The sky's the limit in Wanaka this weekend
Last updated 05:00 07/04/2012
DAVID HALLETT/Fairfax

The thousands of spectators who crowded into Warbirds Over Wanaka yesterday just to see a practice day will be a trickle compared with the throngs expected on the event's official days, organisers say.

Teams of aces practising their formation flying, parachutists and wartime-era singing belles ensured the large crowd was kept entertained, but the real buzz has been reserved for today and tomorrow.

Warbirds Over Wanaka chief executive officer Roger Clark yesterday said the practice day was essential for organisers, pilots and mechanics to fine tune.

"Everyone's ironed out a few little glitches, but the real action's definitely for the next two days," he said.

There are plenty of gate-sales for people who decided to come at the last minute.

Spitfire and torpedo bomber flights, aerobatics displays by the Royal New Zealand Air Force Red Checkers' team, display parachute jumps and the unveiling of a new A109 military helicopter should keep aeronautic buffs happy, but the beauty of the event was that there was plenty to keep others occupied as well, Clark said.

Air New Zealand's only Boeing 777 will be unveiled, and All Black captain and keen flyer Ritchie McCaw will be the main commentator for a gliding display

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NZ CHALLENGING GRAVITY: Doug Brooker, in his MX2, performs an inverted flat spin on practice day before the weekend's display.