NEWS RELEASE       

  Thursday 10 December 2009   

Russian Yak, Harvard and gyrocopters final acts announced for Lakefront Air Show

ROTORUA 10.12.09: The final acts to complete the impressive line-up of 15 aerial displays in the Let’s GO Rotorua Lakefront Air Show and carnival on Saturday [12 December] have been announced.

A six-strong New Plymouth-based team, flying Russian built Yak 52 training and aerobatic aircraft, will appear twice in the show performing some breathtaking displays. Their demonstration will include a flying spectacle simulating air race routines of the type seen recently in televised air races.

Events & Venues Rotorua general manager Peter McLeod says the Yak is a fast and highly manoeuvrable aircraft, and the team has built an exceptional reputation for their exciting and highly skilled performances.

Saturday’s air show will also include the rare public appearance of the Harvard 1015.

The Harvard was the backbone of Royal NZ Air Force (RNZAF) training schools from the early 1940s to the late 1970s and since their retirement, a number have been retained in airworthy condition.

The Harvard was built in Texas, originally intended for RAF service, but was diverted to New Zealand instead. It flew as a training aircraft and was a member of the Red Checkers troup, renowned at the time for a flying routine that included their wingtips being tied together.

Squadron Leader Sean Perrett will be at the controls. The ex pat Englishman served in the RAF’s legendary Red Arrows team and flew the Harrier before moving to New Zealand in 2002.

The show’s final addition is the twin flying display by two Tauranga-based Gyrocopters.

Mr McLeod says contrary to popular belief, a Gyrocopter is not a mini helicopter.

"In simple terms, it is a highly manoeuvrable microlight aircraft assisted by a rotor to gain short take off and rapid lift capability.

“That high level of lift allows the Gyrocopter to perform fantastic displays, and when two highly skilled pilots are at the controls in a two aircraft display, the performance of these little machines is breathtaking.”

[Ends]

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