Aircraft

Aircraft have played an important, though sometimes unnoticed, role in the life of New Zealanders. Both within our own boundaries and in our connection with the rest of the world, they have made significant contributions to industry, defence, transportation and in bringing people together. Our latest issue gives due recognition to the aircraft that have shaped our aviation history and affected the way we live.

Douglas DC-3 - 40c
The Douglas DC-3 was first used by the Royal New Zealand Airforce (RNZAF) as long-distance transport into the Pacific theatre of WWII. In post war years it became the mainstay of domestic travel and was also used for aerial topdressing.

Fletcher FU24 Topdresser - 80c
The Fletcher FU24 Topdresser is the mainstay of the country’s aerial topdressing fleet and which could be called a Kiwi icon.

de Havilland DH82A Tiger Moth - 90c
First used by aero clubs in the 1930s the Tiger Moth became the standard wartime RNZAF trainer. After the war it was again used by aero clubs and also the pioneering aerial topdressing industry.

Fokker FVIIb/3m (Southern Cross) - $1.30
Flown by Charles Kingsford Smith the 'Southern Cross' was the first aircraft to make a trans-Tasman crossing.

de Havilland DH100 Vampire - $1.50
The Vampire was the RNZAF’s first operational jet aircraft.

Boeing & Westervelt Seaplane - $2.00
Flown by George Bolt this plane carried the first domestic official airmail in New Zealand and was one of the first aircraft built by Boeing.

Miniature Sheets
Seven miniature sheets, six incorporating one of the stamps from this issue and one incorporating all six stamps were produced as part of a special miniature sheet booklet.

Limited Edition Sheet
This special sheet was produced for inclusion in the 2001 Aircraft Limited Edition Collectors Pack. Each sheet contained four sets of stamps and was individually numbered from one through to 2,000.

 Technical details

Date of Issue: 2 May 2000
Designer: Rob Poulton, Auckland, New Zealand
Printer: Southern Colour Print, New Zealand
Stamp Size: 28mm x 39.71mm
Sheet Size: 25 stamps
Process: Lithography
Perforation Gauge: 14
Paper Type: 103 gsm De la Rue red phosphor coated