
Two 1930's Beech 'Staggerwing' restorations in New Zealand
The PAC CT-4 Airtrainer is a low-wing single-engine aircraft originally designed by the forerunner of New Zealand's Pacific Aerospace Corporation in the 1970s. Designed as a basic trainer aircraft for military pilots it's known for its excellent handling and rugged characteristics. Used extensively by Royal New Zealand Air Force, the type was also exported and used by the Royal Australian Air Force and the Royal Thai Air Force.
The Pacific Aerospace CT-4E was a mainstay of the Royal New Zealand Air Force since the early 1990's when it replaced the earlier CT-4A and B models then in use. Photo: © Historical Aviation Film Unit
Take a ride with the Royal New Zealand Air Force's Red Checkers aerobatic display team.
The Red Checkers were known for their precision flying and tight formation maneuvers, and the CT-4 proved to be an ideal aircraft for the team as its agile handling and responsive controls allowed for intricate maneuvers and tight formation flying. The aircraft's simple and robust design also makes it easy to maintain—an important consideration for a military aerobatic team required to keep their aircraft in top condition for frequent performances.
Two of the Checkers perform their renown 'Mirror Formation'. Photo © 2007 Les Bushell (Image Supplied)
The Red Checkers fly their routine at a New Zealand airshow in the early '00s.
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