Air Force Black Falcons aerobatic team and Heritage Flight to display in Taranaki

The display will take place at 12pm, subject to weather and other operational considerations.

The Black Falcons team will depart RNZAF Base Ohakea at 11.20am and will fly to New Plymouth via Eltham, Stratford and Inglewood.

The Avenger will take off at approximately the same time and follow a similar route, with additional overflights of Marton, Whanganui, and Hawera. The displays will be centred in front of the Wind Wand sculpture on the Coastal Walkway, with the Avenger appearing first in a solo display, followed by the five-strong Black Falcons team. After the displays the Black Falcons team will be refuelling at New Plymouth airport before returning to RNZAF Base Ohakea, flying via the coastal towns. The Avenger will not be landing at New Plymouth as it will return directly to Ohakea upon completion of its solo routine.

Team member Lieutenant Commander Stephen Knowles said that the team is looking forward to the visit.

“We’ve displayed at Americarna a number of times and it’s a fantastic event - great day, on the ground and in the air. And this time the Heritage Flight’s Avenger will be part of the show. The Avenger is an American aircraft, so it’s a nice touch – a little bit of extra engagement for us.

“This event is very special for Taranaki, and like every event we attend, is a special chance to show what we can do – to demonstrate the skills that military pilots learn and use in the delivery of military air operations for our country. It’s exhilarating to fly military aircraft and take part in aerobatic displays and we hope it will be exhilarating to watch, too.

“Perhaps some of the younger people fascinated by the cars will become equally fascinated by our aircraft and will be on the other side of this experience one of these days,” he said.

 For a full list of this season’s displays, please visit nzdf.mil.nz/RNZAF-Black-Falcons