Airshow lands pioneer flying Kiwis

EARLY BIRD: Tom Williams with the replica 1910 Pither Monoplane aircraft that was yesterday the first aircraft to arrive at Hood Aerodrome for the airshow next month. PHOTO/LYNDA FERINGA

The only replica 1910 Pither Monoplane in the world yesterday became the first aircraft to arrive for the biennial Wings Over Wairarapa 2015 - the first airshow to also feature a reproduction of the aircraft built by Kiwi flight pioneer Richard Pearse.

The replica, which was built at the Mandeville premises of the Croydon Aviation Company near Gore, had started its long haul north to Hood Aerodrome in Masterton early Monday on the back of a curtainsider McAuley's Transport truck with driver Chris Keay at the wheel.

"Every bump was nerve-wracking on the way up. Everything had to be in perfect when we arrived and I wasn't going to be the one to change that," Mr Keay said.

Wings Over Wairarapa airshow director Tom Williams said the skeletal frame of the plane - all cycle tubes and wire - seemed fragile but was airworthy and will be flown at the Wings show by the aircraft's test pilot, Jerry Chisum.

The aircraft was originally built in Southland by Herbert John Pither, who drew on his background as a professional cyclist and cycle manufacturer to create a lightweight aircraft. which was claimed to have first flown on Oreti Beach in 1910.

Mr Williams said Pither had died after moving to Australia, where his original aircraft was also last seen. The replica was constructed using detailed photographs and original newspaper clippings and was successfully flown in 2005 by Mr Chisum.

A theme of the upcoming airshow will be a soaring review of 100 years of aviation, embracing the latest remote control drones to military aircraft from both world wars to seminal Kiwi aircraft such as the Pither and a reproduction of the plane built and flown by Pearse, which will complete engine runs and taxi demonstrations during the event.

"We haven't had the Pither here before and, because we have the 100 years of aviation theme, it fits in right at the early stage along with the Pearse, which no airshow has ever had before. The two of them represent the oldies and will be exceptional together," Mr Williams said.

"I had even thought about the Fisher monoplane on the plinth at Gladstone, and just to stack up the three of them would be amazing."

David Percival Fisher was owner and builder of the Fisher monoplane, which completed its first successful sustained flights at Hurunui-o-rangi Flat near Gladstone in 1913.

Mr Williams said the airshow would also feature jet formations, agricultural displays, gliders and helicopter displays with the flying each day culminating in a dramatic mock air field attack and pyrotechnic shows lighting up the sky.

There will be entertainment on the ground as well, with mock battles and static displays including a combined Defence Forces interactive camp, children's entertainment, contemporary and vintage military vehicles and a food and wine area.

Wings Over Wairarapa 2015 will be held at Hood Aerodrome in Masterton from January 16 to 18 and tickets are available online at www.ticketdirect.co.nz and www.wings.org.nz