Spitfire returns for aircraft spectacular | Warwick News | Local News in Warwick

“IT was like eating a seven tonne elephant. The meals never got any smaller and they didn't taste any better.”

This was how Warwick aviation buff Gerry Finch likened the construction of his Spitfire, a mammoth project that consumed thousands of hours and confirmed his unwavering love of aviation.

“Every mortal part (of the Spitfire) was physically hand-made by my wife and me,” Mr Finch said.

“We had to source the (flying) instruments, wheels and engine.

“We couldn't eat off the kitchen table because of all the paperwork and drawings.”

Mr Finch and wife Auriel methodically pieced the giant Spitfire jigsaw puzzle together.

“My wife worked tirelessly with me for about five years without getting a divorce,” he said.

“It took us about 3500 hours, working seven days a week.

“When the engine started for the first time that was the most exciting time of the project.”

The beast was constructed under the Finch's former home at Cape Flattery and flown to their residence on the Southern Downs.

“I flew it in on Sunday afternoon. We went to Cape Flattery, Mareeba, Charters Towers, Emerald, Roma and home to Warwick,” Mr Finch said.

“It had to be refuelled every two and a half hours.”

Mrs Finch said there wasn't much to do up in far north Queensland apart from fishing, so she jumped at the opportunity to help with the Spitfire.

Building a plane must do wonders for matrimony as the couple have been married for 31 years.

The Spitfire's homecoming came in time for this year's Wings Over Warwick this Saturday where other warbirds, ultralights, general aviation, gyros, sports and recreational aircraft will be on display and flying.

A loud buzz from the skies is set to wake sleepy residents as about 120 aircraft will fly into the Warwick Aerodrome about 7am on Saturday.

The Warwick Aerodrome will open at 8am, entry is free and a scrumptious barbecue will be available.

Aviation enthusiasts and stickybeaks alike are encouraged to make a gold coin donation to CareFlight while at the event.