I spent two days in Auckland due to the last minute preperation that was needed.
The aircraft had one more flight to do before being signed off by CAA and following the testing Gavin Trethewey would formate on us for a few minutes before landing.
The aircraft was to be taken apart straight after the flight as the delivery schedule for the aeroplane was now very tight.
This is how the aicraft looked on the morning of the flight.
For quite some time it didnt look like we would be flying at all.
The Allison
The aircraft was pushed out into the sun at around 3.30pm and it looked great.
Next up was an engine run.
After a good run the engine was buttoned up which is quite a job.
Gavin Trethewey then climbed in to start the flight.
At this point the testing was priority and if that went well we would spend some time in formation.
Gavin had to complete a timed run to 10,000ft and a Vne run on the way down.
We took off together and Gavin began his testing while we flew in circles hoping that the testing would go well.
Today I was flying with Liz Needham in Harvard 57.
Gavin let us know all was well and that he would see us soon.
We laid a smoke trail for him and it took us a while to see him but our position was pretty obvious.
We flew at 5000 ft which was a good safe altitude in case their were any issues.
We got together and the colour scheme looked great.
Flying alongside these legendary WW2 fighters is a very memorable experience.
We flew an easy orbirt or two and then headed back to Ardmore.
Following the flight the team got together for this photo.
This was Kittyhawk restoration number 11 and includes a set of wings for the Australian P-40F.
Then is was a quick sprint to the airport and off home.
Was nice to see this aircraft fly in New Zealand before heading to its new home.
