Tomorrow, the Royal New Zealand Air Force (RNZAF) Black Falcons aerobatic team will perform over St Kilda Beach in Dunedin for half an hour from 3pm, before flying to Queenstown on Saturday morning, to perform over Frankton Arm from 9.30am.
That afternoon the team, which first performed during the RNZAF's Air Tattoo at Base Ohakea in February, will head to Te Anau, to perform from 2.30pm until 3pm.
All performances are weather permitting.
The South Island tour, which also includes displays in Christchurch, Nelson and Marlborough, is a thank-you to the public for its support during the air force's 80th anniversary year.
The display demonstrates the capability and versatility of the Beechcraft T-6C Texan II aircraft, capable of reaching speeds of 586kmh.
Black Falcons team member Squadron Leader Hayden Sheard said when the team flies in formation in its distinctive black aircraft, their wing tips are only a few metres apart.
''It looks great from the ground. We hope people will come out and get a good vantage point to see us.''
The aircraft - purpose-built for military training - replaced the Pacific Aerospace Corporation CT 4/E Airtrainer as the defence force's pilot training aircraft about 18 months ago.
The demonstration in Queenstown will coincide with the three-day Aviation Pioneers Reunion, which begins tomorrow night, being attended by former staff of the Southern Scenic Air Services, Ritchie Air Services, West Coast Airways, Tourist Air Travel and Mt Cook Airline.
