Wings over Awatoto

Napier's John Clarke fuels up his JU87 Stuka while Harvey Stiver of Hastings checks over his Hawker Sea Fury and P47D Thunderbolt. Photo / Duncan Brown

Up to 100 pilots from all over the country will be turning the propellers, rotors and turbines of their radio-controlled aircraft at Awatoto this weekend.

"We are expecting a good number and about 50 per cent of them will be from outside Hawke's Bay because this airfield is rated as probably the best in the country," Model Flying Hawke's Bay president Kevin Botherway said of the Awatoto Field off Waitangi Rd.

The Warbirds over Awatoto event is held annually in early February and has become a major drawcard on the model aircraft calendar. As with all things aviation, the input of Mother Nature is vital.

"It will be a great get-together - if the weather plays ball," Mr Botherway said. "Mainly it is the wind which is the main problem but there are pilots who have aircraft which can operate in pretty tough conditions."

According to the Metservice forecast for tomorrow and Sunday, Mother Nature could well be in their favour. Showers are expected to clear during the morning and southerlies will die out, with a temperature of 22 degrees forecast. On Sunday temperatures will rise to 27 degrees.

"We will have everything from WW1 Sopwith Camels through to helicopters and jets," Mr Botherway said. The turbine-driven jets, which "sound like the real thing" can reach spectacular speeds up to 300km/h.

However, for Mr Botherway, who has competed internationally in aircraft events and won gold medals for his efforts, his hands will be full not with rudder and aileron controls but with paperwork.

"I won't be flying - I'll be busy looking after the flight conditions for everyone," he said.

There will be prizes for the best aircraft from each era and style, as well as a trophy for the best aircraft as voted by members of the public. They will be flying from 9am to 4pm tomorrow and Sunday, with a gold-coin entry.