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Post by Brett on Dec 31, 2020 5:22:48 GMT 12
There were two aviation related Honours awarded in the 2021 list.
New Zealand Order of Merit: Companions
Robert Ian Fyfe (former CEO of Air NZ) - For services to business and tourism.
New Zealand Order of Merit: Officers
Allan Ward Beck, QSM (CEO Beck Helicopters) - For Services to agricultural aviation and aviation safety.
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Post by baronbeeza on Dec 31, 2020 6:27:43 GMT 12
That would be one of this bunch. 1/79 University Cadet Course, RNZAF  Wigram. L-R: back; Svendson, Fyfe, Watson, Nendick, James. Front; Thacker, Kim, Betts, Fortune, Abbott, Morgan. fotoweb.airforcemuseum.co.nz/fotoweb/archives/5003-Search-the-Collection/Collection/WgG95-79.jpg.info#?c=%2Ffotoweb%2Farchives%2F5003-Search-the-Collection%2F%3Fq%3D1%252F79%2520University%2520Cadet%2520Course%252C%2520RNZAF |
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Post by thomarse on Jan 4, 2021 19:38:32 GMT 12
Is that one Graham Thacker BB?
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Post by baronbeeza on Jan 4, 2021 20:11:14 GMT 12
Is that one Graham Thacker BB? No it would be Ron Thacker. I knew him as Dick. Ron seems to have been with the RNZAF continuously since that pic in 1979. Linkedin is showing him as a Wing Commander at Ohakea having commanded 3 Squadron there 15 years ago. Now Chief of Staff at Ohakea. Rob Fyfe was an Engineer along with 3 or 4 others there. A mix of Pilots and Navs also. Rob went on to be MFC on 75 Squadron in one of his earlier postings. |
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Post by Dave Homewood on Jan 4, 2021 20:52:40 GMT 12
Ron is a member of this forum too, known by his RNZAF nickname of Thax.
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Post by Dave Homewood on Jan 4, 2021 20:53:42 GMT 12
I seem to recall hearing that Rob Fyfe was originally an airman and was commissioned from the rank of Corporal, is that true?
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Post by baronbeeza on Jan 4, 2021 21:31:45 GMT 12
From Wiki He was born in Christchurch, May 1961. Joined the Royal New Zealand Air Force straight from high school, and earned a Bachelor of Engineering (Mechanical) honours from the University of Canterbury in 1982. He rose to be Flight Commander in charge of maintenance of the Air Force's Skyhawk Squadron at the age of 24. www.nzherald.co.nz/business/cool-hand-takes-controls-for-air-nz/BY3BVTSW5372YV6MYRVJHZIAGY/Naturally you would not be believing the Herald article too much. The roll-over at Townsville was in June 1985 and Rob would have been 24 then. I think he would have been with 75 about that time. |
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Post by ZacYates on Jan 6, 2021 21:28:55 GMT 12
Bravo Alan, this was wonderful news.
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