Kittyhawk touches down on way to new home

An aircraft of great historical significance to New Zealand aviation touched down at Omaka Aerodrome in Blenheim yesterday as it flew to its new home in the North Island.

The only airworthy P-40E Kittyhawk that flew for the New Zealand air force during World War 2 stopped at the aerodrome to refuel on its way back from the Warbirds Over Wanaka air show.

For the pilot who transferred the aircraft to Wanaka the trip had even greater significance.

Warbird pilot John Lanham is a former commanding officer of the same squadron that flew the P-40E during the war.

"The aircraft flew for Number 14 Squadron during the war. As an ex-commanding officer of Number 14 Squadron to fly the aircraft from the former base of Number 14 Squadron at Ohakea last week was a very special privilege," Mr Lanham said.

The aircraft was brought to New Zealand by pilot Ray Hanna, who lives in the United Kingdom where he is a director of the Old Flying Machine Company, which restores and displays historic fighter planes.

Mr Lanham said that because of its strong historical links it was likely the aircraft would stay in New Zealand, possibly in Auckland.

- NZPA