Our Exhibits
Take Flight into the Past: Discover Our Aviation Museum’s Rich Heritage
When we say we want you to enjoy the Museum we mean it. That’s why you won’t see any fences or barriers here. You’ll get to touch our displays and even climb in and out of some of our aircraft and cockpits!
ATR 72 – 500 Flight simulator:
Step into the pilot’s seat and experience the thrill of flight with our flight simulator. Whether you dream of soaring over iconic landmarks or navigating through challenging weather conditions, our simulator offers you the freedom to choose your destination. Can’t decide? No worries, we also have seven pre-programmed flights to select from, the sky’s the limit. Plus, rest assured knowing that a qualified instructor will guide you through every twist and turn of your aerial adventure. Book your session today and prepare for an unforgettable flight experience!
Plus a Flight Simulator, Space Ball, Control Tower and Radio Shack complete with working Morse Code Radio.
Aeradio Shack:
Our museum aeradio ‘shack’ exhibit attempts to reflect the sort of small aeradio station that was established at most secondary airports in New Zealand post war and where many of those who returned from the Pacific war service found employment.
Our Aeradio “shack” is housed in a hut that was on the airfield during the Second World War. It was set up by our members under the supervision of our member John Hill who worked in various “aeradio“ shacks.
Ashburton Airfield:
Our Museum location is an exhibit in it’s own right too! This is where over 1100 brave young men learned to fly, before heading overseas to pilot bombers and fighters in WW2.
Our Aircraft
We have over 40 Aircraft on display, here’s a preview of what you’ll see when you visit the Ashburton Aviation Museum
Aermacchi MB339-CB NZ 6464:
First flight August 1976. Our Aermacchi was delivered in October 1991. Operated by 14 SQN based at Ohakea, the aircraft provided the training step between the ab-initio CT-4E, and operational A-4k. At the time of its acquisition all pilot trainees went through the jet conversion program. In 1998 the RNZAF adopted a streamlined training system, and only strike pilot candidates were sent for jet training. On May 8th, 2001, as part of a defence review, the NZ government announced the axing of the RNZAF strike force. Without the strike force there was no rational to retain a jet trainer and it was announced that the Aermacchi would also be retired. We acquired NZ6464 in May 2012 and it was assembled by the members.
BELL 47G-3B HELICOPTER ZK HFU:
The Bell 47 is a two-bladed, single engine, light helicopter. The Bell became the first helicopter certified for civilian use on 8th March 1946. The most common model, the 47G introduced in 1953, can be recognised by the full bubble canopy, exposed welded-tube tail boom, saddle fuel tanks and skid landing gear.
BJ-1B DUSTER GLIDER ZK GKP:
In May 1971, a new forty three foot wingspan sailplane, optimised for the enthusiast home builder was introduced. For an even $2000, about half the cost of a used 1-26, a builder could be on his way to a new Duster. The Duster proved easy to handle on the ground and fast to rig. All builders seemed pleased with the performance and handling. This Duster was built by Alex Taylor at Riversdale. It first flew on the 18th December 1976 and its last flight was on the 16th November 1991. Alex donated it to our Museum in 2019.
BOFORS 40MM ANTI-AIRCRAFT GUN:
The Bofors 40mm gun, is an anti-aircraft auto-cannon designed in the 1930’s. It was one of the most popular medium-weight anti-aircraft systems during World War 2, used by most of the Western Allies as well as some captured systems being used by the Axis powers. A small number of these weapons remain in service to this day, and saw action as late as the Persian Gulf War. Our Bofors 40mm gun was gifted to the Museum by the Late Mr. R. A. Burnett of Ashburton on the 22nd November 1990.
BRITISH AEROSPACE HAWKER SIDDLEY HARRIER GR3 RAF XZ 129:
Our aircraft was one of twelve in production batch XZ128-XZ139 which were ordered during 1974 under contract for delivery to the Royal Air Force during 1975-76. It first flew on the 24th February 1976 and was delivered to the RAF. From then until the outbreak of the Falklands war it continued to serve with No1 Sqn, at a variety of bases including Germany.
It was put up for tender in late 2005 by the British Ministry of Defence and this was seen by one of our members. At the time the Museum did not have the money to purchase it so the Harrier Acquisition Group was formed and a tender was put in for $36,000.00, this was accepted on the 20th January 2006. XZ 129 was broken down and shipped to New Zealand. On arrival it was assembled and painted to RAF camouflage colours. The total cost when finished was $48,000.00.
CESSNA 421B GOLDEN EAGLE ZK KBF:
Cessna 421B Golden Eagle c/n 421B-0943 was allocated the US registration of N5393J whilst on the production line but instead became VH ADG on 29th October 1975 for the Royal Flying Doctor Service (West Australian Section) at Jandakot, West Australia. In 2014 it was sold to an Australian and was flown to Timaru where it was dismantled and the parts he required (Engines, Undercarriage, instruments) were shipped to Australia. The rest he donated to the Timaru Aviation Museum. In October 2020 it was offered to the Ashburton Aviation for $2500 which was accepted. It was trucked to Ashburton to be assembled and put on display.
CHRISLEA SUPER ACE CH 3 ZK:
The Chrislea CH 3 Series 2 Super Ace aircraft, imported in 1948, underwent multiple ownerships and refurbishments before being donated to the Masterton Aviation Museum in 2018. Initially owned by individuals and companies in New Zealand and Australia, the aircraft was later acquired by Reg Wellington of Rotorua. Financial constraints led to its storage, until it was donated to the museum and refurbished by members. Its registration was canceled in December 1992.
COMPTON GYRO GNAT 001 ZK RLC:
This Compton Gyrocopter Gyro Gnat is a rebuild, redesign of the original L. A. Compton Cyclone. On 5th December 2001 ZK RCE was written off (damaged beyond repair). The gyrocopter was at about 300 feet above ground level when its rudder detached. An uncontrollable yaw developed as the gyrocopter entered autorotation. The pilot managed to land the gyrocopter level while still yawing, but the left undercarriage leg collapsed, causing it to roll over and the rotor impact the ground. This happened in Whakatane. ZK RLC has never flown and was withdrawn from the register and cancelled on the 23rd November 2012. It was then donated to the Ashburton Aviation Museum, by Mr. Leith Compton.
DE HAVILLAND DH 100 VAMPIRE FB5 NZ 5769:
The De Havilland Vampire is a British jet fighter which was developed and manufactured by the de Havilland Aircraft Company. It was the second jet fighter to be operated by the RAF, after the Gloster Meteor, and the first powered by a single jet engine. Our aircraft built by the English Electric Company as WA306 was delivered to the RAF in January 1951 and allocated to RAF No 118 Squadron based in Germany as part of the Allied Air Force of Occupation.
DE HAVILLAND DH 104 DEVON NZ 1829:
Following WW2 the RNZAF began a re-equipment program which would see a return to operating mainly British built aircraft and over the years 1948 to 1955, 30 Devon’s were acquired. Two of the 30 aircraft were fitted out as VIP transports, three as navigation trainers, and four as signals trainers. The remaining 21 were used for general communications, and for multi-engine pilot training. One of these aircraft also had aerial photography equipment fitted. NZ 1829 was one of the last to reach New Zealand, being fitted out as a signal’s trainer.
DE HAVILLAND DH 115 VAMPIRE T11 NZ 5707:
Our aircraft built by De Havilland Aircraft Company as XH265 was one of an RAF contract for 257, T11 aircraft. It was one of five T11’s (NZ5707- NZ5711) purchased unused from the RAF stock by the RNZAF. NZ5707 arrived on the ship “Hororata” on the 18th 0ctober 1955 and was sent to Hobsonville for assembly before going straight to Ohakea to be taken on charge, 16th December 1955. NZ5707 served with several training Units at Ohakea. These were the Fighter Operation Conversion Unit, the Jet Conversion Unit and the Bomber Operation Conversion Unit and also with 14 and 75 Squadrons. In December 1958 NZ5707, piloted by W/C A. Parlane, OC Flying Ohakea and S/L E. Jamison, OC the Jet Conversion Unit, made history by becoming the first jet aircraft to land at Timaru Airport.
DFS WEIHE GLIDER ZK GAE:
The DFS Weihe (English: Harrier) is a German single-seat, high-wing, eighteen meter wingspan, high-performance glider that was designed by Hans Jacobs in 1937-38. Jacobs designed the Weihe to be the pre-eminent performance glider of its era and indeed it captured many championships and set many records, until its performance was surpassed at the end of the 1950’s.
DH 82A TIGER MOTH ZK CDU 84711:
The De Havilland DH 82 Tiger Moth is a 1930s biplane designed by Geoffrey De Havilland and was operated by the Royal Air Force (RAF) and others as a primary Trainer. The Tiger Moth remained in service with the RAF until replaced by the de Havilland Chipmunk in 1952. Our De Havilland DH82A Tiger Moth ZK-CDU (c/n 3581) was finally cancelled from the NZ Civil Aircraft Register on 25-07-2011. It was built for the Royal Air Force and issued the serial no L6926. After a period on the UK civil register as G-ALAD it came to NZ and was registered as ZK-BAW on 18-11-1952. After some three years of Ag-work it was withdrawn from use. Its major components went to Charlie Liddell in 1956 and cancelled in July 1960. It was rebuilt and re-registered as ZK-CDU on 26-11-1963. By September of 1998 it was with the Upton Family Trust who delivered it to the care of the Ashburton Aviation Museum Society Inc, with it arriving at Ashburton on 08-06-2002.
DOUGLAS DC3/C47 ZK-AMY:
The Douglas DC3/C47 is an American built fixed wing propeller driven airliner, the speed of which revolutionised air transport in the mid-1930s and 1940s. It’s lasting impact on the airline history and World War 2 makes it one of the most significant transport aircraft ever. In January 2014 she flew for the last time when Pionair then sold her to the Ashburton Aviation Museum that year.
FLYING FLEA ZM AAM:
Mignet HM14 (pou du Ciel) The “FLYING FLEA” literally “Louse of the Sky” in French, is a large family of light homebuilt aircraft first flown in 1933. A number of fatal accidents resulted in the aircraft being banned in France and the outbreak of WW2 saw a halt to the hundreds of “Pou du Ciel’s” then under construction. After WW2 Henri Mignet established a company in Brazil in 1953 and continued to develop the aircraft but his design could not compete with the new post war microlights. Some versions are still being built and flown around the world.
Gloster Meteor F3 NZ 6001 (X RAF EE 395):
The Gloster Meteor was the first British jet fighter and the Allies’ only operational jet aircraft during the second world war. Nicknamed the “Meatbox”, the Meteor was not a sophisticated aircraft in its aerodynamics, but proved to be a successful combat fighter. The Aircraft left Britain aboard the NZ Shipping Co vessel “Paparoa”, arriving in Auckland on Sunday 23rd December 1945.
HAWKER HUNTER T66B COCKPIT 880:
The Hawker Hunter is a transonic British jet-powered fighter aircraft that was developed by Hawker Aircraft for the Royal Air Force (RAF) during the late 1940’s and early 1950’s. Its first flight was on 20th July 1951. It was designed to take advantage of the newly developed Rolls-Royce Avon turbojet engine and the swept wing, and was the first jet-powered aircraft produced by Hawker to be procured by the RAF. On the 7th September 1953, the modified first prototype broke the world air speed record for aircraft, achieving a speed of 727.63 mph (1171.01 km/h 632.29 kn).
HUGHES 300C HELICOPTER ZK HHY:
In 1955 the aircraft division of the Hughes Tool Co designed and developed a light helicopter known as the Model 269. The first of two prototypes was flown in October 1956, and certification was received on 9th April 1959. In July 1960 it was decided to proceed with production, and the first aircraft was delivered in October 1961. Our Hughes model 300C ZK HHY, construction number 44-0293 was produced in April 1974. It spent all its working life in New Zealand and was used in deer recovery. It crashed at Pollack Creek near Ross on the 16th March 1987. It was taken off the Civil Register on 18th December 1989 and rebuilt for a museum static display.
NORTH AMERICAN AT6D HARVARD MK2A NZ1012:
The North American T-6 Texan is a single engine advanced trainer aircraft used to train pilots of the United States Army Air Forces (USAAF), United States Navy, Royal Air Force, and other Air Forces of the British Commonwealth during World War 2 and into the 1970s. In 1978 the RNZAF put its Harvards up for tender. Inspired by the chance to have a really serious Museum Exhibit, the team put in a bid for $2500 for one, and on the 25th May 1978 was informed that, subject to payment within one month, it now owned North American AT6D Harvard Mk2A, C/N 88-9269, RNZAF code NZ1012. Jubilation was tempered, however, by the fact that their trust had exactly $153.14 in the Bank. But the people of Ashburton rallied in support, and in 24 days raised the money. The Harvard was towed to Ashburton along SH 1 and parked up in a farm shed until the Museum was built and it went on Display. Harvard NZ 1012 was the Museum’s first Aircraft.
LINK TRAINER ALSO KNOWN AS THE “BLUE BOX”:
The term Link Trainer, also known as the “Blue Box” and “Pilot Trainer” is commonly used to refer to a series of flight simulators produced between early 1930’s and the early 1950’s by Link Aviation Devices, founded and headed by Ed Link, based on technology he pioneered in 1929 at his family’s business in Binghamton, New York. During World War 2, they were used as a key pilot training aid by almost every combatant nation.
McDONNELL DOUGLAS SKYHAWK A-4K NZ6204:
Our Skyhawk was one of fourteen delivered in 1970, at a cost of $24.65 million, to replace the Canberra bombers of the no. 75 Squadron. As a ship board-fighter it has an arrestor hook, this was used by the RNZAF for landings on the secondary runway at Ohakea, saving wear on tyres, brakes and the parachute which was deployed on ordinary runways. The Skyhawk’s only fired a shot in anger once, that was on the 30th March 1975 when two aircraft were sent to intercept a squid boat that was fishing inside the twelve-mile limit, and would not stop for the Navy, shots fired across the bow did the trick. This Aircraft is on loan to this Museum from the New Zealand Airforce via the RNZAF Wigram Museum.
MIKOYAN GUREVICH MiG 17F 1912:
The Mikoyan-Gurevich MiG-17 (NATO reporting name: Fresco) is a high-subsonic fighter aircraft produced in the USSR from 1952 and operated by numerous air forces in many variants. It is an advanced development of the very similar appearing MiG-15 of the Korean War. The MiG-17 was license-built in China as the Shenyang J-5 and Poland as the PZL-Mielec Lim-6. MiG-17s first saw combat in 1958 in the Second Taiwan Strait Crisis and later proved to be an effective threat against more modern supersonic fighters of the United States in the Vietnam War.
NORTH AMERICAN T-28 TROJAN 283:
The North American Aviation T-28 Trojan is a radial-engine military aircraft used by the United States Air Force and United States Navy beginning in the 1950’s. Besides its use as a trainer, the T-28 was successfully employed as a counter-insurgency aircraft, primarily during the Vietnam War. It has continued in civilian use as an aerobatics and Warbird performer.
OLYMPIA MK 11B ZK GAT:
One of New Zealand’s oldest sailplanes, ZK GAT was constructed at Aerotech Ltd, in Timaru by the late Mr. R. Fenton, from a kitset supplied by Messers Elliots of Newbury, England. Its first flight was made on the 25th July 1959 by the late Fred Dunn and on the 6th September it began flying with the South Canterbury Gliding Club. After 183 hours it passed to the Nelson Olympia Syndicate and later to several other private owners before being purchased by its present owner in June 1983.
PERCIVAL P44 PROCTOR ZK AQK:
The Percival Proctor was a British radio trainer and communications aircraft of the Second World War. The Proctor was a single engine, low-wing monoplane with seating for three or four, depending on the model. It was purchased by our Museum from Philip Burns and Family on the 5th April 2014 in a fair condition. It was then transport to the Ashburton Aviation Museum on the 20th April 2014. Its first flight was in 1947 and its last in 1966.
PERCIVAL P56 PROVOST:
The Percival P56 Provost was a British ab initio trainer that was developed for the Royal Air Force in the 1950s as a replacement for the Percival Prentice. It was Manufactured by Hunter Percival, designed by Henry Millicer. Its first flight was on 24th February 1950.
PORTERFIELD 35 W ZK APJ NZ598:
The Porterfield two-seat touring monoplane was built by the Porterfield Aircraft Corporation of Kansas City. This aircraft was imported new by General Aircraft Sales, Bridge Pa, Hastings in January 1938. It was assembled and test flown there by Mr. E A Barker on the 19th May 1938. Registered ZK AFT it was first operated by the Hawkes Bay and East Coast Aero Club until Sept 1939, when it was impressed into the RNZAF as NZ581. In July 1940 it was released by the RNZAF to the New Plymouth Aero Club, registered ZK AHJ until November 1942, when it was again impressed, this time as NZ598. Attached to the communications Flight based at Rongatai, it continued in this role until September 1946 when it was civilianized as NZ APJ. It was purchased by Mr. W Willmott of Timaru.
SCHEIBE BERGEFALK Mk 3 GLIDER ZK GAZ:
The Scheibe Bergfalke (German “Mountain Hawk”) is a German Glider designed by Egon Scheibe as a post-World War 2 development of the Akaflieg Munchen Mu 13 produced before and during the war. It was found on the West Coast in a damaged condition and on a rubbish fire. It was rescued by the Museum and restored by our members.
SIMMONDS SPARTAN ZK ABK:
The Simmonds Spartan is a 1920’s British two-seat biplane trainer/tourer aircraft built by Simmonds Aircraft Ltd. In 1928 Oliver E. Simmonds designed and built a prototype aircraft, the Simmonds Spartan, in a factory at Woolston, Hampshire, a wooden two seat biplane. To reduce maintenance costs all four wings and ailerons were the same, this allowed one spare wing to be used in any position.
SUPERMARINE SPITFIRE K5054 REPLICA:
The Supermarine Spitfire is a British single-seat fighter aircraft that was used by the Royal Air Force and other Allied countries before, during, and after World War 2. This replica (Fuselage, Wings (uncovered), Tail (uncovered), Wing Tips and top engine framing) was donated to the museum by Brent Thompson and Mark Cawston of Christchurch, and was picked up in Christchurch by our members. It was then completed by our members and put on display.
ZLIN AGRO-TURBO Z-37T ZK DOZ:
The Zlin Z37 Cmelak (Czech: “Bumblebee”), also known as LET Z37 Cmelak is an agricultural aircraft. Design work on the first Purpose-designed agricultural aircraft started in Czechoslovalia in 1961, with a cooperation or two manufacturers: Let Kunovice and Moravan (Zlin brand). The first prototype, designed as XZ-37, first flew on 29th March 1963.
