Dannevirke aviation fan takes to skies in P51 Mustang at Art Deco Weekend

Pilot Graham Bethell, left, who gave Dannevirke's Mark Redward the thrill of a lifetime in this P51 Mustang over Napier at Art Deco Weekend. Photo / Supplied

For Dannevirke's Mark Redward, taking to the air in a P51 Mustang was a once-in-a-lifetime experience he'll never forget.

The Mustang, along with Tiger, Gypsy and Fox Moth aircraft and a DC3, were part of the Tremains Art Deco Festival celebrations and Mr Redward said he wasn't going to miss the opportunity to fly in the Mustang with ex-RNZAF strike pilot Graham Bethell.

"It was something very special to be in the 70-year-old aircraft which flew along with Lancasters and other bombers during their raids on Germany in World War II," Mr Redward said.

"Along with the Spitfire, the P51 Mustang was fighter cover for Bomber Squadron, so they are an important part of history."

Mr Redward, who was one of just six people to take a flight in the Mustang on the weekend, said his seat in the cockpit behind the Mustang pilot, was a "comfortable squeeze".

"We flew out to Waimarama and I was able to experience full aerobatics, with a roll and a loop-the-loop."

Mr Redward also treated two young family members to a flight in a vintage Moth and they too had been "buzzing".