SOARING THROUGH HISTORY
13 JANUARY 2023
Lydia Litvyak
Flying High
Blenheim is a sunny town at the top of the South Island in New Zealand and is known for its busy skies, with airplanes zipping around all over the place so it's no surprises it has an incredible aviation museum.
A bunch of plane enthusiasts in Marlborough decided to import a couple of Chinese Nanchang trainers and formed the Marlborough Warbirds Association. As their collection of aircrafts grew, tourists started visiting their hangar and before you know it, they formed the New Zealand Aviation Museum Trust in 1997, with the goal of making their planes more accessible to the public and to promote understanding and appreciation of aviation. They raised funds through events such as the biennial Classic Fighters Omaka Airshow and were joined by Sir Peter Jackson, who became a major supporter of the project.
In December 2006, the opening exhibition, Knights of the Sky, showcased the historical importance, rarity and scale of the collection in a unique way. Sir Peter Jackson's Great War collection was featured in dioramas created by WingNut Films and mannequins by Weta Workshop. In November 2016, the second exhibition, 'Dangerous Skies,' was unveiled, featuring aviation in World War II.
Today, the Omaka AHC is a world-class destination for the appreciation of historic aircraft, featuring stories and memorabilia from both World Wars. It is run by a charitable trust and most of the aircraft and memorabilia are on loan from private individuals. The center also aims to foster growth in aviation by promoting interest and education through the museum and airshows.
When we arrived at the museum, we saw a biplane about to take off and we thought how awesome it would be to watch it take off! So we took our seats and waited....aaand waited...aaaand waited while they tried to start the plane.
*3 years later*
The plane fiiinally went bumpty bump across the grass and onto the airstrip then took off into a clear blue sky. It would have been such an awesome view up there on such a beautiful day!
A bunch of plane enthusiasts in Marlborough decided to import a couple of Chinese Nanchang trainers and formed the Marlborough Warbirds Association. As their collection of aircrafts grew, tourists started visiting their hangar and before you know it, they formed the New Zealand Aviation Museum Trust in 1997, with the goal of making their planes more accessible to the public and to promote understanding and appreciation of aviation. They raised funds through events such as the biennial Classic Fighters Omaka Airshow and were joined by Sir Peter Jackson, who became a major supporter of the project.
In December 2006, the opening exhibition, Knights of the Sky, showcased the historical importance, rarity and scale of the collection in a unique way. Sir Peter Jackson's Great War collection was featured in dioramas created by WingNut Films and mannequins by Weta Workshop. In November 2016, the second exhibition, 'Dangerous Skies,' was unveiled, featuring aviation in World War II.
Today, the Omaka AHC is a world-class destination for the appreciation of historic aircraft, featuring stories and memorabilia from both World Wars. It is run by a charitable trust and most of the aircraft and memorabilia are on loan from private individuals. The center also aims to foster growth in aviation by promoting interest and education through the museum and airshows.
When we arrived at the museum, we saw a biplane about to take off and we thought how awesome it would be to watch it take off! So we took our seats and waited....aaand waited...aaaand waited while they tried to start the plane.
*3 years later*
The plane fiiinally went bumpty bump across the grass and onto the airstrip then took off into a clear blue sky. It would have been such an awesome view up there on such a beautiful day!
Knights Of The Sky
The first exhibition and hanger we visited was the WWI hanger - Knights of the Sky. Inside are personal collections of plane fanatics around and from film director Sir Peter Jackson and it's like nothing you've ever seen before. Imagine walking into a museum full of realistic dioramas, created by Wingnut Films and brought to life by the lifelike mannequins of Weta Workshop. It's like a movie set come to life where you travel back in time to when the harshness and cruelty of the war in the trenches contrasted with the chivalry and bravado of the war in the air.
We didn't know what to expect when we first walked into the hangar and we were blown away. The place is HUGE and it takes so long to walk through and look at everything and take in every little detail. There are information boards everywhere telling stories and facts, so it's a place you want to be able to have the time to really take everything in.
We didn't know what to expect when we first walked into the hangar and we were blown away. The place is HUGE and it takes so long to walk through and look at everything and take in every little detail. There are information boards everywhere telling stories and facts, so it's a place you want to be able to have the time to really take everything in.
A Slight Exaggeration
There are many impressive stories to read about in the Knights of the Sky hangar and one is of Grid Caldwell, who, in 1918, was said to have used resourcefulness and quick thinking to regain control of his aircraft after it was struck by another S.E.5a from his squadron. He attempted to control the aircraft's descent by taking an alternate approach, by stepping out onto the lower wing and holding onto a wing strut with one hand while controlling the joystick with the other... BUZZKILL...However, this story of him stepping out onto the lower wing and holding a wing strut with one hand and controlling the joystick with the other, is an exaggeration.
Caldwell has corrected the commonly told story of standing on the wing as an exaggeration. He believes that it was likely embellished by a war book writer, such as 'Taffy' Jones or Springs. According to Caldwell, what actually happened was that he was able to regain control of the aircraft by putting his left foot on the right rudder and leaning out to the right as far as he could. This allowed him to control the aircraft for about 8,000 feet before he had to lose further height and crash land behind British lines. The aircraft was beyond repair, but Caldwell only suffered a cut lip and bruises. He also stated that anyone familiar with the controls of a sensitive aircraft would know that leaving the rudder alone would be disastrous.
Caldwell has corrected the commonly told story of standing on the wing as an exaggeration. He believes that it was likely embellished by a war book writer, such as 'Taffy' Jones or Springs. According to Caldwell, what actually happened was that he was able to regain control of the aircraft by putting his left foot on the right rudder and leaning out to the right as far as he could. This allowed him to control the aircraft for about 8,000 feet before he had to lose further height and crash land behind British lines. The aircraft was beyond repair, but Caldwell only suffered a cut lip and bruises. He also stated that anyone familiar with the controls of a sensitive aircraft would know that leaving the rudder alone would be disastrous.
Grid Caldwell
Don't Cross The Line
The collection of rare memorabilia includes beautifully crafted 'trench' art to personal items belonging to national flying heroes such as the USA's Eddie Rickenbacker, France's René Fonck and Germany's Red Baron, Manfred von Richthofen and the infamous Hermann Goering. It's like a who's who of WWI aviation.
But that's not all, the Knights of the Sky has a mixture of original, flyable and static replica aircraft. The rarity and beauty of these machines including a Curtiss MF Flying Boat, the Italian time capsule Caproni CA.22 and the colorful Fokker Triplanes can be appreciated by all, not just aviation enthusiasts.
We couldn't get over the details in everything that had been created, from the people to the footprints and wheel tracks in the mud. The girls were especially interested in the snow and wanted to touch it, but be warned, there are sensors all around the displays so you'll know when you've crossed the line (and so will security and everyone else in the hanger!).
But that's not all, the Knights of the Sky has a mixture of original, flyable and static replica aircraft. The rarity and beauty of these machines including a Curtiss MF Flying Boat, the Italian time capsule Caproni CA.22 and the colorful Fokker Triplanes can be appreciated by all, not just aviation enthusiasts.
We couldn't get over the details in everything that had been created, from the people to the footprints and wheel tracks in the mud. The girls were especially interested in the snow and wanted to touch it, but be warned, there are sensors all around the displays so you'll know when you've crossed the line (and so will security and everyone else in the hanger!).
Scaring Their Pants Off
The Dangerous Skies exhibition is in another hanger, so we had to go from the dim lit Knights of the Sky hangar, into the blaring sunshine and walk about 50 meters to the next hangar.
Once our temporary blindness had subsided, we started to discover the world of Dangerous Skies, which is a great place to learn about WWII. Not only will visitors get to learn about the famous Battle of Britain, but they'll also learn about the lesser-known stories such as the world's top-scoring female fighter ace Lydia Litvyak, who was also known as the Ace of Spades and the Soviet 588th Night Bombers, also known as the Night Witches (because they flew at night and scared the pants off the Germans).
Once our temporary blindness had subsided, we started to discover the world of Dangerous Skies, which is a great place to learn about WWII. Not only will visitors get to learn about the famous Battle of Britain, but they'll also learn about the lesser-known stories such as the world's top-scoring female fighter ace Lydia Litvyak, who was also known as the Ace of Spades and the Soviet 588th Night Bombers, also known as the Night Witches (because they flew at night and scared the pants off the Germans).
Dangerous Skies
The Dangerous Skies exhibition features mannequins made by Weta Workshop, original and flyable aircraft in large dioramas, and has undergone updates and additions since its opening. Visitors can see the Messerschmitt Bf108, Lockheed Hudson, de Havilland Mosquito and "Gloria Lyons" P-40 Kittyhawk. And for those daring enough, you can even take a joy flight on the Russian Yak-3Ua ‘Full Noise’, a Reno Air Race Gold Class alumni which can reach speeds of up to 407 mph!
Lydia Litvyak
Lydia Litvyak
A True Cinematic Experience
Towards the end of the exhibition, we came across a cinema room with a mahoooosive screen which simulates the Battle of Stalingrad, which shows every 10-minutes. It's loud and can be scary for kids, so we didn't take the girls in to see it. It was pretty impressive (until we got bombed by a plane, that is!) and the graphics and audio were incredible.
The whole experience was fantastic and although Arabella and Sienna were only interested in running from one plane to the next, we all had an awesome time and there were only 2 other people in the place when we visited, so it was nice and quiet!
The whole experience was fantastic and although Arabella and Sienna were only interested in running from one plane to the next, we all had an awesome time and there were only 2 other people in the place when we visited, so it was nice and quiet!
The Battle of Stalingrad in the cinema
Know Before You Go
- There are plenty of parks
- There are toilets here
- For more info, hours and prices click here
- They are open 7 Days, 9am - 5pm. .
Mappy McMap Face
Getting There
Address: 79 Aerodrome Rd, Omaka, Blenheim
To get there from central Blenheim, head southeast on High St/State Highway 1 toward Perry St then turn left onto Aerodrome Rd and continue straight for about 3km and you will see the Omaka Aviation Centre on the right side of the road.
To get there from central Blenheim, head southeast on High St/State Highway 1 toward Perry St then turn left onto Aerodrome Rd and continue straight for about 3km and you will see the Omaka Aviation Centre on the right side of the road.
Conclusion
Omaka Aviation Centre in Blenheim is truly a flying circus (in the best way possible). From the stunning collection of vintage aircrafts to the expertly curated exhibits, there's something for everyone to enjoy. Just be sure to bring your flying goggles and a sense of adventure, because this place will take you on a journey you won't soon forget. The details are absolutely incredible and it's worth every penny. If you're ever in the area and need a break from wine tasting, make sure to stop by Omaka and give your taste buds a break and treat your eyes. It's a bird, it's a plane, it's a museum!
Gallery of Omaka Aviation Heritage Centre
Check out the rest of the awesomeness that didn't make it to the main blog but deserves to be shown.
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