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Post by Bruce on Apr 15, 2005 8:15:38 GMT 12
Hamilton is currently hosting a hot air balloon fiesta, and as I write this there are several hot air balloons visible over the city. One of the guys from work mentioned that one carries an RNZAF Roundel and Logo. I havent seen it myself yet, but is this the new close air support aircraft the air force wants?
Go the Balloon Corps! ;D
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Post by Dave Homewood on Apr 15, 2005 17:18:58 GMT 12
I wonder if it might happen to have anything to do with Pete Gardner. He was my Warrant Officer when I was based at Whenuapai, and a keen balloonist. He had a sideline business as the only person (then) with a licence to repair hot air balloons. I recall he told me he had to go to the USA to sit the exams to get the licence, and he said it cost $100,000 to do so. But having the monopoly he soon made it back I guess.
Myself and another baggie helped him prepare a balloon for repair one day, on the floor of the SNCO's mess at Whenuapai. He was W/O in charge of the mess and had the privilege of using the building whilst also having the privilege of roping in some of his underlings to help. It was jolly interesting work actually.
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