Skyhawk fighter to take shape again
The public will be given the chance to see a Skyhawk fighter jet reassembled this week, after it arrives at Classic Flyers in Mount Maunganui today.
The RNZAF McDonnell Douglas A4K Skyhawk is being transported in pieces by three trucks from Blenheim's Woodbourne Air Base to Tauranga.
The fighter jet was loaded up on Friday and left Blenheim yesterday, arriving in Wellington. It is expected to reach Tauranga by this evening. From Tuesday, reconstruction would begin and the public was invited to come along and watch. Classic Flyers would also be screening the reconstruction via time lapse photography on its website www.classicflyersnz.com.
Total reconstruction, by a Royal New Zealand Airforce team, was expected to take until Thursday.
The Skyhawk would be displayed without its engine and would be on permanent loan to Classic Flyers, and the people of Tauranga, from the Government. Up to 500 residents had paid $34,500 for the privilege - many residents purchased shares, which cost $60-plus each. Certificates of donations would be handed out at the grand launch on June 10, 2pm at Classic Flyers.
Classic Flyers was also taking delivery of an RNZAF Aermacchi jet trainer from Ohakea in early September.
