Vintage aviator fighter collection open at Hood

One of Wairarapa's best-kept secrets has been unmasked at Masterton's Hood Aerodrome, says fighter plane collection project manager Sara Randle.
Last weekend was the opening of the vintage aviator fighter collection static display exhibiting World War I and II aircraft and replica, most of which are still airworthy, she said.
"The one plane we have here that is no longer flown was used in the King Kong movie and is set up for people to get their photo with, which is pretty exciting.
"The idea of the display is to not have ropes and guides but to let people get up-close-and-personal and get a real sense of what the planes were like in their early flying days."
The two oldest aircraft are the Nieuport XI replica, nicknamed the French Bebe, and the Avro 504 K, which was the first plane to cross Cook Strait, in a time of two hours and 20 minutes, she said.
"The French Bebe is from the 1914 era with an original 80hp Le Rhone Rotary engine and the 504 K is a 1917 replica, operating a more modern engine to allow us to fly to and operate this aeroplane at airshows around the country.
"It's a very similar design to the earlier model, built in 1912, and is the one surviving aircraft of its kind still airworthy.
"The two larger World War II fighter planes are the only surviving airworthy fighters that saw combat with the RNZAF during the war. They are national treasures and are right here based in Masterton."
Ms Randle, a qualified commercial air pilot, said the 15 aeroplanes on display would be changed around as the collection allows them to, with the exhibition running every weekend through until the end of April.
Weather permitting, one of the aircraft will be flown on Saturday and a competition is also running where every person who visits the display gets a chance to fly in the Curtiss P-40 Kittyhawk World War II fighter plane.
"This is a very rare opportunity and one of Europe's top display pilots will be flying the lucky winner, a flight that would normally cost someone up to $3000."
Ms Randle said Vintage Aviator Limited and Old Stick and Rudder Company, who are both contributing to the collection, have big plans for the future.
"Both companies plan to add to their collections and have big plans for future events.
"This being the first display is an opportunity for us to see how it works and how personable we can make it for our visitors."
The exhibition is open every Saturday and Sunday from 10am until 4pm and weekday bookings can be made at Hood Aerodrome for groups and school visits, she said.