Birthday bash

The RNZAF’s 75ht Anniversary Airshow

The April 1 1937 passing of the Air Force Act marked the formation of the Royal New Zealand Air Force as an independent service.

The RNZAF took the opportunity to mark the 75th anniversary of this historic day with parades, flybys and displays by the Red Checker across the country. But it was the large airshow held at RNZAF Base Ohakea near Palmerston North on March 31 which was the major attraction. Almost all of the RNZAF’s aircraft types took part in the flying displays, including the first public display of the new NH90 Medium Utility Helicopter, plus the recently arrived A109LUH and the Bell 47G Sioux which it replaced.