Base Auckland Open Day
Base Auckland Air Show
Putting On A Show
The sky over RNZAF Base Auckland was abuzz with aircraft on Saturday 4 March for yet another of the Base’s successful biennial open days.
AK 07-0105-68-tn.jpg: SMOKIN’: Kiwi Blue, the RNZAF Parachute Display Team put on a show for the crowd.
A crowd of over 25,000 Auckland spectators were both delighted and amazed by aerial displays, aerobatics and demonstrations as dozens of aircraft put on a show to be remembered.
In near perfect weather the aerial highlights included a dramatic aerobatic display by the Air Force’s Red Checkers team, two visiting F-111 aircraft from the RAAF performing after burner runs, and a Warbirds display featuring RNZAF vintage aircraft.
The Air Force’s Kiwi Blue parachute team put on a crowd pleasing smoking descent and delighted onlookers, especially the young, when they landed near the spectators and handed out stickers.
A crowd favourite was the ‘Rolling Thunder’ display incorporating the Air Force’s C-130 Hercules, B757 and P-3K Orion aircraft.
AK 07-0105-108-tn.jpg: The Kiwi Rolling Thunder fly past closes the air display for the RNZAF aircraft.
There was also a full range of static displays showcasing the Air Force’s many trades and specialisations. The Air Force’s Base open days are always a great opportunity for potential recruits and aviation enthusiasts to get an up close look at just what the Air Force is all about. And of course Air Force personnel were on hand to inform and guide people as they wandered from display to display.
‘The open day provides an Air Force experience for people who may not fully understand what we do and what we are about, said Air Force public relations manager SQNLDR Glenn Davis.
Chief of Air Force AVM Graham Lintott praised Base Auckland personnel for organising the successful open day. ‘The success of the open day came down to the efforts and commitment of the many Base Auckland personnel involved in its organisation,’ he said. Next year’s open day will be at Base Ohakea.
AK 07-0105-94-tn.jpg: A RAAF F-111 Fighter Bomber performing an afterburn run.
AK 07-0105-99-tn.jpg: Orion NZ4205 drops a MADD pack (SAR survival pack) and flies a display for the crowd.
AK 07-0104-24-tn.jpg: The B757 casts a huge shadow.
AK 07-0105-89-tn.jpg: No. 6 Squadron Seaprite helicopters in formation
AK 07-0104-24-tn.jpg: Winner of the RNZAF Special Ops competition Mr Steve Bayley of Christchurch undergoes a tandem parachute jump with members of the Kiwi Blue team.
AK 07-0105-34-tn.jpg: Jared Fretton, 13yrs, of Alfriston, and his Dad play games on the Recruiting display computers.
AK 07-0103-15-tn.jpg: Static technology displays in the No.40 Squadron hangar had personnel on hand to explain the workings.
AK 07-0105-39-tn.jpg: Petra Brinkman, 6yrs, of Herald Island flies the Orion. RIGHT: A mother tries out a Steyr rifle.
AK 07-0105-41-tn.jpg: Brothers Jeremy (4.5yrs), and Sherwin (9yrs) Hand of Mt Roskill play at the controls of the Huey.
AK 07-0103-30-tn.jpg: GO GIRLS: Renee Goodsell and Courtney May, the winners of NZ Girl competition pose in front of the Iroquois after their flight. Air Force recruiting has an ongoing relationship with the NZGirl website (NZ Girl.co.nz).