The highly anticipated displays over Napier's Marine Parade will take place the following evening on Friday, February 19 and again during the weekend at 12.15pm on the Saturday and a final display on Sunday, February 21, at 2 pm.
A single RNZAF Texan 11 trainer will follow on from the Harvards with a solo display over the Marine Parade on the Friday, Saturday and Sunday. After each display it will return to Ohakea.
For a close up viewing of the aircraft, follow the signs towards the Hawke's Bay Airport terminal, turning off just before the ABB Building. The Napier Air Training Corp (ATC) will be manning the entry to the parking area and will charge $10 per vehicle to assist with the cost to bring the aircraft in and to support the ATC.
"We are expecting more than a dozen visiting aircraft this year," says Napier Aero Club spokesman Dave Nash.
"We have the Fly DC3 Dakota coming from Auckland which is offering flights over the two cities and bookings can be made through the Art Deco website to guarantee a seat or they will be offering stand by seats for walk-ups by calling out over the weekend or you can ring 0274 382 297 or 0800 FLY DC3."
Other aircraft will be available for joy rides include a Boeing Stearman biplane along with a Tiger Moth.
"This year we will also have Aroha Helicopters offering a variety of flights including trial flights for those wanting to take the controls. Scenic helicopter flights start at $150 per person with a minimum of five passengers."
Dave says John Luff will bring the Venom Jetfighter from New Plymouth if conditions are good.
"Graham Bethell, pilot and owner of the P51 Mustang WW2 fighter will also be attending the event. The aircraft is for sale but Graham wishes it to remain in New Zealand. Graham has been coming to Aero Deco for many years and will be offering rides for those who have a real sense of adventure and deep pockets."
There will be some food stalls, including a sausage sizzle, icecreams and coffee available.
"We would ask that no dogs please and certainly no smoking anywhere on the airfield as it is so dry. As always the fly-in is dependent on the weather and also aircraft serviceability."
Napier Aero club president Graham Duley wishes to thank The Art Deco Trust, HB Airport Ltd, Airways Corporation, Ericksen Honda Ltd and the NZ Warbirds for their assistance with this event.
■ To book flights visit https://artdecofestival.co.nz/events/fly-dc-3-putting-on-the-ritz-topside/
For helicopter flights visit www.arohahelicopters.com .
For Mustang flights phone Dave on 027 351 1314 to arrange a time from Friday over the weekend.
