RIP Trevor Bland

[Dave Homewood]

It is with great sadness that I write this. Trevor Thomas "T.T." Bland passed away this morning at 11.30am.

He was the founding president of New Zealand Warbirds in 1978 and was a HUGE influence in the warbird movement in this country. He was also one of the first people in NZ to start displaying warbirds to the public at events, starting with Harvard ZK-WAR in a pars routine with Ernie Thompson in his Harvard ZK-ENE. This developed into a bigger Harvard team which continues to this day as the famous Roaring Forties team.

Born and raised in Wellington, New Zealand, Trevor was always interested in aircraft and as a teenager he served in the Air Training Corps, during which time he actually got the opportunity to work with No. 2 Squadron Territorial Air Force on their P-51D Mustangs. He joined the RNZAF and became a fighter pilot, flying Vampires. One of his great highlights was being selected to fly as a member of the award winning No. 75 Squadron "Jetobatics" Vampire display team.

He left the RNZAF to travel to the UK and despite not particularly meaning to get back into aviation he found himself joining the RAF. There he went on to fly in the with the Blue Diamonds team in Hunters and Lightnings.

He returned to New Zealand and rejoined the RNZAF. he served overseas with No. 14 Squadron flying Venoms in combat over Malaya, while based at Tengah, Singapore. Later back in New Zealand he was one of the first batch of RNZAF Skyhawk pilots.

Back into civilian life he flew with Air New Zealand, and when the beloved Harvards were being disposed of from the RNZAF he and a group of other pilots formed New Zealand Warbirds Inc., in 1978, to save some of them from the melting pot. As well as flying Harvard ZK-WAR and as an early member of the Roaring Forties team, Trevor will be best remembered by airshow audiences across New Zealand for his displays in the Mustang ZK-TAF and the Venom ZK-VNM.

He was also one of the original pilots in the Warbird Dakota syndicate with ZK-DAK. And he had a stint flying the huge Antonov freighters that were based at Mangere in the early 1990's too. Sadly the onset of Parkinsons Disease forced him to give up his medical some years ago but he still continued to fly with friends and enjoy the thrills in various warbirds from the back seat. He also continued to keep in close contact with the Warbirds association right the way through, giving up his long-time post as President and slipping into the role of Patron just a few years back.

Trevor has been an amazing inspiration to many thousands of people for many, many years. He'll be hugely missed, particularly at his home base of Ardmore. My sincere condolences to his wife Kathy, daughter Heidi and his family, and all his friends in the aviation world and beyond. RIP Trevor.

[phil82]

That's very sad news. Like so many I've had infrequent contacts with TT going back many years, both in uniform and out. I last met him at Omaka in 2013 and was quite shocked at the effect Parkinsons had had on him. RIP Trevor.

[Damon]

My thoughts go out to Kathy , Heidi and all of Trevor's family. He will be missed by many.

May you fly in the lofty heaven's .God speed TT.

Damon

[Peter Lewis]

Sad news indeed. But then he did have a good life well lived.

[ErrolC]

Thanks for the memories, especially the BoB flypast flight that I won while in the Air Scouts!

[kiwithrottlejockey]

That is really sad news.

I have some very happy memories associated with Trevor Bland. I went flying with him on three separate occasions. The first time was in a North American Harvard, although for the life of me I cannot remember where it was, although it could possibly have been at Gisborne. Then I went for a flight with him in the P-51 Mustang, out of Auckland International Airport (of all places). That was followed up by a second flight in the P-51 Mustang, out of Gisborne Airport, then heading straight for the Waimata Valley for a bit of extremely-low treetop-level fast flying. It was one of the most exhilarating things I've ever experienced.

Classic Fighters Omaka 2013 was the last place I saw Trevor....I chatted to him briefly and was amazed that he remembered who I was.

Trevor will be sorely missed from the NZ aviation scene.

[aeromedia]

A great leader, a great pilot and a true gentleman. For those who want to know the man better, his book From Rags to Rivets is a great yarn.
Condolences to Trevor's family.

[Bruce]

In honour of a great NZ Aviator, TT flying a Vampire in the awesome NFU film "Jetobatics"

[errolmartyn]

From Colin Hanson’s By Such Deeds – Honours and awards in the Royal New Zealand Air Force, 1923 – 1999 :

BLAND, Squadron Leader Trevor Thomas, AFC.
G133912; Born Wellington, 18 Apr 1936; TAF 1952 to 1954, RNZAF 15 Dec 1954 to 12 Dec 1958, RAF 5 Aug 1959 to 14 Apr 1963, 506409, RNZAF 28 May 1963 to 30 Jun 1973, Res. to 18 Apr 1991; Pilot.
Citation Air Force Cross (NY1972): Squadron Leader Bland first joined the RNZAF in 1954. After completing his short service commission he enlisted in the Royal Air Force, and at the conclusion of a four year engagement re-joined the RNZAF. He is presently employed as an A-4 Skyhawk instructor at 14 Squadron at Base Ohakea, after serving as Flight Commander of 75 Squadron from January 1970 to June 1971. Sqn Ldr Bland has been engaged on flying duties since 1954 and is now exceptionally capable and experienced in the Strike role. He has displayed flying skill of a high order, exemplified by his membership of a RAF aerobatic team participating in two Farnborough Air Displays, and latterly, as a member of the RNZAF’s Vampire Jetobatics aerobatic team. His re-enlistment in the RNZAF in 1963 heralded a period during which, after qualifying as a flying instructor he was instrumental in re-introducing advanced tactical and weapons training into his Service’s combat squadron’s training syllabus. After converting onto the Canberra aircraft in 1965, and being appointed Flight Commander, 14 Squadron, in 1969, he continued to make a most noteworthy contribution to his Service’s combat readiness and effectiveness. This was nowhere more evident during several operational deployments of 14 Squadron to the Far East as an element of the British Commonwealth Strategic Reserve. Sqn Ldr Bland’s participation in the A-4 Skyhawk’s introduction into service is particularly praiseworthy. Selected as Operational Flight Commander and Deputy Detachment Commander of the team of pilots and technical personnel who went to the United States of America in January 1970 to undergo training on the then newly purchased A-4 Skyhawk aircraft, he again distinguished himself by his high standards of professional competence. The highly successful conversion of the New Zealand pilots onto the Skyhawk aircraft in the United States, and 75 Squadron’s subsequent rapid attainment of a high state of operational readiness was due in large measure to his efforts and capabilities as Flight Commander of the Squadron’s Operational Flight. Throughout his career Squadron Leader Bland has demonstrated exceptional enthusiasm, sense of duty, and professional skill. He has logged a total of 4592 hours of which the majority have been as captain of jet aircraft. He has flown 319 hours in Skyhawk aircraft, 116 hours being in the last six months.


Errol

[Dave Homewood]

I think it would be really nice if people who have them can please post photos of Trevor and his flying displays here as a tribute to him. Does anyone out there have photos or footage of his beautiful Venom and Mustang displays?

[Bruce]

[tommo]

This is one of the saddest days of my life. If it wasn't for Trevor my flying would have been far less exciting. He took me from a fledgling Chipmunk pilot to the displays we enjoyed in the Harvards in the early days of Warbirds. Actually owning a Harvard was beyond my wildest dreams but thanks to Trevor's encouragement at one stage I had two. His patient guidance and sound instruction transformed me. His standards of discipline and skill in the air were extremely high he was the epitome of the master airman. Observing a routine performed by Trevor was an absolute joy to behold. Formating on him and following him through aerobatic manoeuvres was a precious thrill. Fond memories also flood back to our times when we stayed with Trevor and Jacqui in Los Angeles and toured around with them on Trevor's days off. In the last 20 years since my move to Wellington Trevor and Kathy generously made their home my homebase in Auckland for many visits where we had many happy times and a few sherbets as Trev referred to them. Trev was also an accomplished pianist and played the piano and electric organ with as much skill as he flew. I'll never forget his perennial favourite :- "Rip my knickers away!" Trevor is not the kind of guy you would tell you love him. But I'm going to say it now. I love you mate.

[Chris F]

Very sad news RIP Mr Bland and my condolences to his family..I remember an Airshow at New Plymouth in the early 1990's from memory it was the BP round New Zealand air rally (I still have the commerative coin) and he was putting the tarp over the Mustang canopy ( in the days you could freely walk around the aircraft..no security fences) and he was so easy to talk to and was more than happy to talk about the Mustang and show you around it..good memories of a top kiwi bloke.

[kiwithrottlejockey]

Top aviator and Warbirds founder Trevor Bland dies

Fairfax NZ News | 4:20PM - Saturday, 20 September 2014


The Roaring '40s at Warbirds Over Wanaka. — Photo: GAVIN CONWAY.

ONE OF New Zealand's top aviators and the founding president of the NZ Warbirds Association has died.

Trevor Bland, 78, died at Auckland Hospital this morning following a long illness. He is survived by his wife and four daughters and two step daughters.

Bland first served as a Vampire pilot in the Royal New Zealand Air Force in the 1950s before moving to RAF as an aerobatic pilot, where he made his name as one of the New Zealand's best known display pilots.

Later he rejoined the air force before becoming an Air New Zealand pilot.

Bland's passion for flight transcended outside of work hours and he owned a number of vintage planes.

In 1978, he founded the New Zealand Warbirds Association, which restores and preserve ex-air force service aircrafts.

Bland served as president for thirty years before stepping down seven years ago due to ill health.

Gavin Trethewey, former president of the Warbirds Association, said Bland will leave a legacy for the association's 400 members.

“We all look up to him enormously because of the fact that he was the founder of our association,” he said.

“He had very big shoes to fill.”

Bland's story is recorded in his biography, Rags to Rivets — the Trevor Bland story, by Ron Pemberton.

Funeral arrangements are yet to be confirmed.

www.stuff.co.nz/national/64354800/top-aviator-and-warbirds-founder-trevor-bland-dies

[Mustang51]

Very sad news indeed. He has a huge place in NZ Warbirds if saying nothing of his RNZAF and subsequent civilian career. The name Bland was synonomous with warbirds when I first travelled across the ditch and he shall be sadly missed but his legacy is there for all to see and enjoy

[trx850]

Sad news indeed. I was privileged to know Trevor when I was a member of NZ Warbirds in the late 80's and 90's, and will always remember him as a true gentleman with a great sense of humour, and a fantastic display pilot.

Two of his most memorable displays I can recall, were one in the P-51 at an Ardmore open day when he flew back in just over the top of the western hangars, and his display in the Venom over the Waitemata Harbour during one of the Twinings Evening air shows.

My best memory is of him turning up at one of the Warbirds Association hangar balls in a Lufwaffe officers uniform!

Blue skies always Trevor.

Peter Mossong.

[shorty]

I was fortunate to have served in No 14 Squadron in 1968-69 with Canberra B(I)12s when Trevor was one of the pilots on the unit. Have many great memories of notable hi-jinks at happy hours around the Tengah swimming pool, usually involving TT with his trumpet and immersion in the pool. Also occasions when he "suggested" That the RAF Orderley Officer (and his RAF issue bike) might like to check on the lane markings on the battom of the pool.

Last reminisced with him in the bar at Omaka in 2013

Blue Skies Trevor

[TS]

SO sad we have lost a great aviator. I too can recall his brilliant displays in ZK-TAF. BUT the two that really stick in my minds eye are, one over the harbour at Auckland and the other at North Shore airfield. So the first one is, I was sitting at the large gun on North Head watching the airshow with Harvards then Trevor did his bit over the harbour and disappeared. I kept my eye on him he went out towards Rangitoto Island then dropped down low tracking for North Head. As stated I was sitting at the large gun emplacement he came around the corner below me and on a beautiful bank angle and VERY close in so that I could see straight into the cockpit, how close you might ask well I could see his arm on the stick and legs, I kid you not. Then he pulled up barrel rolled and headed for home.

The next one was at a North Shore Airfield airshow he was again flying the Mustang I was on the Clubs deck. He came from up high again dropped down coming over Postmans Road and the hangars at the Northern end of the field holding it low and again going past me at the same level as the clubs decking pulling up and away. Now anyone that is familiar with NE know that, that is low at speed. There is/was a photo on the clubs bar wall of him coming down the runway low as well.

Thanks for the memories Mr Bland. Gods speed, the sky is yours forever. RIP.

[ErrolC]

Tribute in model form
rnzaf.proboards.com/index.cgi?action=gotopost&post=220680

[baz62]

Yes a sad day for NZ aviation. I met him a couple of times and was privileged to see him perform at various airshows. One memory i have was not an airshow but when he flew Harvard NZ1092 out of Wigram after it's rebuild. I was on a tour of the control tower with my local ATC Squadron (actually may have been a NCO course) and we had just come down when we all heard a Harvard taking off. (We knew that sound well as it was 1979 only two years since their retirement.) We were allowed to move up to the edge of the flight line and we could see a few Air Force personnel had come out of the hangars. We were all not to be disappointed as at low level the Harvard appeared arcing round the hangars and flight line and then he did a barrel roll and carried on past! For some reason what really impressed was the undercarriage was still down. Whether this was a test flight (pretty good test!) or he was taking the Harvard north I don't know.
RIP sir.