The standard of aircraft and flying was second to none, with great displays of all eras of military aircraft throughout the weekend. Frazer Briggs again wowed the public with his freestyle aerobatic displays, but unfortunately on Sunday during a fast snap manoeuvre his aircraft suffered a catastrophic wing failure, and with a remarkable display of airmanship, he maintained control of the crippled model, knifeedged it twice around the circuit and managed to get it down on the strip with minimal extra damage.
This year, we were assisted by the Hastings ATC who looked after manning the gate and parking, a chore happily delegated out by members, and maintained a display at the field. We were able to make them a significant donation of $ 500 for their assistance.
At the conclusion of Sunday afternoon ' s program, Trophies were presented in the following categories;
World War One; Ray McPeake with his Ettrich Taube.( Hastings)
Sabre Twins... We were well supported by the Turbine fraternity, and seen here a pair of likely lads. In the far corner is the Stiver family F-86-F Sabre, built in 2008 from a Trim Aircraft moulded kit and powered now by a Jet Cat P60 turbine. The model is 66 inches square. In the near corner is Andrew Farrow ' s Skymaster model Sabre, powered by a Jet Cat P80 SE which he says is better flown by his 12 year old son James who has been flying for 5 years
World War Two, John Sutherland and his Fokke Wulf 190.( Have. Nth.)
Between the Wars; Grant Findlay and his Tiger Moth( Hamilton)
New Zealand Military; Jeff Clarkson and his Tiger Moth( Hastings)
Tony Withey from New Plymouth flew his big Air Macchi. This is built up and finished from an F. B. Jet Fiabio Kit and powered by a Behotech 130 turbine which develops 30 lbs of thrust. All up weight is 17.5 kg and the aircraft is now 5 years old.
Modern Military; Clint Kraidy and his MIG 25( Auckland)