Key Takeaways:
- The Wanganui Aero Day event is expected to feature a wide range of aircraft, including a De Havilland Chipmunk and a DeHavilland Venom jet.
- The event will include aerial displays, as well as the opportunity to see aircraft up close and take paid flights.
- The aero club has seen significant growth in attendance, with 4500 people attending the 2024 event.
- The event relies on the support of club members, past members, and volunteers to make it a success.
- The NZ International Commercial Pilot Academy will be operating from the aero club until mid-2026 and will be providing support for the event.
Introduction to the Wanganui Aero Day
The Wanganui Aero Day is a highly anticipated event that is expected to draw large crowds to the Whanganui Airport. According to event organizer Morrison, "Basically, we’ve doubled everything" in terms of the number of aircraft and activities on offer. The event will feature a range of aircraft, including Vaughn Davis’ De Havilland Chipmunk and John Luff’s DeHavilland Venom jet. The Venom, a Cold War-era fighter jet, is a rare and exciting addition to the event, having been flown by air forces around the world in the 1950s and 1960s.
Aircraft on Display
The De Havilland Chipmunk, which is being brought to the event by Vaughn Davis, has a special connection to Whanganui. In 2025, Davis brought the Chipmunk to Whanganui to meet Royal Air Force veteran Bill Macleod, who flew the Chipmunk while training in early 1972. The Chipmunk will be joined by a range of other aircraft, including the North American Harvard, which will be available for paid flights. The aero club will also have at least two planes available for 15-minute flights, providing an affordable way for attendees to experience the thrill of flight. Additionally, the event organizers are hoping to secure a Lockheed Electra from the South Island, which would be a major coup for the event.
Event Logistics
One of the biggest challenges facing the event organizers is the weather. As Morrison noted, "It’s always a bit of a juggling act with the weather for the days before and on the day." This can affect which aircraft are able to attend, but the organizers are confident that they have a strong lineup of planes in the pipeline. The event is expected to attract a large crowd, with attendance having grown significantly in recent years. In 2024, the event drew 4500 people, and the organizers are hoping to build on this success.
Support from the Aero Club and Volunteers
The success of the Wanganui Aero Day relies on the support of the aero club and its members. As Morrison noted, "People who own planes really love sharing them" and are willing to go to great expense to make the event a success. The cost of operating some of the aircraft, particularly the jets, is significant, with the Venom burning an average of 22 liters of fuel per minute and 70 liters per minute at full throttle and low altitude. The aero club is grateful for the support of its members, past members, and volunteers, who all come together to make the event a success.
Partnership with the NZ International Commercial Pilot Academy
The Wanganui Aero Day will also receive support from the NZ International Commercial Pilot Academy, which will be operating from the aero club until mid-2026. The academy will provide additional resources and personnel to help make the event a success. As Morrison noted, "We’ll make the most of the six months we’re all together. I’m sure we can co-exist." The partnership between the aero club and the academy is expected to be beneficial for both parties and will help to make the Wanganui Aero Day an even more successful event.
Event Details
The Wanganui Aero Day will take place from 9am to 4pm at the Whanganui Airport. Entry to the event will be $5 for kids (8 to 14) and $15 for adults, with a discounted rate of $10 for Super GoldCard holders. The event promises to be an exciting and entertaining day out for aviation enthusiasts and families alike, with a range of aircraft on display and a variety of activities to enjoy. With its rich history, stunning aircraft, and strong community support, the Wanganui Aero Day is an event not to be missed.
