This Yak, number 6 of 10 new production Yaks was initially based in the United States but was involved in a take-off accident at Reno in 1999. The severely damaged aircraft was eventually purchased by New Zealander Graeme Frew and a full overhaul of the airframe, engine and all systems was carried out by Omaka based JEM Aviation.  During the rebuild, they also set about the complicated task of installing the second seat. The aircraft flew again in March 2012 and when not on air show or fighter flight duty, the Yak plays a starring role in the Dangerous Skies WW2 exhibition as part of the Eastern Front display.

Image: Yak-3 'Full Noise' - Photo by Gavin Conroy

In 2017,  Graeme who had always harboured the idea of returning to Reno and completing the circle from wreck back to racer. And so it was that in 2017 a small team of aviation enthusiasts packed the fighter into a container and shipped it 10,000 km away to America. A race name was needed and ‘Full Noise’ was suggested as this was how they intended to race and the number 35 was chosen as the racing number in homage to Kiwi motorbike legend Burt Munro. Team Full Noise would go on to compete twice at the prestigious National Championship Air races at Reno, Nevada, USA both times featuring in the pinnacle event, the Unlimited Gold Race. Sadly a global pandemic put paid to plans to compete again in 2020 but in the meantime we love to see her flying over the skies of Marlborough taking lucky punters on an experience of a lifetime! See Full Noise 35 this Father’s Day Weekend at Yealands Classic Fighters Omaka!

Full Noise is also available for joy flights. For more information click here.

‍
About Marlborough Lines Classic Fighters Omaka: The airshow is the main fundraising event for the Omaka Aviation Heritage Museum, located in Blenheim, Marlborough NZ.