From Tiger Moths to Test PilotFrom Tiger Moths to Test Pilot

An aviation friend said that the author, the son of a dairy farmer, started school, at East Takaka, as a bare footed urchin and the youngest of five boys. He always wanted to fly. After gaining his Private Pilots Licence on Tiger Moths he tried to join the RNZAF for pilot training. He was rejected and caught the next available boat to England to join the RAF. He won the award for the best pilot on his course and went to a fighter squadron in Germany, flying Vampires and the F-86 Sabre. After completing that tour he qualified as an instructor and after a tour instructing with the Cambridge University Air Squadron he was selected for the Empire Test Pilots’ School. After a year, he graduated as a Qualified Test Pilot on aeroplanes and helicopters and their armaments. He completed three years test flying for the services before being sent to the Central Flying School to do a Helicopter Instructors Course. He stayed at CFS until one morning he received a phone call from the Chief Test Pilot of Bristol Siddeley Engines, asking if he was tired of the RAF and would he like to join them as an Engine Test Pilot?