Classic and new aircraft lined up for Tremains Art Deco Festival

The rare Catalina flying boat is returning to Napier for the Art Deco Festival after more than four years' refurbishment.

Some of the rarest aircraft still flying as well as one of the air force's new T-6C Texan II trainers will feature in the skies above Napier during next month's big Tremains Art Deco Festival.

As it has done for past festivals the Napier Aero Club has worked to organise and host a range of aircraft which will take part in displays, regular flyovers as well as parking up at Hawke's Bay Airport where people can get a close-up look.

For club members one of the aircraft they have managed to get to the Bay for the festival is making "a welcome return".

It is a PBY Catalina flying boat which has only recently returned to the air after a four-and-a-half year complete refurbishment.

It is one of only a few in the world still flying.

The aircraft had been a well known and enjoyed sight over Napier during its annual visits to the festival, until being parked up for the major revamp.

"It is back flying - it has a new paint job and it looks fantastic," club spokesman Dave Nash said.

"It's great to see it coming back."

The club was also delighted to secure several WWII fighter classics for the festival.
A Spitfire and a P-51 Mustang will both thrill the crowds below.

Mr Nash said getting such iconic aircraft to Hawke's Bay for the Art Deco Festival was something of a "coup" because it was at the same time as Wings Over Wairarapa.

"But they are staying here for this," he said, although the Spitfire was likely to make a quick run down to and over the Hood Aerodrome in Masterton at some stage.

As they have on an annual basis the New Zealand Warbirds Harvards will return and take to the skies with a series of aerial displays.

They will put on a dusk display from 7.45pm on Friday, February 17 along Marine Parade as well as spectacular Saturday and Sunday afternoon flyovers.

As part of the Friday evening display the RNZAF's Beechcraft T-6C Texan air trainer will make an appearance.

The Texan has replaced the CT-4E Airtrainers and is responsible for "delivering" 15 to 20 new air force pilots a year.

It will fly in from Ohakea, put on a display, and then return.

Art Deco skywatchers will also see a colourful range of another popular aviation sight - the Tiger Moth bi-planes.

The club confirmed that "several" aircraft from the New Zealand Tiger Moth Club were looking to join the Art Deco Aviation's Tiger for a spot of festival flying fun.

Art Deco Trust festival events director Glen Pickering said he was delighted with the line-up which would add more colour to what was shaping up to be a huge event.

He said it would also serve as a great tribute to the late Len Searle who was a devoted member of the aero club as well a life member of the Art Deco Trust.

- For aviation enthusiasts wanting to take to the skies themselves flights will be available in both the dual-seat Mustang and Spitfire. Flight inquiries can be made by calling Murray on 021 0285 3321.