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One of the rarest aircraft connected to Marlborough aviation history was brought back to life at Omaka after decades of accidents, travel, and painstaking restoration.
WACO UOC, ZK-ALA, is believed to be the only surviving aircraft of its type in the world, with just three originally built. Marlborough Aero Club purchased the aircraft brand new in 1935, with delivery to New Zealand following in 1936, registered as ZK-AEL.
During World War II the aircraft was impressed into RNZAF service as NZ575 and became a favourite with pilots flying communications duties from Rongotai. Returned to the Marlborough Aero Club after the war, the WACO later suffered two major accidents before eventually ending up in Australia as part of a travelling museum collection.
The aircraft’s remarkable journey took another turn in 2008 when Omaka-based restorer Jay McIntyre finally tracked the WACO down in Sydney after years of searching. Purchased by a partnership of passionate local aviation enthusiasts, the aircraft returned home to Marlborough later that year.
The WACO first appeared publicly at Classic Fighters 2009 on “Restoration Row” before undergoing a full restoration at Omaka.
After years of dedicated work, the aircraft returned to the skies on 9 January 2023, later making its public debut at Classic Fighters 2023, an emotional milestone for owners Jay McIntyre, Rex Newman, the restoration team and the Omaka aviation community. More recently Ian Pirie, has also become a shareholder in the aircraft. He can be seen flying it often with wife Anne, which is fantastic to see!
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