BE sure to watch the skies this October long weekend, because you'll be in for an aviation treat.
Subscribe now for unlimited access.
$0/
(min cost $0)
or signup to continue reading
More than 90 international and local Tiger Moth pilots will take to the skies on Saturday and Sunday.
The pilots include three World War II veterans and will fly in unison across Newcastle, the Hunter, Sydney and the Mid North Coast to celebrate The Great Tiger Moth Air Race.
The race is in remembrance for those pilots who didn't return from war.
A fleet of 45 Tiger Moths will take off from Lusktintyre Airfield near Maitland tomorrow (Saturday) at 9.15am, flying over Nobby's Beach and Fort Scratchley at 9.45am (which will open early for spectators and fire cannons to coincide with the event).
The fleet will then continue south, flying in formation across Sydney's iconic Harbour Bridge just before 10.30am and re-fuelling at Camden Airport before returning home and heading to the Mid North Coast on Sunday.
The Tiger Moths are due to arrive at Taree Airport on Sunday from 10.25am, and will take off from Taree at 12.20pm bound for Luskintyre.
The Great Tiger Moth Air Race race president Richard Brougham said spectators will be treated to a spectacle in the sky that not only provides a unique opportunity to showcase an aircraft that has been instrumental in the development of aviation in Australia, but also supports two charity groups.
"The Great Tiger Moth Air race is a unique event and is a great opportunity to revive a tradition that's been going since 1977, bringing pilots and machines from overseas and all over the country for the race," he said.
"During World War II, many young pilots made the ultimate sacrifice in the service of their country and we are fortunate in having three surviving veterans participate in the memorial fly-past to acknowledge the role of the Tiger Moth during periods of conflict and the sacrifices that these men and their brothers in arms made."
Mr Brougham said the race also aimed to promote awareness and support for two very worthy charities.
"LIFT Youth Development is a Hunter-based charity that utilises aviation as a medium to help provide life strategies for at-risk youth," he said.
"Soldier On aims to provide ongoing support for Australian srvice personnel who have suffered physical and psychological injuries as a result of their service."
With the last Tiger Moth race taking place in 2003, Mr Brougham said it could be another 10 years until the next one and he encouraged residents to visit the race view points.
For more information and to keep up with race details visit http//www.tigerairrace.com and follow the race on Facebook.
Best viewing points and locations can be viewed at http://tigerairrace.com/the-race/where-can-i-see-the-race/