Introduction This ‘Composite Syllabus’ was compiled in 2026 with reference to my Pilots Logbook and ‘from memory’ of my F4 flying from 1979-1982 as an RNZAF/USAF Exchange pilot with the 31st Tactical Fighter Wing, Homestead AFB, Florida. It is acknowledged that this ‘composite syllabus’ is...
Firstly, some background on ‘me’!Having applied to the RNZAF in 1965 to train as a pilot, I attended an Aircrew Personnel-Selection (Persel) course at RNZAF Station Wigram, as it was then named, in August 1965. At the end of that selection process I was told...
The Royal New Zealand Air Force (RNZAF) began its 50th Anniversary celebrations at RNZAF Base Wigram on 1st April 1987 with a formal parade and flypast, followed by the official opening of the brand new RNZAF Museum. Later, a 50th Golden Anniversary Air Pageant was held...
The Royal New Zealand Air Force (RNZAF) became a standalone air force on 1st April 1937, and on 1st April 1987 the RNZAF’s 50th birthday celebrations began, starting with a parade at RNZAF Base Wigram. At the parade, RNZAF Strike Wing aircraft from RNZAF Base...
RNZAF 75 Sqn overseas deployment for Ex Vanguard 84, and Ex Cope Thunder 84-7 13 Aug 84 to 25 Sep 84 – written in 2024 by (then) Wg Cdr Jim Barclay, CO 75 Sqn From the mid-1950s with leased Royal Air Force (RAF) Vampires and Venom aircraft,...
The Editor, Air Force News airforcenews@nzdf.mil.nz 27 Apr 23 Dear Editor, In Air Force News magazine #255 Mar 23, at page 30, there is an interesting story by Michelle Sim of the Air Force Museum of NZ titled ‘Kiwi escaper’s disguise preserved at the Museum’; the article states that Warrant...
My story “Flying the BAC Strikemaster Mk88 in RNZAF Service” began with ‘Part 1 the 1970s’, continued with ‘Part 2 Feb-Jun 1982’, and ‘Part 3 Jul-Dec 1982’, and concludes with ‘Part 4 Jan-Jun 1983’January 1983 183 Opcon, weapons at Raumai BAC Strikemaster Mk88 NZ6372 (now ZK-BAC) –...
My story “Flying the BAC 167 Strikemaster Mk88 in RNZAF Service” began with ‘Part 1 the 1970s’, continued with ‘Part 2 Feb-Jun 1982’, and ‘Part 3 Jul-Dec 1982’, and concludes with ‘Part 4 Jan-Jun 1983’July 1982 – air-to-air live firing, plus 581 Pilots Course BAC Strikemaster...
My story “Flying the BAC 167 Strikemaster Mk88 in RNZAF Service” began with ‘Part 1 the 1970s’, continues with ‘Part 2 Feb-Jun 1982’, and ‘Part 3 Jul-Dec 1982’, and concludes with ‘Part 4 Jan-Jun 1983’Home to New Zealand from USA - I had my last...
A British Airways Concorde was flown to New Zealand on Sunday 6th April 1986 and I Ied a flight of three A4K Skyhawks to escort Concorde to Auckland. A British Airways Concorde was flown to New Zealand on Sunday 6th April 1986 and I Ied a...
November 2022 marks 50 years since the RNZAF’s de Havilland Vampire fleet retired from service. The Air Force operated 58 Vampires within New Zealand, and at least 44 more leased Vampires in Cyprus and Singapore. In this episode of the WONZ Show, Dave Homewood talks with former...
My final RNZAF flight as an aircraft captain was on 11th December 1987 from RNZAF Base Ohakea, wherein I flew a two-seater Skyhawk TA4K NZ6251, with passenger LAC Glen Edwards in the back seat. The purpose of my flight was to be a ‘Red Air...