88 AIR CLASSICS/August 2022
WARBIRD & CLASSIC REPORT • WARBIRD & CLASSIC REPORT • WARBIRD & CLASSIC REPORT • WARBIRD & CLASSIC REPORT • WARBIRD & CLASSIC REPORT • WARBIRD & CLASSIC REPORT
RNZAF HERITAGE FLIGHT
The new Royal New Zealand Air Force Historic Flight has been created
to commemorate and sustain the memory of New Zealand’s military aviation
heritage. The Historic Flight is a collaboration between the RNZAF and civil
organizations that operate aircraft relevant to the RNZAF’s heritage. The RNZAF
will be providing the pilots to fly the aircraft and the intent is to conduct flypasts
and displays throughout the country. The Flight Commander, S/Ldr. Michael
Williams, states, “Through the Heritage Flight we can add value for the RNZAF
through external engagement both internationally and domestically.” The Flight
currently comprises Harvard NX1076, Tiger Moth NZ662, Spitfire PV270, and
Avenger NZ2518. “The Avenger is particularly poignant for the RNZAF as it was
the original aircraft that RNZAF aircrew were shot down and killed during an
operation in the Pacific. Direct relatives of the original crew continue to serve in
the modern RNZAF.”
The Avenger wearing the tri-color scheme it would have carried in the
Pacific. (All photos by Gavin Conroy)The Spitfire accompanied by two Beech T-6 Texan trainers of the
RNZAF.
The Harvard is a reminder of the extensive wartime training
undertaken in New Zealand.NORSEMAN MOVES AHEAD
Noorduyn Norseman UC-64A USAAF 43-5148/N420QN is nearing
completion at Yanks Air Museum. Perhaps best known as a classic Canadian
bush plane, the Norseman was also extensively utilized by the USAAF during
WWII as the UC-64. The Norseman remained in production for nearly a quarter
century with almost 900 built and 749 going into American military service.
Post-war, numerous examples appeared on the Canadian civil register and the
type was extensively used “flying the bush.”
Extensive fabric work has been completed on the Norseman.
HUEY TRAGEDY
On 23 June, Bell UH-1B N98F crashed near Logan Airport in West Virginia
as the aircraft took part in the 7th Annual Huey Reunion. Sponsored by Marpat
Aviation, the reunion was offering paying rides in the helicopter, which was
thought to be the oldest UH-1 still flying (#488 out of 10,005 built). All six
aboard the aircraft died.UH-1B N98F crashed on 23 June, claiming the lives of six.TROJAN IN-FLIGHT FIRE
On 8 June, the instructor pilot and student aboard NAA T-28A
Fennec N14113 had a very close call after taking off from the popular
vintage aircraft field at Le Ferte Alais. First, both smelled fuel and then
a fire started in the engine compartment. This resulted in an immediate
return to the field and landing. On rollout, the pilot noted that the engine
seemed to be working perfectly but then smoke started coming from
the cowling and emergency vehicles were requested. Individuals on
site attempted to put out the fire with small extinguishers but this was
unsuccessful and by the time the fire fighters arrived the T-28 had been
partially consumed by fire.Finished in authentic Armee de l’Air
markings, the Fennec (an upgraded T-28A
airframe used by the French to fight
rebelling colonial nations) was partially
consumed by fire and will probably be a
write-off.