Air show grounded

BY PIERS FULLER - WAIRARAPA NEWS

Windy and blustery conditions grounded all the classic World War I aircraft for the Remembrance Day air display on Saturday, but a healthy crowd still turned out to see the attractions.

Though the show was officially cancelled due to the weather and ticketholders were offered a refund, hundreds of people still enjoyed a close look at all the aircraft lined up on the ground and a couple of WWII era fighters did make it into the skies.

The show was put on by The Vintage Aviator which has a base in the Old Stick & Rudder Company hangar at Hood Aerodrome.

The new Albatros DV.a was the star of show and enthusiasts got a chance see the original Mercedes engine cranked up as the classic German biplane was demonstrated as it was taxied along by the wing tip.

Many of the other WWI fighters were also demonstrated in this way.

Vintage Aviator representative Sara Randle said visitors were not too disappointed when organisers made the decision about 1.30pm not to risk flying the precious older aircraft.

People were offered their money back or free entry to the next air show in January.

The hanger at Hood is full of amazing examples of classic WWI fighters and other planes from later times.

It is open in weekends during the summer season from 10am-4pm with guided tours going on during the day.

See the incredible website at thevintageaviator.co.nz for more information on the company and what they do.

Another Vintage Aviator air show will be held at Hood on January 23 on Wellington Anniversary Weekend, which will be in late afternoon early evening.