RNZAF Black Falcons take to Northland skies this weekend

The Black Falcons, from left to right: Squadron Leader Richard O’Flaherty (Falcon 4), Flying Officer Matt Biggar (Team Support Officer - Falcon 8), Lieutenant Commander Stephen Knowles (Falcon 2), Squadron Leader Paul Stockley (Falcon 1), Flight Lieutenant James Erskine (Falcon 6), Squadron Leader Matt Stapp (Falcon 3), Warrant Officer Darren Smith (Team Manager - Falcon 7), and Squadron Leader Paul Harrison (Falcon 5). Photo / New Zealand Defence Force

The Royal New Zealand Air Force’s Black Falcons aerobatic team will take to Northland skies this weekend as part of an upper North Island tour.

Six aircraft will fly north in formation along the western side of Northland to Kaitāia, before returning to Whenuapai along the eastern side of Northland and Auckland on Saturday.

Lieutenant Commander Stephen Knowles said the team was looking forward to the tour.

Many members of the New Zealand public would be able to observe them flying in formation, he said.

“... Which in itself is an important component of the military flying skills that are needed on the operations and exercises we are required to undertake.”

The RNZAF Black Falcons will tour much of the North Island this weekend. Photo / New Zealand Defence Force

Once they refuel on Saturday, the team will conduct an afternoon flight around the Coromandel Peninsula to Waihī, before returning to Whenuapai.

On Sunday, they will cover Gisborne via Waikato, Bay of Plenty and East Cape, and land at Gisborne before refuelling and heading back to their home of RNZAF Base Ōhākea.

The Royal New Zealand Air Force's Black Falcons aerobatic team will fly over Northland on Saturday. Photo / New Zealand Defence Force

All stages of the tour are weather-dependent and subject to operational considerations.

Brodie Stone covers crime and emergency for the Northern Advocate. She has spent most of her life in Whangārei and is passionate about delving into issues that matter to Northlanders and beyond.