Rare Spitfire to Join RNZAF Black Falcons for Whanganui Aerobatic Flight

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Whanganui Display: Spitfire Joins RNZAF Black Falcons

The Spitfire joins RNZAF Black Falcons for a rare aerobatic display over Whanganui this Sunday as part of the Whanganui Vintage Weekend airshow, blending aviation heritage with modern precision flying.

Rare Formation Flight Set for Sunday

A Supermarine Spitfire from the Air Force Heritage Flight of New Zealand is scheduled to fly alongside the Royal New Zealand Air Force’s Black Falcons aerobatic team in Whanganui late afternoon, around 4:30 pm local time, weather permitting.

Squadron Leader Stuart Anderson will pilot the historic Spitfire in a Heritage formation flypast with the Black Falcons, before a lower-level pass over Castlecliff Beach for spectators.

Anderson described the Spitfire as “comfortable and effortless to control” with strong handling, and said the aircraft’s historical significance remains clear during flight.

Aerobatic Team Profile

The RNZAF Black Falcons aerobatic team is New Zealand’s principal precision flying unit. It operates five Beechcraft T-6C Texan II trainer aircraft from the Central Flying School at RNZAF Base Ohakea.

Each Black Falcons pilot also serves as a flight instructor with either the Central Flying School or No. 14 Squadron, and display flying is done in addition to their primary training duties.

The team’s 2026 schedule includes a series of display events across New Zealand, with the Whanganui Vintage Weekend one of several stops ahead of larger airshows, including later appearances at events such as the Warbirds over Wanaka International Airshow.

Heritage and Public Engagement

The inclusion of a Spitfire with the Black Falcons highlights New Zealand’s effort to merge aviation heritage with contemporary demonstration flying. The Spitfire’s participation is made possible through support from the Biggin Hill Trust, which also operates a Grumman TBM-3E Avenger that will be on static display at the Wanganui Aero Club Aero Day held at Whanganui Airport.

These types of combined heritage and modern flights serve both as a public engagement tool and as a reminder of the historical contributions of classic military aircraft.