RSA veterans given flying treat

Around 50 veterans and members of RSAs on the North Shore and Warkworth were special guests at North Shore Aero Club in Dairy Flat recently.

They were given the opportunity to see vintage aircraft up close before going up in the planes owned by club members. Details such as the engine types, the rivets and the beautiful condition of the nine classic planes on show were a cause for much discussion during the inspection.

The RSA visitors were then flown to Ardmore where they toured the Warbirds Museum and then returned the Dairy Flat airport for lunch.

This is the second time that the club has invited veterans for an RSA Day.

Event organiser Anton Ramenskiy says the original number of veterans halved because of the Covid-19 outbreak, but the aero club was pleased to still be able to put on its event, held on Saturday, February 26.

He says many commented that the flight was a highlight, along with being able to inspect the planes and talk with their owners about each aircraft’s unique history and stories.

Among the owners were Gilly and Stan Smith, of Stanmore Bay, who own and care for several rare aircraft.

Stan uses his skills as an engineer to spend thousands of hours restoring and rebuilding the planes, including making any parts needed. The former TEAL pilot also teaches flying at the aero club, where they have been members 1970. Gilly also has her pilot’s licence.

Anton says the club will make the RSA Day a regular event – “we want to bring as many veterans here as possible.”