The members regrouped at Classic Flyers museum at Mt Maunganui for our meeting this week.
Andrew Gormlie (Managing Director of Classic Flyers and a member of Rotary Tauranga Te Papa) introduced us to the museum with a short history of the “hows and whys” the museum was born.
This was followed by a tour of the premises including the workshops where a number of exhibits are in a state of restoration. Great tour and interesting to see what's coming up.
This was followed by a talk from LCDR Yann "Fluo" Lehe formally from the French Air Force and followed by many years in the French Navy as a pilot on an aircraft carrier. Yann finished service flying as a pilot for the French Government operating surveillance in North Africa. What an interesting life this was. Yann has run up nearly 10,000 hours as a pilot and now volunteers his time at Classic Flyers museum.
The boys found a Strike Master and had to have a pretend .... President Brett at the controls. Classic Flyers expect to be able to deliver another of their famous Air Shows this coming Auckland Anniversary weekend. Let's hope New Zealand is open enough to make this another successful show. More info as we get a bit closer.