Tauranga City Airshow facts for kids
Quick facts for kids Tauranga City Airshow |
|
---|---|
![]() Aerobatic Display
|
|
Location(s) | Tauranga, New Zealand |
Coordinates | 37°40′24″S 176°11′50″E / 37.67333°S 176.19722°E |
Organised by | Classic Flyers Museum |
The Tauranga City Airshow is an exciting event held in Tauranga, New Zealand. It happens every two years, bringing together amazing aircraft. You can see classic planes, private jets, and even military aircraft. It's a fantastic day out for anyone who loves planes and flying!
Contents
Discovering the Airshow's History
Airshows have been a big part of Tauranga Airport for a long time. They started way back in 1946 when the first commercial flights began. Local aviation groups, like the Tauranga Aero Club, have always been involved. The Royal New Zealand Air Force (RNZAF) often joins in with their cool Red Checkers aerobatics team.
Today, the airshow is run by the Classic Flyers Museum. They work with the Tauranga City Council to make it happen. Before, the Sports Aircraft Association organized the event. It was simply called the Tauranga Airshow then.
The Classic Flyers Museum is right at the airport. It has many planes that can fly, plus others on display.
Amazing Aircraft You Might See
Many special aircraft appear at the Tauranga City Airshow. Here are some of the most famous ones:
- The Hawker Hunter: This single-seater jet is based at the Classic Flyers Museum. It's a regular performer at the show. There's also a two-seater model you can see on display.
- The P-51 Mustang: A legendary fighter plane from World War II.
- The Messerschmitt Bf 108: A classic German touring and training aircraft.
- The Cessna A-37 Dragonfly: This plane is from the Vietnam War era. The Historic Aircraft Trust owns it, and it was a highlight in the 2008 Airshow.
- The Royal New Zealand Air Force Red Checkers: New Zealand's own aerobatic display team.
- The De Havilland Devon: Another plane owned by The Historic Aircraft Trust.
- The Douglas DC-3: A famous propeller-driven airliner, also owned by The Historic Aircraft Trust.
Highlights of the Airshow Experience
The Tauranga City Airshow offers many exciting things to see and do.
Royal New Zealand Air Force Displays
The Royal New Zealand Air Force Red Checkers team puts on an amazing aerobatic display. They fly their planes in incredible patterns and stunts in the sky.
Sports Aircraft Association Gathering
The Sports Aircraft Association brings together over 100 sports and homebuilt aircraft. These planes come from all over New Zealand. It's a great chance to see many unique and custom-built aircraft.
Military Vehicle and Re-enactment Displays
Beyond the military aircraft, you can also see military vehicles and equipment. These are from the Tauranga Military Museum, which is also at the airport. Local Military Re-enactors dress in old uniforms. They even perform mock battles with the military aircraft flying above!
Hot-Air Balloon Rides
A newer and fun part of the airshow is the hot-air balloons. You can go up in a tethered balloon. This gives you a fantastic bird's-eye view of the entire airshow!
Parachutist Performances
Local members of the New Zealand Parachute Industry also put on a thrilling show. They jump from planes and perform amazing aerial stunts as they float down.