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Classic Fighters Airshow News
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Classic Fighters 2011? YOU BET!
Get in early and book your accommodation for Easter 2011, April 22-24. We will be announcing the next theme and begin ticket sales from early 2010. Already the new lineup of warbirds is something you just won't want to miss!
Classic Fighters Committee
Classic Fighters 2009 Airshow DVD
This excellent DVD is receiving rave reviews and selling fast via the Omaka Aviation Heritage Centre and our online merchandise page. You can view the trailer below and the release trailer 2 on YouTube.
(click on the image to start the video)
Get the Flash Player plugin for your browser to see this video.
Order your 2009 Classic Fighters Airshow DVD now for $35 plus shipping cost (NZ$5 within New Zealand; NZ$10 overseas). PAL format.
"Congratulations on a fantastic DVD that manages to show the event as it was. An unforgetable experience!" P. Marton, Australia.
"I received my 2009 DVD in the mail today! It is awesome and incredible! Thank you for your efforts. I am going to hopefully arrange to make plans to attend in 2011!" R. Apitz, USA
The following is a review in the California-based publication Pacific Flyer
by Editor Wayman Dunlap
"Classic Fighters Omaka 2009
We've never been to New Zealand but here's something we didn't know, those Kiwis really know how to put on a warbird show.
The Omaka Aviation Heritage Center sent us a DVD that runs almost an hour about their 2009 show that was held Easter weekend in Marlborough, NZ. It was, truly, one of the best produced, best edited, most colorful and had the best background music of any DVD I've ever seen.
They only hold this show every two years and it's conducted entirely to fund the Omaka Aviation Heritage Center. Truly, the action never stops, shot from the ground and in the air by true professionals.
Here's a taste of what's on it: Yak formation flight, F4U Corsair, Venetian gondaliers being chased by a shark (trust us) across a field, several hundred reenactors with everything from WW II and WW I, including an actual moving tank with a working machine gun, a race car with a Merlin engine, a Vespa team that comes flooding out of giant twin engined Bristol transport, two UH-1 Hueys, a five plane formation act (the Red Checkers) whose planes were originally built by a lawnmower company, a P-40 Kittyhawk with Flying Tiger teeth, a freshly restored, authentic British Spitfire, a P-51D, T-6s, a DC-3, and as a special guest of the reenactors, Benito Mussolini.
A full pitched battle went on between the Kiwis and the Germans, with ground attacks, cannon fire (they even have a 105mm howitzer they fired), three rare deHavillands from the '30s, all flying - a DH-89 Dragon Rapide, A DH-83 Fox Moth and a DH-90 Dragon Fly (many shot air to air, beautiful!). Then the WW I fighters - British, French and German - took the air for some creative dogfighting.
Then a restored Avro 504K was rolled out, plus an Royal Air Corps BE2F, also "painstakingly restored."
The owners/pilots of many of these planes had pithy comments, often in funny accents, explaining how many hours went into rebuilding them - the Spitfire took 35,000 hours, for example - plus insightful comments from narrator Peter "Mac" McQuarters. The weather at Marlborough was absolutely fantastic for an airshow and they even held a night show, with fireworks and aerobatic formation flying!
The DVD we got wouldn't play on our old machine at home, so we brought it into the office and plugged it into our new MacBook Pro and it displayed beautifully. They told me that it's supposed to be playable on any set anywhere (except the one we have at home, made in 1895). The price of the DVD was about $29 but I lost the news release so check out their website at www.omaka.org.nz to find out and order one.
You'll want to watch this one again and we want one of our readers to have ours, so if you're interested, send an e-mail to editor@pacificflyer.com and put "Kiwi DVD" in the subject line. You have until the 25th.
Post-Show Bulletin
A month and a half after the show and we are finally breathing a sigh of relief following a mammoth effort by all involved. Best of all, with most of the final accounts now cleared, there looks to be a profit to donate to the Omaka Aviation Heritage Centre, which after all, is why we are here.
AIRSHOW REPORT
Classic Fighters 2009 will be remembered as the best event ever held by this small community. So many aspects of this huge undertaking fell into place so, so well. Before considering anything else, the weather was an absolute highlight. Described by one Australian visitor who wrote a piece for the US newspaper Pacific Flyer, we enjoyed consecutive days of "pure cobalt skies"! Nice!
Our aircraft turnout was good, although the RNZAF contingent was down and we also lost two WW-II fighters within a couple of days of the event, both suffering engine problems. Arthur Dovey had in fact already climbed to 10,000ft en route from Wanaka to Omaka when his propeller began to misbehave and he reluctantly turned back. We also lost some of the expected WW-I machines, however the debuts of both the BE2f and the Avro 504K more than made up for this, these significant restorations delighting the crowds in attendance.
Star of the show was undoubtedly Brendon Deere's exquisite Spitfire. Beautifully displayed by both Keith Skilling and John Lanham, the Mk.IX was a delight to all in attendance, some having traveled a very long way to see it.
For many visitors it was not one of the fighters but the Freighter that was the draw card, a number of people having indicated that they'd come to Omaka just to see and hear ZK-CPT come to life and taxi before the visitors. In the weeks leading up to the event Al and Marty had put in endless hours to make the old B.170 as pristine as she could be and it showed.
Another recipient of amazing input was the Junkers Ju87 Stuka which had been nearly completed in time for the 2003 show and which was subsequently badly damaged in strong wings. Lester Hope led a very capable team to bring this machine up to display standard just in time for the show.
Another area that needs mention here is the military vehicle department. We always enjoy a healthy contingent of military vehicles coming to Omaka for the airshow, producing a nice mix of Bren carriers, Blitz wagons, jeeps etc. This year was a little 
different as we were fortunate to be offered a range of interesting items from our friends in Wellington. These included a German Hanomag half-track, a Kübelwagen, and amazingly, an 88mm Flak anti-aircraft gun. The downside was that all of these vehicles needed work so a team led by Dave Lochead set about working wonders on these vehicles, repainting all of them in suitable authentic colours and markings as well as putting a significant amount of work into the 88mm gun to make it operational. This truly was an outstanding commitment, done well and in a short space of time. Well done to Dave, Tim, Craig and the rest of the crew.
The one other element is the organization itself. For whatever reason, this year we enjoyed the smoothest running event we have ever known. Everyone worked well together, meeting attendance was very good, communications were 
very good, and every department worked in a thorough and professional manner, meshing well with all other departments. This served to keep alive the positive buzz that kept us all in step for the duration of the organizational period.
Once again, to all who took part in this process, thank you!
Photos: Gavin Conroy, Phil Teague and via Lester Hope.
Thanks to Sponsors
Classic Fighters Charitable Trust wishes to extend a HUGE THANK YOU to the many companies who supported the airshow. Our teams of volunteers had need of a wide variety of materials and services, and when the call went out, companies responded with generosity and a desire to join in the effort.
From building something as ambitious as the monastery, to fencing materials, offering free use of vehicles, supplying generators, paint for the props or sponsoring the awards trophies, each and every gesture of support went towards making Classic Fighters a greater success.
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Classic Fighters Awards Dinner Winners
The Official Awards Dinner, held on the Easter Sunday evening of Classic Fighters was a huge success, with 320 attendees enjoying a fabulous meal, Allan Scott Wines and entertainment from pilot and singer/songwriter Suzy Scott. Following a welcome from the Omaka Aviation Heritage Centre Chair, Brian Greenall, the Awards were presented by Classic Fighters Trustees Steve Petersen and Graham Orphan.
Our thanks to the sponsors and congratulations to the winners!
- Kalgin International - Grand Champion Warbird - Deere Spitfire
- Aerospray Ardmore/Pioneer Aero - Grand Champion Vintage/Classic - Mackley Stearman
- Equus Industries - Grand Champion Trainer - TVAL Avro 504K
- Goldpine Ltd - Phoenix Award - Lester Hope, Ju87 Stuka
- Classic Aircraft Photography - Time capsule Trophy - Croydon DH-90 Dragonfly.
- AVSpecs - Engineers' Choice - TVAL BE2f
- JEM Aviation - Contribution to Heritage Aviation - Graham Bethell
- Classic Wings - Magnificent Machine - OSRC Corsair
The audience was the real winner at this year's Classic Fighters Air show
A crowd in excess of 30,000 was lucky enough to experience some of the best air and ground theatre in the world. "Classic Fighters is not just about putting war birds on the aerial catwalk, rather it's about recreating key moments in history featuring some of the world's most charismatic aircraft", says Aviation Heritage Centre Trust Chairman Brian Greenall.
This year's Classic Fighters adopted an Italian theme and included the re-enactment of the famous WWII Battle of Monte Cassino in which New Zealand forces actively participated. According to Greenall, "Preparation behind this re-enactment was huge and included the construction of a large scale replica of the Benedictine Monastery on Monte Cassino in the Wither Hills behind Blenheim". The Monastery was the centre of attention in the final battle sequence of the 
event which included no fewer than 24 aircraft, restored anti aircraft defences and a large scale ground battle.
"Our goal has always been to demonstrate the great acts of heroism in which these aircraft were used. Many of these aircraft changed the course of history and that's what we try to get across", says Greenall. Classic Fighters is not just an air show, its large scale historical theatre at its most entertaining!
Photos: The main entrance at around 10am Saturday, when the queue stretched as far as the Omaka Aviation Heritage Centre. Visitors were good natured and the backlog was soon processed. Photo Brian Pratt, Skyworks
An aerial view of the main public area with the Fun Zone bottom right and food outlets obviously doing a roaring trade. Photo Brian Pratt, Skyworks.
Elevated view of the Be2, the oldest de Havilland designed aircraft flying anywhere in the world, which made it's debut at Classic Fighters 2009. Photo Brian Pratt, Skyworks.
Pairing of two magnificent WW2 fighter aircraft, the P-40 and Corsair above Omaka at Classic Fighters. Photo Gavin Conroy.
Spitfire First Flight
Link to the TV3 news item here
Deere Spitfire Looking Good For Its Debut
If all goes to plan, one of the major stars of this years Classic Fighters show will be the debut of Brendon Deere's magnificent Spitfire Mk.IX, PV270.
Completed at last after a mammoth restoration over many years, the Spitfire is awaiting final inspection by the CAA before test flying begins, hopefully this week.
The entire Classic Fighters team wholeheartedly congratulate Brendon and his crew on their magnificent achievement and look forward to seeing this iconic machine in the skies over Omaka this Easter where it will be one of at least half a dozen top shelf WW-II fighters participating in the display.
Camping Sites
Sites are available alongside the airfield at $10 a night. Services are limited, so we suggest you come prepared to be self-contained. Sites can be booked online at Airshow Tickets or enquire at the Aviation Heritage Centre, 03 579 1305, email: info@omaka.org.nz
Official Classic Fighters Dinner
Join us and celebrate the success of Classic Fighters 2009!
Tickets are now on sale for the Official Classic Fighters Dinner, to be held on site in the ‘Experience Marlborough’ Marquee on Sunday 12 April, 7pm.
Dinner tickets will cost $40 and can be purchased online at Airshow Tickets
If you are wondering about other evening meal options during the airshow, onsite food vendors, including Continental Caterers, will have full meals or snacks available for sale on the Friday evening. The Marlborough Aero Club will provide a BBQ at the clubhouse on Friday and Saturday nights, but please be aware that on Sunday the clubhouse will close at 7.00pm.
Marlborough Lines ‘Twilight Extreme’ Friday 10th April
Our inaugural twilight show is shaping up as a not-to-be-missed event!
Following on from the day’s practice flying, a formal programme will commence at 6.00pm - 8.00pm. We have several WW2 fighter aircraft lined up, the Bristol Freighter taxiing past the crowd with lights and dramatic exhaust flame and Kiwi Blue jumping from a DC3. With daylight savings behind us, we will be well into darkness by 7.00pm when the RNZAF Iroquois can demonstrate their amazing ‘night sun’. The ground scenario will include the firing of some of the more antique military equipment, seen to best advantage in the darkness, while overhead searchlights will scan the sky for any potential threat from above. The evening will end with a simulated aerial raid on Italy’s Taranto Harbour and if all goes to plan, the fireworks of a successful hit!
DEERE SPITFIRE TO DEBUT AT CLASSIC FIGHTERS
At RNZAF BASE OHAKEA in New Zealand's lower North Island, work is nearing completion on the restoration to flying condition of Spitfire F Mk.IX PV270 which is set to make its airshow debut at the biennial Classic Fighters Easter airshow held in Marlborough at the top of the South Island.
As many enthusiasts will already know, this aircraft is being restored as a tribute to highly regarded NZ fighter ace Al Deere, author of the popular autobiographical work 'Nine Lives'. The instigator of this worthy program is the Spitfire's owner, Brendon Deere, Al's nephew, who has always been proud to tell the story of his illustrious forebear.
The Spitfire has enjoyed an interesting history, following its RAF career into the Italian Air Force, on to the Israeli Defence Force, from there to Burma where it served until the late 1950s after which it became a gate guardian, later being mounted on a plinth. One of several Spitfires sold by Burma in 1998, this machine went to the USA before Brendon purchased it and shipped it home for restoration. Once completed the Spitfire will proudly carry the personalised codes 'AL' carried on Al Deere's last operational Spitfire.
If all goes to plan, this lovely machine will represent one of several significant debuts to be seen at the Classic Fighters show between 10th and 12th April.
Classic Fighters aircraft star in the latest 'First Warbirds' 2009 Calendar
Due to the success of the 2008 First Warbirds calendar, we have put together a 2009 version that is at the printers right now. It will be available from the Omaka Aviation Heritage Centre in around a week’s time.
The Vintage Aviator Limited (TVAL) operates all aircraft in the calendar and this year the aircraft were flown especially for us all to enjoy during 2009. It is due to the tremendous support of TVAL that has made this calendar possible.
This time we have air-to-air photos of three SE.5a fighters flying on Armistice Day, Sopwith Camel, Bristol Fighter, Fokker D.VII, and Pfalz D.III, a nice pair of SE.5a as well as a Fokker Triplane or two. Ground based photos illustrate three of the fantastic displays to be found at the AHC and the other main photo is of an original Avro 504 just minutes before fabric covering started so you can see all of the work that goes into building these aircraft.
The pilots flew very well, the aircraft are all beautifully presented. Gavin Conroy was the lucky lad with the camera and the best view on the planet!
You can purchase a calendar from the AHC at Omaka, by contacting info@omaka.org.nz or phone on 03 5791305. Pay by cash, cheque or credit card. The calendars are $27.50 each including GST plus $5 p&p ($15 for overseas) which is very reasonable for a calendar this size.
All proceeds from this calendar go back to the AHC so you will be supporting this magnificent facility.
Many hours of voluntary work have been put in by a lot of people and the result is very pleasing so don’t delay, order now!
THE NEXT NEW ARRIVALS CAN NOW BE ANNOUNCED!
We're pleased to report that the two new arrivals due into Omaka will be World War One fighter types, both full-scale flyable reproductions and both quite advanced projects. The one is a Fokker D.VIII which is very nearly completed after a lengthy construction process. This aircraft is fitted with an Australian Rotec R.3600 radial engine of 150 hp.
The second machine is a Nieuport 11, again with the airframe essentially completed but needing an engine, cowling and propeller. 
This machine has been set up for the smaller Rotec R.2800 of 110 hp.
Both of these aircraft are locally owned, so it is hoped to see WW-I machines overhead Omaka once again, on a very regular basis. The container is due in just before Christmas.
ORIGINAL MAC WACO RETURNS TO OMAKA!
Wednesday 19th November saw the return to Omaka of the Marlborough Aero Club's original 1936 Waco UOC - after an absence of over half a century!
The luxurious Waco was the 'Duesenburg of the skies' in its day with its roomy upholstered interior, ash trays, courtesy lights and wind-down windows. The Marlborough Aero Club, owners of Omaka airfield, proudly operated the glamorous flagship, registered ZK-AEL, for just 3 1/2 years when in October 1939, it joined the Royal New Zealand Air Force as NZ575 with the Rongotai Communications Flight. Seven years later it was returned to the MAC at Omaka, now as ZK-ALA. Two years later it met with a landing accident at Omaka. It was repaired then sold to 'Blackmores Flying Service' in Rotorua and flew with them for many years before Blackmores was bought by James Aviation. Another landing accident in July 1958 brought its flying days to an end. Acquired by the Gilltraps Auto Museum it was subsequently shipped to Australia when that collection was transplanted to the Gold Coast, Queensland. The Waco never flew again and quietly disappeared into obscurity - for all intents and purposes, gone forever.
The Waco was largely forgotten until, applying more than a little tenacity, it was tracked down by Jay McIntyre, a recent President of the Marlborough Aero Club and proprietor of restoration and maintenance specialists JEM Aviation at Omaka. Jay co-owns the aircraft with current MAC President Rex Newman and member Stuart Leslie. The Waco will be seen for the first time back in New Zealand, displayed in the popular Restoration Row hangar this Easter at Classic Fighters, where the innards of the intricate WACO wing and fuselage construction will be able to be viewed.
Gold Pass Tickets 'Early Bird' offer extended
Gold Pass sales are going well, with the 'early bird' special offer of $250 extended until 15 October. DON'T MISS OUT. Be in quick before it's too late! Prices set to rise to $300.
Trade & Food Stalls
Bookings are now open to secure a site at Classic Fighters 2009. Please check the 'Trade & Food Stall' page for links to the application forms and the site plan.
Visiting Media
Applications are now open to accredited media representatives.
Classic Fighters welcomes visiting media but access privileges are strictly limited and are granted solely on the understanding that they will benefit the show.
Please click here to download an application form.
The Sopwith Pup Omaka Bound
Soon to find its way to Marlborough is a lovely le Rhone rotary engined Sopwith Pup. This machine was built in the United States during the 1960s by well known WW-I replica pioneer Joe Pfeiffer, who also built the Nieuport 11 that appeared at Classic Fighters last year. Pfeiffer was known for his well built, light replicas that were constructed at a time when original engines, instruments, seats etc. could still be found. In fact this Pup also has original interplane struts. 
Owned by a New Zealander who is currently based overseas, it is hoped to see the aircraft here before the end of October, and of course, to see it flying in time for Classic Fighters 2009. It will be based adjacent to the wonderful Omaka Aviation Heritage Centre where it will add to the resident Great War aviation displays within the building.
The Pup is one of six early aircraft types (with as many owners) expected to become permanent Omaka residents before the end of the year! More on this later!!
Prancing Horses at Omaka
With a strong bond already established between the Omaka Aviation Heritage Centre and the Ferrari Owner's Club (among many motoring clubs that have adopted the OAHC) it is of little surprise that as soon as the Italian theme was announced for Classic Fighters, Easter 2009, the Ferrari crew were on board in a heartbeat in support of this iconic event.
There is of course a strong link between Ferrari and World War One aviation, the iconic 'Prancing Horse' logo having been the personal emblem carried by Italy's highest scoring 'ace', Francesco Baracca initially on his Nieuports and later on his SPADs.
It is also worth noting that the South Island is home to some amazingly significant classic Ferrari survivors. Couple this with a range of other classic Italian cars and visitors to CF'09 are going to be spoiled for choice with exotic machinery from the skies and from the roads!
Business Opportunities
Classic Fighters is the biggest event in Marlborough and one of the principal airshows on the Australasian aviation calendar. Tens of thousands of visitors are attracted to Marlborough, many staying on in the region to enjoy the local attractions, purchasing accommodation, wine and food, transport and activities. This is the chance for your company to tap into an affluent market, while at the same time contributing to the continued success of this iconic event.
Sponsor an aircraft, partner with us for advertising or host your most important clients in a private hospitality marquee. Sponsorship packages are available on request, or talk to us about your own ideas.
Locals Support the Italian Theme
To broadcast the theme throughout the community, a small photo shoot was arranged
for the benefit of the Marlborough Express in which Gino Rocco kindly came along as the airshow's 'Cultural Director' who will help us to maximise the positive elements of the Italian component of the event.
Italy has furnished the world with the most wonderful art, music, wine and cooking, not to mention engineering that has often led the world, and which we still see in Formula One car racing which continues to be dominated by Ferrari. For the press photo, Gino was surrounded by cars from members Mike Apthorp and Graham Orphan who brought their Alfa Romeos out for the photo, while the resident Fleet 16 made quite a convincing stand-in for an Italian Breda 25 biplane on the day!
There is much more to come on the Classic Fighters front as the numerous 'cells' go about their organisational business. Thanks to everyone who is already involved in this process. This is set to be the best Classic Fighters yet!
Bristol Engines Fire Up!
The sound of a Bristol Hercules radial was heard again in Marlborough for the first time in twenty years.
Al Marshall wasn't put off by superstition when he chose Friday 13th June to fire up the port engine of Bristol Freighter ZK-CPT. Although this was just a test run, word soon spread amongst the local enthusiasts and a crowd of 70 plus were there to cheer Al on and experience the magic sound (and smoke!!) when the engine started up.
Both engines were then run independently on Sunday 15th and Al had plenty of appreciative supporters ready to shout him a drink in the Aero Club bar that night!
Everyone is looking forward to a public display when the two engines will be run together.
You can watch a video clip of the Bristol port engine start up on YouTube.
Bristol Freighter Comes To Life For Classic Fighters '09
As the biennial Classic Fighters Easter airshow looms on the horizon, work has commenced on preparing a rather unexpected machine for her participation in this iconic event. Bristol B.170 Freighter ZK-CPT 'Merchant Courier' has been maintained as a static display by the 'Friends of the Bristol' Society since 1990. At times the aircraft has appeared faded and she's suffered the occasional flat tyre but regular working bees have kept her in pretty good shape, albeit as a silent sentinel, casting her eyes ever longingly over the hallowed grass of Omaka airfield....but not for much longer. A plan is now underway to breathe life back into this sleeping giant. If her two Bristol Hercules sleeve valve radials can be brought back to full health, then this lady of the skies may well be seen trundling down the Omaka flightline under her own power next Easter.
Gold Pass 'Early-Bird' Special
Order your Gold Pass ticket to Classic Fighters now and it will only cost you $250 for "the best seat in the house"! Offer expires September 30. Please phone 0800 424774 or email info@omaka.org.nz Further price announcements will follow soon.
Countdown to Classic Fighters Omaka, Easter 2009
The count-down has begun for the running of next year’s Classic Fighters Omaka Easter Airshow in Blenheim, New Zealand. Set amongst the picturesque Marlborough vineyards, the three-day show has become one of the world’s iconic events as it combines colourful action both in the air and on the ground in a manner that is unique in the world. As always, the organisers are promising many sights and sounds that no one has seen or heard before in this spectacular mix of aviation and theatre.
You may wish to ensure your accommodation is booked sooner rather than later as demand always high.
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