The power and passion behind FULL NOISE

The roar of a V12 engine slicing through the Marlborough sky signals the presence of Full Noise, a Yak-3 WWII fighter plane that doubles as an elite air racer. Behind this stunning aircraft are aviation enthusiasts Graeme Frew and Paula Theodore, a couple whose shared passion for flight has propelled them onto the international stage. From exhilarating joyrides to high-speed air racing in Reno, Nevada, their Yak-3 has become an icon of warbird aviation, and its return to public display is set to be a highlight of this year’s Classic Fighters Omaka Airshow.

Words: Amy Russ

For Graeme, the sky has always been home. Beginning his career as an engineer in the Royal New Zealand Air Force, he earned his pilot qualification in 1987 before flying Andover and Hercules transport aircraft. His service took him across the globe, from United Nations missions in Iran to navigating the frozen expanse of Antarctica. In 1995, Graeme transitioned to commercial aviation and now serves as a Boeing 777 captain. But even as he travelled the world, his love for warbird aviation never faded.

Paula’s diverse background in corporate Europe, event management, and commercial grape growing, brings a complementary skill set to the partnership. Her expertise in branding, marketing, and media has been instrumental in sharing Full Noise’s journey with aviation fans. A self-proclaimed petrol-head, Paula was the one who christened the Yak-3 “Full Noise,” capturing the spirit of the aircraft’s all-out racing potential.

From restoration to racing glory, the journey with Full Noise began in 2004. Originally based in the United States, as one of only ten 1993-production Yak-3 models, the aircraft needed a complete overhaul. The restoration took place at Omaka’s JEM Aviation, where the team meticulously rebuilt the airframe, engine, and systems.

When the Yak-3 took to the skies again in 2012, Graeme had a bold vision: to take Full Noise to the world’s fastest motorsport, the National Championship Air Races in Reno, Nevada. In 2017, a dedicated team led by Graeme and supported by Jay McIntyre of JEM Aviation packed the fighter into a container and shipped it 10,000 kilometres to the U.S. Bearing race number 35 – a tribute to Kiwi motorbike legend Burt Munro – Full Noise competed in the prestigious Unlimited category, reaching speeds and performance levels few Yak-3s have ever achieved.

“The journey was not without its challenges as the sponsored race motor had to be changed out for the stock engine overnight,” says Graeme. “The team carried out a three-day engine change in 16 hours, and in a thunderstorm too. This enabled us to continue racing, and Full Noise went from starting at the back of the bronze on Thursday to qualifying for the gold final on Sunday.” The team returned in 2018, when they shipped the container straight to Reno to be reassembled in plain view on the race ramp.

“Full Noise quickly became known as ‘The Yak in a Box,’ and we were ‘that bunch of crazy Kiwis!’” With lessons well learned, the team qualified Full Noise straight into the elite Unlimited Gold field. Some seven years on, it’s still the camaraderie and friendship of the small team forged in the heat of adrenaline-fueled racing that remain the fondest memories for Graeme and Paula.

Since then, the aircraft has undergone extensive enhancements that make it a one-of-a kind Yak-3. “Jay and the guys at JEM have crafted the refresh while at times leaning on the skill and expertise of the clever team at Classic Aircraft Machining Services and the metal shaping skills of Richard Conlon at Tasman Coach Builders,” explains Graeme.

Full Noise is set to make its public return at Omaka, wowing fans with its power and grace. While the Yak3 is their aviation centrepiece, Paula and Graeme have built an entire experience around their passion.

Their business, Fighter Flights, offers everything from highspeed scenic flights over wine country to adrenaline pumping joyrides. Meanwhile, their accommodation business, Copper Black, provides a luxurious stay for aviation enthusiasts exploring Marlborough. “Our love for aviation history also led to a partnership with Barnstormer Flight Clothing in France,” says Paula. Owners Max and Victoria are traveling from Paris to this year’s airshow to help visitors find the perfect aviation-inspired piece from their collection of polos, t-shirts, hoodies, and jackets.

The couple have a great love of the Marlborough area, with its diverse aviation scene at Omaka Airfield that includes the Omaka Aviation Heritage Centre. The centre is a world-class destination showcasing an impressive collection of military aircraft along with rare artifacts and personal items from legendary aviators – including pieces belonging to the infamous Baron Manfred von Richthofen. With the backing of filmmaker and aviation enthusiast Sir Peter Jackson, the centre opened its groundbreaking “Knights of the Sky” exhibition in 2006, featuring one of the largest collections of WWI aircraft and memorabilia.

A decade later, “Dangerous Skies” expanded the experience into WWII, offering visitors a deeper look into the Battle of Britain and stories from the Eastern Front. When it’s not in the air, Full Noise plays a starring role in the “Dangerous Skies” WWII exhibition as part of the Eastern Front display.

Jane and Graham Orphan, founding trustees of the Omaka Aviation Heritage Centre, are dedicated to preserving New Zealand’s aviation history by sharing the human stories behind the aircraft. “Often that story is one of challenge against the odds and the triumph or defeat inherent in all human conflicts.

One of our favourite stories is Lydia Litvyak’s,” says Graham. “As the highest-scoring female fighter ace of WWII, Lydia overcame immense challenges as a 21-year-old Soviet Air Force pilot battling German forces over Stalingrad.” When Fighter Flights offered to display their Yak-3, the museum saw an opportunity to honour Lydia’s story. They commissioned WETA Workshops to create a lifelike mannequin of the aviatrix, placing her in a snowcovered exhibit.

Airshow GM Gavin Conroy says Graeme and Paula have made a big impact on the scene, and this Easter, Full Noise will be joining aircraft from around the country and beyond at the Marlborough Lines Classic Fighters Omaka Airshow, a major fundraiser for the Omaka Aviation Heritage Centre. Renowned for its thrilling aerial displays and immersive reenactments, this year’s theme, ‘Putting
on the Ritz,’ will shake things up with an exciting new format. Friday will be a full practice day and an excellent opportunity to examine aircraft and classic cars closely, with a world-class fireworks display during the Twilight Extreme event.

“Saturday showcases classic fighters and displays from WWI and WWII, while Sunday features back-toback flying displays before the ‘Smoke & Mirrors’ spectacle, where every participating aircraft has to bring out its best tricks. It’s a celebration of the ‘30s era, and we’ll have the biggest gathering of planes in years,” says Gavin.

For those attending the airshow, seeing Full Noise take to the skies will be an unforgettable experience. “It is sharing the experience of flying in a high-performance fighter while remembering the sacrifice of those who flew and fought that continues to drive us to bring the Yak back in the blue where she belongs,” says Graeme. More than just a warbird, it represents the determination, passion, and expertise of a team who have turned their love of aviation into an extraordinary journey.

For tickets and more information, visit https://www.classicfighters.co.nz/