Blenheim aviation engineer Jay McIntyre and his team have finished three years of work rebuilding a Russian Yak3 World War II fighter plane in his hangar at Omaka for co-owner Graeme Frew, of Auckland.
A Blenheim aviation engineering firm has farewelled the result of three years' hard work rebuilding a Russian Yak3 World War II fighter plane.
Plane co-owner and Auckland pilot Graeme Frew flew the plane from Omaka Club Airfield yesterday bound for the Warbirds Over Wanaka International Airshow, which starts tomorrow.
Blenheim aviation engineer Jay McIntyre, of JEM Aviation, has been working on the project in his hangar at Omaka since 2009, when the plane arrived as a collection of parts in boxes. He has been supported by Mr Frew's nephew Daniel Frew and staff members Dick Veale, Marty Nicoll and Chris O'Connor.
Mr McIntyre said he was sad to see the plane leave his hangar.
"It's kind of like the youngest child leaving home, but it has to be done.
"We just hope that we have delivered an exceptional product, that won't let the owner down.
"There have been a lot of head-scratching moments during the build, but nothing we haven't been able to get through and I have to thank the owner for his fortitude to keep going with the project."
Mr Frew, who is an Air New Zealand pilot, said he was overwhelmed with the finished plane.
"It's just incredible," he said yesterday.
"It sounds fantastic, it looks great and it's been the culmination of a fairly big dream. The guys have worked hard, long and tiring hours. It's testament to how professional and hard-working these lads are, and I'm forever grateful for their work."
The plane will be part of the air displays over Wanaka during the weekend, watched by thousands of spectators.
Mr Frew's friend and experienced pilot Frank Parker will be at the controls.
"I'll be a very proud man seeing that up in the sky, that's for sure," Mr Frew said.
"Frank has got endless experience and I know it can't be in safer hands. It's certainly going to be a very special moment in my life and I'll treasure it."
Mr Frew had his first go at the controls on Thursday last week, taking the plane for an engine run above the airfield under the guidance of Mr Parker, and said it was exhilarating.
The plane received its official flying certification yesterday.
"It's unbelievable and doesn't even compare with flying a commercial plane," he said. "These days the commercial planes are all silenced, whereas with a plane like this, it's all noise, noise, noise.
"Flying this type of plane really stimulates the senses and the adrenaline pumps through the veins. It's unreal and a dream come true."
The Yak will return to Omaka after the airshow, before heading to Auckland.
Source: http://www.stuff.co.nz
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