February 1973
A New Zealand Douglas DC-3 which can boast the distinction of having served six different masters while owned in this country appeared in its latest colours at the end of last year, It is ZK-CAW which is now owned by Fieldair, and based on topdressing operations in Southern Hawke's Bay from the company's airfield at Oringi, near Dannevirke.
IT IS hard to understand why the question of seat harnesses in cars and aeroplanes has such an emotional impact. Nobody seems to be able to discuss the subject without getting hot under the collar in one way or another. Presumably it is something to do with a dislike of being told what to do. But then why should people feel so strongly even when the choice is left to themselves?
RECENTLY, through the courtesy of the distributors — Aero Engine Services Ltd., of Hamilton — I was given the opportunity to fly the American Aviation AA-1 Trainer ZK-DHP.
At the end of November last year Fieldair retired its last Lockheed Lodestar from service, and the type passed out of the New Zealand aviation scene after being part of it almost continuously for close on 30 years.
This profile of the Lodestar is condensed from the February 1970 issue of the Journal of the Aviation Historical Society of New Zealand, to whom we are grateful for permission to reprint.
BRISTOL FREIGHTER Kiwi 5911 lifted effortlessly off the Ohakea runway and swung on course to the battle zone some 40 minutes away to the north east. Two forces were waging attack and counter-attack in the area north of Taupo and we, as part of the "Southland" force (the goodies), were on an ammunition resupply mission to our forces counter-attacking the invading "Northlanders".
The No 1 Squadron Freighter was carrying six ammunition containers, four Army despatchers and WINGS, in addition to the normal four-man RNZAF flight crew under Squadron Leader Roger Holdaway
 March 1973 |
 December 1972 |
 December 2017 |