Look up - replica Mustang takes to city's skies

Korean War veterans (from left) Peter Green, Ian McKenzie and Ron Pocock were part of the welcome for the Titan T-51D Mustang aircraft.

A new frequent flyer is taking to Whanganui's skies.

Wanganui Aero Club members and Korean War veterans welcomed a new Titan T-51D Mustang aircraft, owned by club member Mike Adams, at an event on Saturday, September 22.

The aircraft is a two-seat, dual control, three-quarter scale replica powered by a 912 Rotax engine and has a cruise speed of 120 knots. The P51 Mustang was used extensively in the Korean War (1950-1953).

Aero Club flight instructor Leroy Johnston said the aircraft would be seen frequently around Whanganui skies, with three display pilots rated to fly it.

"It now resides permanently based at the Aero Club's hangar which the public are welcome to view on weekends," Johnston said.

The Wanganui Aero Club was established in 1929 and was one of the first commercial flight training establishments in Australasia.

"Although not a 'flight school' any more, we still provide professional flight training for recreational to commercial pilot licences," Johnston said.

"In the last week we have had two students gain their commercial licences and one their private pilot licence.

"We operate seven days a week with a staff of five experienced part-time instructors and six aircraft. The business has grown substantially over the last five years and to meet wider demand in the Manawatū area we have recently opened a base at Feilding Aerodrome which operates Friday, Saturday and Sunday.

"The Wanganui Aero Club has a very active social scene. We have regular 'fly away' trips to locations all around New Zealand, weekly get-togethers at our clubrooms and participate widely in local and national aviation competitions."

People who are interested in giving flying a go can try a Discovery flight with an instructor for $79 or bring two friends for a three-person flight with an instructor for $99. For more information phone 06 345 0914 or email info@wanganuiaeroclub.co.nz