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Post by Dave Homewood on Jan 7, 2018 22:41:06 GMT 12
Peter Waller was an officer in the Royal New Zealand Air Force. He learned to fly in the mid-1960’s on the North American Harvard, before progressing to the Vampire jet fighters of No. 75 Squadron RNZAF. He filled the role of Flight Commander on the Vampire squadron before moving on to the English Electric Canberra, and then eventually the Skyhawk as it entered service. In 1972 Pete was chosen to serve a tour of duty in Vietnam in the role of Forward Air Controller. He was attached to a USAF unit and flew the unusual push-pull twin boom Cessna O-2 in combat. He would mark targets for the Phantoms and other aircraft to strike with bombs or rockets. Pete gives a fascinating insight into the life of a Kiwi strike pilot and FAC pilot during the 1960’s and 1970’s. Here's the link:www.cambridgeairforce.org.nz/WONZShow/2018/01/peter-waller/And here is the bonus video version:
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Post by ZacYates on Jan 8, 2018 15:36:01 GMT 12
Fantastic, I'm excited to hear this! I love the FAC missions and it's wonderful to be able to hear from a Kiwi who flew it.
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Post by skyhawkdon on Jan 8, 2018 19:40:26 GMT 12
Brilliant Dave. An important part of 75 Sqn and RNZAF history that is not well documented. You need to interview some of the early FAC guys before they are all gone. John Scrimshaw would be a good one.
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Post by Dave Homewood on Jan 8, 2018 21:43:19 GMT 12
I am working on it Don.
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Post by 11SQNLDR on Jan 13, 2018 11:30:40 GMT 12
Lots of long & boring flights ahead next week - great timing and great subject choice thanks Dave - downloaded and ready to rock 'n roll
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Post by ZacYates on Jan 16, 2018 10:46:00 GMT 12
I rather enjoyed that. I could've sworn Peter was only 40 or so, his voice is so young and energetic!
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