The Air Force's elite Red Checkers aerobatics team is flying publicly again, a year after one of its pilots was killed.
Public performances were scaled back after Squadron Leader Nick Cree's plane crashed near Bulls, in Manawatu, in January last year.
[image:1133:half:left]The team carried out its first full public display since his death, on Sunday at Hampton Downs south of Auckland.
The Red Checkers were due to perform as part of Auckland's anniversary celebrations on Monday.
A Red Checkers pilot, Squadron Leader Anthony Budd, says the team is proud to be performing for crowds again.
A report into last year's crash of the CT-4 Trainer is yet to be released.
Two weekends ago, the Red Checkers group was forced to cut short at their display at Wings over Wairarapa air show in Masterton because of bad weather.
The Red Checkers' leader, Jim Rankin, says there another 10 or so public displays may be held during the rest of the year.
