Historic topdresser to retire at Motat

A significant piece of Waikato aviation history will end its days at the Museum of Transport and Technology in Auckland.

The first Fletcher topdressing plane that worked out of Hamilton Airport in the 1950s is being restored, after being damaged while on display outside the airport for many years.

After its $50,000 restoration the plane will go on display at the Waikato Museum of Art and History before making its final home at Motat.

There it will join other historic aviation exhibits including the replica of the plane that Richard Pearse is thought to have flown in 1903, the only Solent Mark IV flying boat left in the world, and one of only a few World War II Avro Lancaster bombers.

The Fletcher, originally modified by aviation pioneer Ossie James, was temporarily at Mystery Creek after being taken down from outside the airport.

Years of outside storage and neglect - and a collision with a vehicle at some stage - took a heavy toll on the fragile aluminium skin and frame.

Ownership of the Fletcher was transferred from the airport and Mystery Creek to the museum for $5000.

Motat will become guardian of the aircraft after the Innovations in Agriculture exhibit finishes at the Waikato Museum next year.

- NZPA