The Tauranga City Airshow 2010 is now over, and what a spectacular weekend.
Thanks to everyone who helped make it happen, and to those to came along to watch. Over 20,000 people attended the event over the two days, and the displays and airmanship were enjoyed by all. The audience was able to get "up close and personal" to all the aircraft.
These photos were taken by our Classic Flyers photographer April Stark.
On Sunday the day started with a bang with a mock attack by the Vampire, Cessna A37 and the Mustang over a re-enactment of the Vietnam war by the military re-enactors group.
This was followed by Dave Philiips and the Tiger Moths, the Cri Cri, and then local pilot Phil Hooker in the Cessna 152 doing only what Phil can do.
The audience was then treated to a series of fantastics displays from the Thunder Mustang, the Furo, the MASH helicopters, and the Yaks in formation.
Later on the Spitfire and Me108 took to the air, along with the Dakota and Catalina.
Then Mark Arundel in the glider showed off it's majestic passage through the air in a thrilling display of mastery of the air.
The Corsair and Trojan then took off, piloted by Keith Skilling and Peter Beaumont to thrill the audience.
The we had a unique race, pitting an Audi Supercar with the Cessna A37. Each had to traverse the runway, turn around, then go back. It was a photo finish!!
Then the Harvards took to the air, and the battle was on. The pyrotechnics recreated a massive battle scene with aircraft in all directions. Flak filled the air, and the occasional smoke ring or two. The military re-enactors appeared again, and it was truly a full on battle scene. A fitting way to end the day.
Well not quite. The musicians them took over on stage and entertained those who wished not to spend too much time in traffic
On Waitangi weekend, 6th and 7th February 2010, Tauranga will be the place to be when the inaugural Tauranga City Air Show fills the skies over the city’s airport, providing a dynamic event for both Bay of Plenty citizens and visitors alike.
At the airport will be the best display aircraft available in New Zealand, with a full on spectacle from classic piston engine and jet fighters, supported by a wide range of other aircraft, including those of the Royal New Zealand Air Force, helicopters and civilian aerobatic teams. The conference of the Sport Aircraft Association of NZ will add to the experience with more than 100 aircraft from their New Zealand wide membership attending that same weekend.
The full air show will be on the Sunday following practice on the Saturday, while full family fun programs run on both days. Expect balloon rides, live music from ‘pop to brass’, skydivers, gliders, a great range of food and refreshments, a host of trade and topical interest exhibits right through to heavy military iron and battle re-enactments.
Ticket pricing reflects the family theme noting that every ticket is valid for attendance on both Saturday AND Sunday.
Classic Flyers NZ, who already own and operate their impressive Aircraft Museum and Conference centre complex at the airport entrance, are organising the event. CEO Andrew Gormlie is certain that the time is right for Tauranga to host a very high quality show that will not only appeal to the aviation enthusiast, but also provide a wide range of other attractions to entertain everyone, family groups in particular.
“Where else in New Zealand is there an airport that is literally surrounded by a vibrant city that also enjoys superb access from summer beach resort facilities such as Mt Maunganui”, he asks.
“We are confident that, with the support of the Tauranga City Air Show branding, this event will grow into a major biennial summer attraction in the Bay of Plenty. Our intention is to earn a very positive reputation for the event over coming years, to provide an additional welcome boost for tourism in the Bay.”
Profits from the event will be distributed for community benefit, in keeping with the charitable status of the organisers.
The Tauranga City Airshow 2010 is now over, and what a spectacular weekend.
Click here to view the Sunlive Video
The audience was then treated to a series of fantastics displays from the Thunder Mustang, the Furo, the MASH helicopters, and the Yaks in formation.
On Waitangi weekend, 6th and 7th February 2010, Tauranga will be the place to be when the inaugural Tauranga City Air Show fills the skies over the city’s airport, providing a dynamic event for both Bay of Plenty citizens and visitors alike.
