Air Force personnel to show their skills
The Royal New Zealand Air Force (RNZAF) showcases its capability and personnel to the public at big events around the country each year and the 2018 display season is set to be one of the best.
The RNZAF Black Falcons aerobatics and Kiwi Blue parachute teams will display their skills alongside handling and static displays from the NH90, Seasprite SH-2G(I), and A109 helicopters to the Boeing 757–2K2, C-130H(NZ) Hercules, B200 King Air and T-6C Texan II aircraft, alongside the Second World War-era Harvard from the Central Flying School’s Historic Flight.
Air Component Commander Air Commodore Darryn Webb said taking part in these events was a great opportunity to demonstrate the capabilities of the RNZAF to the New Zealand public.
“Air Force personnel are conducting military air operations globally on a daily basis,” Air Commodore Webb said.
“The support we provide, especially the high number of recent natural disasters at home and in the near region, continues to make a positive impact nationally and internationally and we are very proud of what we do.
“Our people love getting out and interacting with the public. Describing what we do as an Air Force and demonstrating that in the air is a highlight of the job.”
The season will culminate with the Warbirds over Wanaka three-day event at Easter.
“Warbirds over Wanaka is always a tremendous event and a great opportunity to see our aircraft and people close up,” Air Commodore Webb said.
Appearances are subject to weather and operational requirements and all updates can be found on the Royal New Zealand Air Force Facebook page.
2018 Display Season Schedule:
January 20: Walsh Memorial Flying School — Matamata
January 20: Classics of the Sky Tauranga Air Show — Tauranga
February 16–18: Art Deco Festival — Napier
March 9: Black Falcons Display — Kaikoura
March 10: Hokitika Wild Foods Festival — Hokitika
March 11: Black Falcons Display — Nelson
March 17: Central Districts Field Days — Feilding
March 18: MOTAT Military Day — Auckland
March 24: Balloons over Waikato — Hamilton
March 29: Black Falcons Display — Dunedin
March 30-April 1: Warbirds Over Wanaka — Wanaka
