Post by Dave Homewood on Nov 14, 2006 21:49:53 GMT 12
Did anyone see this earlier in the week? Ex-RNZAF pilot Andrew 'Boomer' Keith has been selected for the Red Arrows. He's said in the article to be only the third Kiwi to fly in the team but my count is he's at least the fourth, after Ray Hanna,
Ross Boyens, and Wing Commander Ian Dick, MBE, AFC.
According to New Zealand Wings magazine dated March 1984, Ian Dick had learned to fly with Canterbury Aero Club (NZ) and was with the Arrows from 1968-1970, then returned to 1972 and lead the team for three years.
Interesting, two NZ'ers as Red Arrows Leader. I wonder if Boomer will be the third in time?
Here's the article
www.times.co.nz/cms/news/our_people/2006/11/art100014013.php
Boomer’ takes flight with Red Arrows
Monday, 13 November 2006
FLIGHT Lieutenant Andrew ‘Boomer’ Keith from Howick has been chosen as a display pilot next year with the famous RAF Red Arrows, Britain’s national military aerobatic team.
He’s the third New Zealander to fly as a member of the prestigious Red Arrows in the team’s 42-year history.
His training with the team has already begun at the RAF Red Arrows’ home base of Royal Air Force Scampton in Lincolnshire, UK.
It’ll take more than six months of intensive training before Boomer and his fellow pilots reach the required standard to begin the RAF Red Arrows’ public display season in May.
Boomer passed a rigorous selection procedure to join and will fly as Red 3 at more than 90 displays throughout the UK and Europe in 2007.
“It’s a great honour to be selected to join the Red Arrows. It’s got to be one of the best jobs in the world,” says Boomer.
Born in Howick, Boomer’s interest in flying was inspired at an early age by his father’s passion for aviation. They’d frequently fly together and drawing on his father’s engineering background they built their own aircraft, a Thorpe T18.
Educated at Howick College, Boomer completed his bursary exams and joined the Royal NZ Air Force in 1994, aged 18.
After flying training, Boomer was posted to the strike role and flew the Aermacchi MB339C trainer and A4 Skyhawk strike attack aircraft in Australia and here.
His primary base was RNAZ Ohakea. In January 2002, Boomer transferred to the British Royal Air Force and was posted to the Harrier GR7.
He has served with the IV(AC) Squadron and conducted three operational tours in Afghanistan, flying reconnaissance and close air support missions in support of British and Coalition ground forces.
Boomer’s partner is Emma, an officer in the Royal Air Force. When not at work, he enjoys all sorts of outdoor activities, including windsurfing, diving, mountain biking and skiing.
Although no longer playing competitively, Boomer enjoys both playing and watching rugby, and is a keen All Blacks supporter.
2007 is the Red Arrows’ 43rd display season.
Since the team’s creation in 1965, the Red Arrows have flown more than 4000 displays in 52 countries.
The team exists to demonstrate the professional excellence of the Royal Air Force to millions of people in the UK and worldwide.
Ross Boyens, and Wing Commander Ian Dick, MBE, AFC.
According to New Zealand Wings magazine dated March 1984, Ian Dick had learned to fly with Canterbury Aero Club (NZ) and was with the Arrows from 1968-1970, then returned to 1972 and lead the team for three years.
Interesting, two NZ'ers as Red Arrows Leader. I wonder if Boomer will be the third in time?
Here's the article
www.times.co.nz/cms/news/our_people/2006/11/art100014013.php
Boomer’ takes flight with Red Arrows
Monday, 13 November 2006
FLIGHT Lieutenant Andrew ‘Boomer’ Keith from Howick has been chosen as a display pilot next year with the famous RAF Red Arrows, Britain’s national military aerobatic team.
He’s the third New Zealander to fly as a member of the prestigious Red Arrows in the team’s 42-year history.
His training with the team has already begun at the RAF Red Arrows’ home base of Royal Air Force Scampton in Lincolnshire, UK.
It’ll take more than six months of intensive training before Boomer and his fellow pilots reach the required standard to begin the RAF Red Arrows’ public display season in May.
Boomer passed a rigorous selection procedure to join and will fly as Red 3 at more than 90 displays throughout the UK and Europe in 2007.
“It’s a great honour to be selected to join the Red Arrows. It’s got to be one of the best jobs in the world,” says Boomer.
Born in Howick, Boomer’s interest in flying was inspired at an early age by his father’s passion for aviation. They’d frequently fly together and drawing on his father’s engineering background they built their own aircraft, a Thorpe T18.
Educated at Howick College, Boomer completed his bursary exams and joined the Royal NZ Air Force in 1994, aged 18.
After flying training, Boomer was posted to the strike role and flew the Aermacchi MB339C trainer and A4 Skyhawk strike attack aircraft in Australia and here.
His primary base was RNAZ Ohakea. In January 2002, Boomer transferred to the British Royal Air Force and was posted to the Harrier GR7.
He has served with the IV(AC) Squadron and conducted three operational tours in Afghanistan, flying reconnaissance and close air support missions in support of British and Coalition ground forces.
Boomer’s partner is Emma, an officer in the Royal Air Force. When not at work, he enjoys all sorts of outdoor activities, including windsurfing, diving, mountain biking and skiing.
Although no longer playing competitively, Boomer enjoys both playing and watching rugby, and is a keen All Blacks supporter.
2007 is the Red Arrows’ 43rd display season.
Since the team’s creation in 1965, the Red Arrows have flown more than 4000 displays in 52 countries.
The team exists to demonstrate the professional excellence of the Royal Air Force to millions of people in the UK and worldwide.
;D ;D
I also recall a flaming piano being dropped off the Bulls bridge... 
