AIR FORCE DAY

Press, Volume XCIII, Issue 27911, 7 March 1956, Page 6

AIR FORCE DAY

VARIED DISPLAYS AT WIGRAM SATURDAY’S PROGRAMME The planners of Air Force Day. which will be observed at the Royal New Zealand Air Force Station, Wigram, on Saturday. March 10, are determined that Canterbury people will see as many aspects of Air Force life from operational flying to minor administration and detail as can be included in one day, said the Commanding Officer, Group Captain F. R. Dix, yesterday. For one day Wigram will, by means of flying demonstrations and ground displays, present a concentrated illustration of the R.N.Z.A.F. at work.

Almost every type of aircraft currently used will be shown in operation. Aircraft from the Royal Australian Air Force and the Far East Air Force of the Royal Air Force will also be shown.

Flying demonstrations will include aerobatics by formations of Harvard trainers and Vampire jet fighters, individual aerobatics by a Harvard and a Vampire, mock attacks on a temporary building and anti-aircraft guns and formation flights by aircraft from operational units of the R.N.Z.A.F.

A highlight of the flying display will be a “drop” over Wigram of three parachutists from an R.A.F. Valetta transport. The parachutists, who are instructors in the R.A.F., will jump in a “stick” (one after the other) and will then show their equipment to the public.

On the ground visitors will be shown the organisation which supports operational squadrons. Displays arranged in one big hangar will illustrate aviation engineering, the vast equipment organisation, administration and welfare, recreational facilities, communications, armament, aviation medicine and catering.

Also 12 different sections on the station will be open for public inspection and members of the section will answer questions.

In the engine section, where practically every type of aero engine, including jets, used in the R.N.Z.A.F. will be on display, visitors will be able to feather and unfeather an aircraft propeller by pressing buttons, a cutaway Goblin jet engine similar to those which power Vampire jet fighters will also be stopped and started by pressing buttons. Several aircraft including a Vampire jet fighter, will be on show on the ground. Special have been constructed so that the public can walk above the aircraft and look into the cockpits.

Larger aircraft such as the Bristol Freighters will be open for public inspection of the interiors.