The two FE2bs form part of The Vintage Aviator's outstanding collection of aircraft that can be viewed regularly.
There are also three British SE5A, a Sopwith Triplane, a Sopwith Camel, DH-4, the original BE 2 and German Fokker Dr.1 Triplanes to name but a few. Most are powered by original WWI aero engines and the reproduction aircraft and engines are made by specialist engineers and craftspeople in the Wellington-based workshop.
They are neatly displayed in the hangar, each with information boards outlining relevant statistics, making it interesting to digest, even for those with limited aviation knowledge.
There are also viewing platforms which allow visitors to see inside the cockpits of most display aircraft and to take photos.
This summer, the hangar is open for tours during non-flying, as it is every weekend, 10am-4pm, until April. In January much of the collection will fly at the Wings Over Wairarapa airshow (January 16-18) ... with many not seen in the skies for more than 80 years.
John Lanham, a former RNZAF strike-wing commander, says it takes specialist pilots to fly these magnificent and rare aircraft.
"Even a highly competent modern pilot would be pretty much at a loss at first, because these aircraft are so different," he says. "They have enormous character and are relatively gentle. They fly at low speeds but are highly manoeuvrable."
-The Vintage Aviator is based at Hood Aerodrome in Masterton and open weekends, 10am-4pm, from November to April. Website: www.thevintageaviator.co.nz