Omaka warbirds head to Wanaka
Flight leader Graeme Frew, left, confers with Ryan Southam, center, and Mark O'Sullivan before the three pilots head out midday Wednesday (1 April) from the Omaka Aviation Heritage Centre to the Warbirds Over Wanaka Airshow. Photo: Evan Tuchinsky
Aviators and other locals who appreciate aviation witnessed an unprecedented event midday Wednesday when three vintage fighter planes took off from the Omaka Aviation Heritage Centre bound for the Warbirds Over Wanaka Airshow.
Flight leader Graeme Frew and fellow pilots Mark O'Sullivan and Ryan Southam headed down the runway in quick succession before reconnoitering past the Wither Hills to fly in formation.
Putting three Yak aircraft, a model used by Russia in World War II, in the air at the same time is a first in the Southern Hemisphere, according to the pilots. They conducted a practice run on Tuesday and will fly during this weekend's international airshow.
Check the 8 April issue of Marlborough Weekly for more photos and details.
