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Vintage Car Club visits Omaka over Easter ‘08

Hundreds of vintage cars gathered outside the Omaka Aviation Heritage Centre on Easter Sunday. The local Vintage Car Club was hosting the National South Island Rally, drawing an eclectic mix of automobiles from around the country. Omaka was on their list of attractions.

As a result, Easter Sunday became one of our busiest days of the year, with over 600 visitors. Staff and volunteers were rushed off their feet! There was a lot of good will though and plenty of smiling faces, as visitors enjoyed a picnic on the terrace after their tour of the exhibition.

A special thank you to staff, guides and volunteer helpers for pulling together to make the day a great success for all.

OMAKA AIR PARK UP AND RUNNING!

Marlborough Mayor, the Rt. Hon. Alistair Sowman has officially opened the first group of hangars that make up the launch buildings for the Omaka Air Park. In a ceremony that took place on 1st March, Omaka AHC Chairman Brian Greenall explained the philosophy of the organisation and its quest to foster continued growth of aviation in Marlborough, and in vintage aviation especially.

Mayor Sowman reflected on the successes of the related activities at Omaka, specifically the popular biennial Classic Fighters Easter airshow and the highly acclaimed Omaka Aviation Heritage Centre, all under the support of the Marlborough Aero Club, owners of the historic field. After outlining the exciting developments of the recent past, The Mayor cut a ribbon stretched between two vintage biplanes (a Tiger Moth and a Fleet 16B) and the Air Park was declared officially open.

The first three hangars completed, each 20m x 25m, all have vintage/warbird focused activities within and have already become homes to over a dozen aircraft and projects, some of them having just arrived in the country. Two more hangars are already well advanced with additional customers lining up. One of the first owners is JEM Aviation, a maintenance and restoration company that has seen owner operator Jay McIntyre with a 'full dance card' for every day of his first year in operation prior to moving into the new premises.

These developments all augur well for continued growth in this exciting part of the country.

Catalina visits Omaka

Omaka was graced with a visit from the beautiful Auckland-based Catalina on Thursday 21 February. Members of the Omaka Aviation Heritage Centre and guests had the opportunity to experience a cost-sharing flight, and as a result the Catalina made two 30 min flights over the Marlborough coast and countryside.

Catalinas were used during the Second World War for maritime patrol and in the “Dumbo” role of air-sea rescue. No Catalinas survived in New Zealand, so we are privileged to enjoy this example, which was purchased by the Catalina Club and flown out from Africa in the mid 1990s.

Gavin Conroy flew alongside and caught this wonderful photograph of the PBY over Omaka Aerodrome.

NZ Vintage Bentley Tour

The Omaka Aviation Heritage Centre is proving a popular destination for car enthusiasts, especially those out touring the country in rallies with their respective clubs.

One of the world’s most prestigious marks converged on the AHC on 4 February. These were Bentleys of the 1920s-30s era, shipped here from around the globe.

What a magnificent sight they made, parked together outside our building!

Joining them were two resident Omaka aircraft of a similar vintage, a Fleet 16b and a Tiger Moth.

Photos of the Vintage Bentley's visit to Omaka can be viewed and purchased online at digiproofs

Billboard Successfully Installed

Our advertising billboard was successfully delivered by carrier pigeon and assembled in downtown Wellington on Thursday 29 November.

Soldiers in period costume installed the pieces of jigsaw puzzle over a two-week period, with Weta Workshop’s Richard Taylor on hand for the finishing touches.

Peter Hill of the Wellington Pigeon Fanciers Club confirmed that every bird arrived back home safely after its Cook Strait crossing, but several billboard fragments have remained “missing in action”.

TV One carried the story view here

and further footage of the event can be watched on either of the following links:

youtube

weta

The billboard will be in place on the corner of Dixon and Victoria Streets until the end of December.

A timelapse film of the installation can be viewed here

Photos:

Stuart Tantrum and Martin Nicholl getting ready to release the pigeons from outside the Omaka Aviation Heritage Centre.

Peter Hill retrieving the 'messages' from his returning pigeons.

Richard Taylor installing one of the final sections.

Richard Taylor and some of the re-enactors who assisted with the billboard installation.

Media Release                                           20/11/07

Pigeon Post Revived for Omaka

The world's first advertising billboard to be delivered by pigeon leaves Omaka Aviation Heritage Centre in Blenheim on Friday aboard 289 homing pigeons.

Each of the 289 pigeons will carry a small piece of the billboard strapped to its leg. The birds will fly to Wellington where the billboard will be pieced together over a period of days in a prominent, central Wellington site.

The purpose of the billboard is to encourage Wellingtonians to visit Omaka Aviation Heritage Centre's world-class collection of World War One fighter planes over the Christmas period.

The Centre opened in December 2006, and features a collection of aircraft in lifelike exhibits created by Weta Workshop. It is widely acknowledged as one of the world's best World War One aviation experiences.

Jane Orphan from the Omaka Aviation Heritage Centre, said delivering the billboard by pigeon is a celebration of the important role played by homing pigeons during World War One.

"Authenticity is everything in our exhibits, so it was a natural choice to deliver our billboard to Wellington by the most authentic World War One means - homing pigeon," she said.

"Communications technology was still very rudimentary during World War One, so pigeons were used extensively for communicating to and from the battlefront. Over 100,000 pigeons were used during the war and they were incredibly reliable - 95% got through to their destinations with their messages."

The most famous homing pigeons of World War One was Cher Ami, who was awarded the French Croix de Guerre during the battle of Argonne in October 1918. Under heavy enemy fire, and despite being blinded in one eye, shot through the breast and having a leg dangling by a tendon, Cher Ami delivered a message from the front line to the US 77th Division HQ that saved 194 men of the "lost battalion".

The pigeon-posted billboard will be assembled in Wellington between now and the end of November 2007.

Meet the Fokkers October a Great Success

Meet the Fokkers month has been a great success.

Labour Weekend and the special presentation on Saturday evening, attracted good numbers of visitors, who were also treated to musical entertainment by Susan Scott and the Marlborough Sounds Barbershop Chorus.

Presenters Graham Orphan, Tim Sullivan and Jerry Chisum held the attention of the crowd, talking about the Red Baron’s Flying Circus, the development of the Fokker Triplane and what the aircraft is actually like to fly for the modern aviator.

Photo shows our very own 'Tim & Jerry' team of Fokker pilots.

Sponsor Allan Scott’s special ‘Flying Circus’ range of wines was on hand and a good many glasses enjoyed.If you would like to order any of the four wines available (Sauvignon, Chardonnay, Riesling and Pinot Noir) we are working on an order system, but in the meantime, please contact Allan Scott Family Winemakers direct. www.allanscott.com. Remember to ask for our special Flying Circus selection. I can recommend it!

An Evening with the Fokkers. Saturday 20 October

Savour a glass of Allan Scott's special "Flying Circus" wine selection on arrival (adults only). Wine is also available for sale during the evening.

Tour the Knights of the Sky exhibition.

Enjoy an entertaining and informative presentation on flying the Fokker Triplanes THEN and NOW. Classic Wings editor/publisher Graham Orphan will set the scene with a little history and then Triplane pilots Tim Sullivan and Jerry Chisum will share some of the stories and personal experiences of flying these nimble little fighters. According to Manfred Von Richthofen, the Triplane "climbed like a monkey and manoeuvred like the devil".

Time : 4.00-6.30pm
Date: Saturday 20 October
Venue: Omaka Aviation Heritage Centre
Cost: $25 ($10 for members). Tickets are limited.

October’s ‘Meet The Fokkers’ sponsored by Allan Scott Family Winemakers

All this month we are celebrating the return of four flyable Fokker Triplanes to the exhibition. The foyer has been decorated; used Triplane fabric is available for sale as souvenirs; other Fokker merchandise, such as models, hats and T-shirts are reduced 10% and we have a range of specially labelled wine available via Allan Scott Family Winemakers. Plus there is a special tour and presentation on Saturday 20 October, with guest speakers Graham Orphan, Tim Sullivan and Jerry Chisum.

Following the success of Classic Fighters air show, when seven Triplanes took to the air, the aircraft went into temporary storage, while a Bristol Fighter replaced them in the museum. Now, for the first time since the Omaka Aviation Heritage Centre opened, we have a full complement of 21 display aircraft.

Official 2008 Calendar

The Official AHC calendar for 2008 is now on sale. Entitled “TheFirst Warbirds” this calendar features stunning A3 sized photos taken by Gavin Conroy, of some of the flying WW1 aircraft from the collection, as well as several images of the Knights of the Sky exhibition.
Priced at only $25 + p&p ($5 within NZ) this calendar would make a great gift. All proceeds go to the Omaka Aviation Heritage Centre.

Check out more of Gavin's photography on his website Classic Aircraft Photography

Marlborough Warbirds / AHC Newsletter - July/Aug/Sept 2007
President’s Report

We are indeed very fortunate to have as our base of activities, the wonderful, historic, Omaka airfield. The field is still largely a time capsule in terms of its appeal for older style aircraft as it offers multiple vectors and an all over grass surface that doesn't become unusable in wet weather (of the type we've had a fair share of just lately)! All of the activities at Omaka, the AHC, the airshows, private aircraft ownership, ag-flying, helicopter ops, gliding etc etc, all revolve around the fact that we are part of an Aero Club that has had a tradition of responsible, thoughtful, stewardship for its entire history. That's no mean feat for any organization.

It would be easy to take the Marlborough Aero Club for granted since it is so well established and professionally run and has always just 'been there'. Our own 'sub-group' if you like, is made up of a broad cross-section of people of whom perhaps two thirds are either currently flying or have held pilot's licenses in years past. For those not currently active in Aero Club matters, I'd urge you to ponder for a moment as to how lucky we are to have this well run organization that owns its own airfield, its own fleet of aeroplanes etc and is at the head of all activities at Omaka. It is one of the strongest Aero Clubs in New Zealand and the facilities available to enthusiasts here are the envy of the whole country (and beyond). If you are not already a member of the Marlborough Aero Club, you might want to think about joining and being a part of what I believe is the best Aero Club in the nation. Of course, if you have not learnt to fly and think that you might one day want to do so, remember the old adage that there's no time like the present. I intend to discuss the whole issue of flight training further in the next newsletter.

Before signing off, I would like to mention how pleased I am about the success of the expanded/combined Nanchang & Tiger Moth syndicate. Itis proving amazingly popular and is well worth supporting, although with just two of the 24 shares remaining, you may want to call right away to secure your place in this exciting opportunity. This will see many more people actively involved in flying vintage and warbird aircraft. It will see both aircraft overhead Omaka a lot more often. It will see access to both Nanchang AND Tiger Moth for the same price previously required to own a share in just one. It will see the hourly rate reduced and it will see the monthly fixed costs reduced. No wonder it is proving so desirable!

I'll no doubt see you over coffee at the AHC sometime!

Cheers for now,
Graham Orphan

Suzan Scott-Alexander - Tiger Flight.

One of our growing number of younger members, Suzan realised a lifelong ambition recently when she travelled to Auckland to follow the path of her great grandmother by taking to the skies attached to the top of a Tiger Moth. Both of Suzan's grandfathers were noted aviators. Her Mum's father was local identity Ron Alexander who used to operate ZK-BSN with the wing-stand on top, often occupied by his aging mother who was active in this role until her 80's, so Suzan is the fourth generation of the family to be involved in aviation and, apart from her own flight training at the Marlborough Aero Club, she decided she wanted to fly atop a Tiger Moth in the family tradition! Suzan's Dad is popular MAC member and former CFI Steve Scott.

Period Cloaks

Greg Olsen of Mapua has created some excellent men’s and women’s capes, which are now available for anyone to wear who would like to enter into the spirit of the age or who is just feeling the cold. The capes come in a range of sizes and are proving very popular with children.

Sponsors’ Board

The Omaka Aviation Heritage Centre has benefited hugely by the support it has received from the local and wider community. Hundreds of individuals have given their own very precious time and many have donated cash or services. It would be near to impossible to name everyone but some of these contributions have been substantial and so by way of thanks, the Centre commissioned a sponsors’ board to be installed inside the foyer, above the exit doors. The companies and organizations featured have provided financial support of $20,000 or more.

A special thank you then to the following:
New Zealand Trade and Enterprise, Canterbury Community Trust, Equus Industries, Wingnut Films, Weta Workshop,
Classic Wings, Redwood Trust, Marlborough Lines, Dew & Co,
Marlborough District Council

The new sponsor's board was unveiled at an evening function on 27 August. The photo to the upper right shows guests Tony Smale MRDT, Jo Rainey NZTE, Brian Greenall Trust Chair and below are Bert Collett Redwood Trust, Mayor Alistair Sowman and Tom Mackle enjoying the evening.

Education Programmes

Programs are underway in conjunction with John Orchard and the Education department to bring school groups through the facility, so that youngsters of various ages can experience the many areas of history and technology that the exhibits are able to tell. Questionaires have been produced to engage the young visitors in such a way as to ensure they don't leave without having absorbed some valuable lessons. By the end of this year, there should be no child in Marlborough who doesn't recognize the name of 'Grid' Caldwell as a great New Zealand hero.

Tiger/Nanchang Syndicate

A concept has been drawn up by Tony Clarry in consultation with several other members of the Nanchang syndicate and the Tiger syndicate to combine the two groups and there is some very good reasoning behind this. The idea involves expanding the new combined organization to operate the two aircraft, with an ownership base of 24 people. It would mean that each shareholder need own just one share but would have access to two different machines and at noticeably reduced costs, including just one monthly fixed-costs fee (a significant saving here for those with shares in both machines at present).

The aircraft concerned are Tiger Moth ZK-BER, in excellent condition with a recent annual, and Nanchang ZK-JQS, recently factory overhauled with many new items such as radio, TXP, Intercom, upholstery, seat belts etc along with overhauled engine, propeller, brakes, new tyres, tubes etc etc, so a pretty good package between the two machines.

Oral History Project

A project to record some of the early memories of Marlborough’s aviation history is underway. This is a joint undertaking by the Omaka Aviation Heritage Centre and the Marlborough Museum. In addition to providing a valuable archive of first hand accounts, this material will be edited into a documentary. If anyone has any early photographs or film footage of Omaka, Woodbourne or any Marlborough aviation-related subjects, we would be keen to hear from you.

Past Perfect

Museum collection management software, Past Perfect, has been purchased and installed on our computer. The purpose of this software is to record and track items donated to the museum.

The Marlborough District Council has undertaken a programme to assist local museums to use this software, so we have been able to piggyback on this initiative, achieving a lower price and several hours of free training.

We have quite a substantial collection of books and videos in the upstairs library and volunteers, Murray and Gill Winthrop have kindly offered to put it into some order. Every title will have to be recorded in some detail, along with who donated it, so they have quite a task ahead.

First Flights……

*            J-3 KITTEN (BABY CUB)
Sunday 6th May turned out to be a beautiful day for flying classic style taildraggers and proved the ideal occasion for the test flight of Larry Patterson's J-3 Kitten. On this occasion, Evan Belworthy and family visited from Cust for the day, in part so that Evan could test the J-3 and in part so that he could take the family through the Omaka AHC. Well it almost goes without saying that the little Cub look-alike performed flawlessly to the delight of Larry, Evan and all present. In fact it was such a nice day (and there have been many lately) that Omaka seemed to have older style machines overhead almost all day with the Marlborough Aero Club Super Cub airborne almost constantly, while other owners and machines active included Trevor Collins in the Helio Courier, Andrew Johns in the Pacer, Chris Richardson in Tiger 'BER, Graham and Zac in the Champ, Andy Fairhall in his lovely Aircamper and Yak-52 'ZAY took to the skies again after an extended stay, and then ventured north to her new home in New Plymouth. All in all a great day at the field and congrats to Larry on a job well done!

*            90 HP SUPER CUB
Congratulations also go to Owen Hughes and Pat Lyford on the successful return to airworthiness of their PA-18-90 Super Cub ZK-BTP. Pat would be the first to acknowledge that it was O.D. who put in the bulk of the work, day in day out on this machine to produce the exquisite little jewel we see in the air today. First flight was late on the afternoon of 23rd May and the aircraft flew as a Cub should, with no surprises there. Reg Taylor kept a close eye on the proceedings through the rebuild process, his extensive experience with the Cub family coming in very handy all along the way.

International Museum’s Day

International Museum's Day celebrations (May 18) provided an excuse to throw the spotlight onto the AHC for Blenheim residents. A half-price-special weekend allowed those who'd been holding off visiting the facility to take advantage of this special occasion. The upshot was that the two days saw some 650 people go through the facility, the Sunday's 450 representing a record attendance outside the Easter airshow period. Most interestingly, many locals said they wished they had come earlier, they would be returning, and that they were especially pleased to be able to have somewhere special to bring visitors from out of town or overseas when they come to Blenheim. This was a very positive result for all concerned and a 'great time was had by all'.

Marlborough Warbirds Breakfast BBQ /Flying Day, May 12

Between three and four dozen members attended this function at the AHC on Sunday May 12. The morning was designed to give us an excuse to get together for a social occasion as well as to exercise some of the members aircraft. WE also wanted an opportunity to get some of the AHC’s volunteer guides into the air in suitable aircraft as a way to say “Thank You” for the efforts put into the facility to date.

Children's Book Cub Awards

The Children's Book Cub Awards were hosted at the AHC on May 12 bringing 200 children and parents to the facility. We provided a brief tour of the facility, with photo opportunities outside by the Hurricane and a BBQ was in full swing for the families. It became clear that everyone wanted to come back after having too small a taste of the AHC. Some have already returned for a longer look.

Hurricane In Residence

Sunday 6th May saw the Hurricane finally go on display on the grass terrace outside the Omaka Aviation Heritage Centre after Mike, Pat, Graham and Dayna snatched the opportunity to get the aircraft moved before the members' BBQ breakfast set for the following weekend. The aeroplane has drawn much attention and many compliments since being placed on display, the best comments coming from our resident Spitfire/Hurricane/Defiant pilot Bunty Bunt who is just delighted to have the Hurricane displayed where everyone can see it by the AHC café. Bunty, like most RAF fighter pilots of the era, was first a Tiger Moth pilot and during the BBQ breakfast he found himself once again enjoying the fresh air and a view provided by the Tiger's open cockpit as he and Chris Richards savoured the Marlborough scenery from resident syndicate Tiger ZK-BER.

Easter Exhibits Added

Over the past few weeks, several new and significant exhibits have been added to the Knights of the Sky exhibition.

The first addition has the distinction of being the only Caproni Ca 22 aircraft remaining in the world. This machine can be described as a virtual time-capsule, as it has spent most of the past 85 years in storage with the Caproni Museum in Italy. Click for more details

Next is an enthralling collection of artefacts and personal items belonging to some of the most famous aviators on both sides of the conflict during the First World War. This includes personal items of such famous aces as Eddie Rickenbacker, René Fonk, Ernst Udet and Max Immelman amongst others. Click for more details

Finally, complementing the von Richthofen (crashed Fokker Triplane) diorama scene is a display of the actual fabric cross, cut from the starboard side of his famous red Triplane. With it are other items salvaged from the aircraft and his own monogrammed handkerchief along with many other objects belonging to the Richthofen family. Click for more details

Best Museum In The World?

Sydney Morning Herald travel writer Bruce Elder has recently visited the Omaka Aviation Heritage Centre and has written in his on-line blog:

"The best Museum in the World? I am not exaggerating."

Click here to read Bruce's blog.

Opening Photos

Here are several photographs from the official opening on December the 8th:

The Etrich Taube and Airco DH-2. These examples of early (First World War) aircraft fascinate the first visitors through the Omaka Aviation Heritage Centre.

Official guests look on as the observer in the Albatros B.II prepares to drop a bomb over the side of the aircraft as it flies over the Allied lines.

A Fokker Eindecker attacks the Airco DH-2 from the rear, using the newly developed synchronisation gear enabling the machine gun to fire between the propellor blades.

Lift-off December 8th 2006

The Omaka Aviation Heritage Centre was officially opened in Marlborough today; unveiling a unique visitor attraction and significant asset for the region.

Entitled “Knights of the Sky”, the opening exhibition includes one of the world's largest private collections of rare WW1 aircraft that are presented in dramatic tableaux to spectacular effect.

The Omaka Aviation Heritage Centre is the product of more than a decade of collaborative activity amongst Marlborough aviation enthusiasts. They have been propelled by a common vision: that the region's nucleus of aircraft enthusiasts, rare aeroplanes, specialist aviation skills, coupled with the historical significance of the Omaka Aerodrome - could become the foundation for a 'flying heritage centre' which would be the focal point for a broad spectrum of aviation activity bringing economic benefit to the region.

Their vision received strong support from the Marlborough District Council and Marlborough Regional Development Trust, both of whom recognised aviation as a key driver in Marlborough's economy and successfully applied to NZ Trade and Enterprise for a Major Regional Initiative grant to build Stage One of the Omaka Aviation Heritage Centre.

Stage One, which opened today, occupies some 3,000 sqm of purpose-built display area and accommodates a collection of dramatically-staged static displays of original and replica aircraft along with flyable aeroplanes from the WW1 era. The collection is managed by the 14-18 Aviation Heritage Trust, which is chaired by film director Peter Jackson, and has been brought to life in a series of theatrical dioramas constructed with the artistic talent and technical expertise of some of New Zealand's most talented storytellers and special effects wizards.

Speaking at the launch event Mr Brian Greenall, Chairman of the New Zealand Aviation Heritage Trust, which operates the aviation heritage centre, said the Omaka attraction aims to be both educational and entertaining for all ages, while acting as catalyst to attract aviation business and investment to the Marlborough region.

As the centerpiece of the region's aviation cluster, the Omaka Aviation Heritage Centre forms the nucleus for a range of aviation-related businesses set to grow in the adjacent


Aviation Business Park. These include aircraft restoration/painting/upholstery, vintage/warbird experience flights - even whole aircraft manufacture. Site preparation is currently underway for the establishment of the first five new hangars in the Aviation Business Park with construction due to commence before the end of the year.

Marlborough's tourism industry will also be a key benefactor. The rarity of the aircraft and world-class standard of creativity and craftsmanship of the Stage One exhibition will not only draw aviation enthusiasts from around the globe but will also extend the range of Marlborough's entertainment options for visitors of all ages and interests.

The Omaka Aviation Heritage Centre will be open 7 days per week from 10am - 4pm and is located alongside the Omaka Aerodrome, approximately 5kms from the centre of Blenheim.
ENDS

For further information, please contact:
Jane Orphan
Chief Executive, Omaka Aviation Heritage Centre
03 5791305
027 6777621
jane@omaka.org.nz
www.omaka.org.nz

The Etrich Taube on display at the Omaka Aviation Heritage Centre. This faithful reproduction of the Taube, which was first flown in 1910, was built in Germany and made a number of flying appearances at air shows in Europe prior to being shipped to New Zealand in late 2005.

Marlborough Flying High as Omaka Aviation Heritage Centre opens

8 December 2006

New Zealand Trade and Enterprise (NZTE) chairman Phil Lough today congratulated Marlborough on its vision as he opened the Omaka Aviation Heritage Centre near Blenheim. NZTE in 2004 provided $2 million in Major Regional Initiative funding to get the project started and a big effort since by the region has resulted in today's official opening of the centre.

The Omaka Aviation Heritage Centre provides a facility for showcasing and maintaining original and replica historic aircraft. Incorporating flying displays, it is expected to promote tourism in the region by educating people about aviation and also act as a focus for the development of the aviation sector.

Speaking at today's opening, Mr Lough said the people of Marlborough had displayed some innovative thinking and energy to develop the project.
“The original concept of having an aircraft collection to encourage travelers to stop in Marlborough has developed into this internationally-significant centre that will leverage aviation restoration activity, boost tourism and events, and spawn new aviation business,” Mr Lough said.

He added the centre would be a catalyst for the region to position itself as an international centre for aviation. Preparations for an aviation business park alongside the heritage centre are now underway, a move that will help to attract more aviation businesses to the region.

The Omaka Aviation Heritage Centre was the second Marlborough project to receive Major Regional Initiative funding. The first, a Wine Research Centre, was opened in March 2004.

NZTE's Major Regional Initiative funding is a component of its Regional Partnerships Programme, which helps regions to develop and activate sustainable economic growth strategies.
ENDS

For more information, please contact:
Jo Rainey, NZTE Regional Economic Development Adviser, Nelson
03 546 7285
027 274 9972
Jo.Rainey@nzte.govt.nz

Lift-off is Coming!
Saturday December 9th promises to be a huge day for aviation enthusiasts, WW1 buffs and anyone intrigued by aeroplanes and flying aces. It's the long-awaited opening of the Omaka Aviation Heritage Centre coupled with Marlborough's annual Harcourts Marlborough Christmas Wings flying display & concert.

The opening exhibition at Omaka is Knights of the Sky - one of the world's largest private collections of WW1 aircraft and rare memorabilia, brought to life in a multi-sensory experience designed to captivate and entertain all ages.

Open to the public from 10:00AM - 4:00PM, followed by the Harcourts Marlborough Christmas Wings flying display & concert which commences at 4.30PM.

Rare Albatros B.II in the Omaka collection

Although most of the aircraft on display in the Knights of the Sky exhibition opening at Omaka Aviation Heritage Centre have been kept under wraps until opening day on December 9th, it has been revealed that one aircraft included in the exhibition will be an example of the attractive Albatros B.II.

The B.II was an unarmed German two-seat reconnaissance biplane designed by Ernst Heinkel. First flying in 1914, large numbers of the B.II were built and although it was relegated from front-line service in 1915 following the introduction of the armed C-type two-seaters, the B.II remained in service as a trainer until 1918.

Just two original Albatross B.II aircraft have survived. The aircraft on display at the AHC was completed in Germany during 2000 and is the only representative example of the type to have flown since the 1920's. Along with a number of other aircraft on display, it is a type not previously seen 'downunder'.

The Albatros B.II, as seen shortly before being moved into the Knights of the Sky exhibition at the Omaka Aviation Heritage Centre.

Latest Media Articles and Reviews

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