Pilot draws massive V for vaccination over Auckland for Super Saturday

The shape was visible to those using flight tracking apps.
The shape was visible to those using flight tracking apps. Photo credit: Vaughn Davis/Flight Radar 24.

Pilot Vaughn Davis has put his wings to good use, spreading the word about getting vaccinated on Super Saturday by drawing a massive letter V in the skies above Tāmaki Makaurau.

While the aircraft would have looked just like any other as it flew its way over the city this morning, those watching on plane tracking websites such as Flight Radar 24 would have noticed Davis' flight path was drawing V for vaccination.

It wasn't as simple as just taking off and giving it a go, Davis had to work out a flight plan that would not only avoid active air space such as Auckland International Airport and Whenuapai Air Force base, but he had to stay within the boundaries of the Auckland region as not to break alert level 3 restrictions. 

"I'm doing it to tautoko the thousands of people doing their bit for all of us in Tāmaki Makaurau today, and the hundreds of vaccinators and volunteers making it happen," Davis told Newshub.

Davis said as flying was grounded for alert level 4, and parts of level 3, it was a great chance to dust off his skills and give the engine a good run.