Far North skies set to buzz when Tiger Moths descend

CLASSIC BIPLANE: About 15 vintage Tiger Moths, like this one seen above Mandeville, Southland, will descend on the Far North next March for the annual fly-in. PHOTO/PETER DE GRAAF

Northland aviation buffs will be in biplane heaven later this summer when 15 vintage Tiger Moths descend on Kaikohe for their annual fly-in.

The event starts at Kaikohe Aerodrome on Friday, March 6, when the classic 1930s aircraft arrive from all over the country.

New Zealand Tiger Moth Club members will spend the following day competing in challenges such as spot landing, bombing, aerobatics, flying with instruments covered, and executing the perfect loop.

On March 8 they will hold their annual meeting before cranking their aircraft back into life and flying home.

Club member Graeme Wood said a large percentage of the world's surviving Tiger Moths were based in New Zealand, with more than 50 registered.

"It's a classic aircraft that appeals to the same sort of person as a classic car," he said.

The public was welcome to come along to see the planes and watch the pilots compete. There would be an entry fee on the day.

The club chose a different airfield around New Zealand each year, he said.

The Kaikohe aerodrome has grass runways of 1500 metres, one of the longest in the country, and 840m.

Tiger Moths were built by British firm de Havilland as a Royal Air Force trainer, starting in the 1930s. They were only replaced by the RAF in 1952.