. Entry is by gold coin.