Air Pageant Thrills Thousands

Precision flying by the Red Checkers in Harvards, an impressive "beating up" of Nelson Airport by the powerful R.A.F. Vulcan delta-wing bomber and a skilful display of aerobatics by the Golden Age Flying Society, Blenheim, were highlights of the Royal New Zealand Aero Club's annual pageant in Nelson.

More than 15,000 people were enthralled by the event from the time Squadron Leader John Scrimshaw landed his Skyhawk to the completion of the pageant.

Nelson Airport, the fifth busiest in New Zealand, assumed the role of top dog for the day and three air traffic controllers handled 332 flights by about 200 aircraft.

The pageant, one of the best seen in New Zealand, had a non-stop programme of aerobatic, parachute, gliding, topdressing, helicopter and R.N.Z.A.F. displays. And the programme flowed flawlessly.

Vivid smoke trails across the sky mark the path of the Red Checkers R.N.Z.A.F. aerobatic team. This photograph was taken on Friday when the sky was clear. Heavy cloud ruined the full effect of this spectacular display on the Saturday

Before going further let's meet the three air traffic controllers who handled the heavy flow of aircraft. From left, Bruce Snowsill, Dave Moore and Graeme Opie

Whizzing around perched on a Tiger Moth is not everyone's idea of fun but Jack Moon of Blenheim's Golden Age Flying Society was in his element

There were many stiff necks by the end of the day

Not content with just flying in this unorthodox manner Jack Moon had a few shots at balloons as he skimmed past the crowd. He's a pretty hot shot too - hit 'em all. (The balloons, not the crowd)

Grace and power are combined in the R.A.F. Hawker Siddeley Vulcan delta-wing bomber which made several passes over the airport. Here, undercarriage down, it drops within feet of the deck

Like a huge bat the Vulcan swoops, two tail-like plumes streaming behind

The sky is momentarily blotted out by the mass of the Vulcan

This R.N.Z.A.F. Skyhawk, piloted by Sq. Ldr John Scrimshaw of Nelson, was the first to land on a civilian airfield. Parachute billowing, the sleek aircraft gradually slows. It needed only 3,000ft of the 4,000ft runway to land.

By the time Phillip Robinson grows up he'll probably be wearing a space suit. But now a crash helmet will do nicely. Phillip is Sq. Ldr Scrimshaw's nephew and holding him is his mother, Mrs Esme. Robinson. Fourth member of the group is John's mother, Mrs Alan Scrimshaw.

Undercarriage lowered, the Skyhawk prepares to land. Being retracted is the fuel line used in the mid-air refuelling

A mid-air refuelling demonstration by two Skyhawks indicated the precision necessary to fly the craft. Like an umbilical cord the fuel line stretches between the two speeding jets.

The bulk of the Hercules transport is in contrast to the sleek ground attack Skyhawk as they are thronged by people

Top of the self-claim baggage area was a popular vantage point. Until told to shift these youngsters had a grand view

TV cameraman, George Henry, did nottake his eyes off the aeroplanes

Civilian aircraft taxi past the massed car park

Dave Field, Tony Barrow and John Beaver check the Schliecher ASW 15 glider before take-off. The glider is owned by. Tony Barrow

Three of the men who help keep the Red Checkers' Harvards in the air relax. Sgts Nev Halse and Bruce Joynt and Cpl Allan Sheppard are from Wigram

Nelson Fire Board men had a good view from the top of their truck. From left, Rod Gill, Laurie Christian and Michele Delfavero

The Harvards

Watched by hundreds, the Iroquois helicopter lifts off

Regular passenger flights continued during the day and passengers board this NAC liner bound for Wellington. Look at all those people in the car park!

Floating gently to ground is sky diver Keith Cranness

The only way to cycle. That's Brian Masters' opinion anyway. Brian works for Helicopters New Zealand who put on this show. Flying the chopper is Ray Wilson

Two Tiger Moths of the Golden Age Flying Society, Blenheim, almost interlock their wings during the "Snoopy" versus "The Red Baron" dogfight. Guess who won? Not "Merry Christmas My Friend" anyway. This was one of many exciting stunts performed by the pair

Props churning the air the R.N.Z.A.F. Orion roars over the crowd

Wait for it! No, they missed. But then they always do. Two of the Harvards from the Red Checkers perform the most daring stunt in their repertoire - a head-on rush that takes the aircraft within feet of each other

Previous article Issue contents Next article

The Nelson Photo News

No 125 : April 3, 1971

Air Pageant Thrills Thousands