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Home News Current Projects Online Store Stories Photo & Video Ringtones Downloads Subscribe Links About Us	The Vintage Aviator: Remembrance Day Display, Nov '10 Low Key Event - But Fun! Saturday 13th November saw The Vintage Aviator running another World War One Aerial Display Day at Hood Aerodrome in Masterton to commemorate Armistice Day, the day that the First World War ended (11th November 1918). After weeks of planning and preparation the weather once again choose to foresake the event as the day dawned fine but blustery, with winds later in the day forecast to be up to 20-25 knots. Given that many of TVALs aircraft fleet are relatively light and fragile 90 year old designs that are easily tossed about in windy conditions, the decision to cancel the aerial displays was reluctantly made by 8:30am. The disappointment amongst the organizing team was almost palpable, but in typical TVAL style Plan B was quickly discussed and implemented. The heavier aircraft including the three Royal Aircraft Factory S.E.5a's and a couple of Fokker Dr.1 triplanes were quickly wheeled out in front of the hangar and the doors opened wide so that anyone who still made the trip to Hood could look around free of charge.   The aircraft are rolled out and the hangar doors opened.   As the morning progressed a steady stream of visitors arrived at the aerodrome and were understandably disappointed that the flying display was cancelled. However most were very pleasantly surprised to be given a free opportunity to walk about amongst all the aircraft they'd come to see, peer directly into the cockpits, and spend an enjoyable few hours talking with the pilots and other knowledgeable folk who were on hand to answer questions.   John Lanham talks to some young fans about the Curtiss P40-E Kittyhawk.     The crowd begins to swell a little, with most relishing the chance for a very close up look at the Royal Aircraft Factory S.E.5a's.     Scott MacKenzie talks to the crowd about flying these vintage aircraft.   Undisturbed by the windy conditions the RNZAF's Historic Flight T-6 Harvard arrived from Ohakea late in the morning, delighting many in the crowd. During the early afternoon this aircraft performed a short aerial display routine, as did one of the Fokker triplanes. In this latter case the pilot was also tasked with checking just how strong the winds were above the airfield -- the flight confirmed that the conditions were just too tricky for the rest of the WW1 aircraft and they all remained on the ground for the rest of the afternoon.   The Royal New Zealand Air Force's Historic Flight T-6 Harvard.   As with all the TVAL shows the highlight of the day for many was the opportunity to ride on some unique historic vehicles. The WW1 British Mark IV tank rumbled back and forth for much of the afternoon providing rides for many brave souls, while scores of children (and their parents) took a joyride or two around the airfield on the replica 1914 London double decker bus and/or the WW1 troop transport trucks.   The odd design of the World War One British Mark IV tank is always a crowd favourite.     TVAL's vintage trucks covered a significant distance throughout the day as they plied back and forth along the edges of the aerodrome providing rides for one and all.     When it comes to crowd favourites, nothing can beat taking a ride in this replica WW1-era London double decker bus. During the war large numbers of these vehicles were pressed into service as troop transports.     While the lack of a major aerial flying display was a disappointment to all, the entire day can still be summed up in the words of one small young lass, who must have been no more than about four years of age. On disembarking from the back of the WW1 lorry, she turned to a new playmate that she'd just met and said with much enthusiasm, "That WAS fun!" This sentiment would no doubt be echoed by many of the other 500 or so visitors who turned up for a look around throughout the day. Well done to the TVAL team. Your next chance to see at least some of the WW1 aircraft in the air will be at the Wings Over Wairarapa airshow in January 2011 (21st - 23rd).   During the day live entertainmnet was also on offer. This delightfiul singer entertained the crowd throughout the afternoon with a range of period songs, and it certainly added to the relaxed atmosphere of the day.     A number of vintage car enthusiats also turned up for the afternoon and kindly parked their cars next to the aircraft, providing the assembled crowd a chance to have a closeup look at these vehicles as well.     That smile says it all! How often do you get the chance to check out a World War One-era aircraft, from the inside?!     This 1914 Baby Triumph motocycle was also seen zooming back and forth through-out the day. Click here to see a short video clip of this bike in action.     Earlier in the week several aircraft and pilots were seen out and about over the Wairarapa countryside, preparing for the show day. here the Avro 50k (left) forms up alongside the Royal Aircraft Factory B.E.2c.     This is the World War One version of 'big friend, little friend' - a term coined during the Second World War when fighter aircraft ('little friend') escorted bombers ('big friend') on long range misisons over Europe. In this case the Sopwith Triplane fighter escorts the Royal Aircraft Factory F.E.2b bomber.     It appears that this unwary Sopwith Camel pilot is about to get a nasty surprise as a sneaky Fokker Dr.1 Triplane climbs up onto his tail from below!   << Previous :: Next >>	Back To Articles List     Click Here For Downloadable PDF Version Of This Report
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