"Merv" the Skiplane pilot

[planewriting]

I have a request from a Fred Barnes who is preparing an article for Propliner magazine 2022.


He states "I need to know the name of the pilot of the Cessna 185 Ski-plane (ZK-COH) that I flew in on 13th November 1973 at Mount Cook Airport. He was a Senior Pilot with Mount Cook Airlines (Ski-planes) at the time. I think he could be Merv or Mervyn but I cannot find any more details. If you can help or one of your local contacts might know."

I have suggested Merv Halliday however Fred has been in touch with Merv who states it wasn't him. Does anyone know of any other Merv who would have been flying skiplanes in 1973, or alternatively identify a senior pilot at that time. If so, please respond to this request.



Thanks

[airtruk]

Hi, I reckon it might be Merv Falconer as he was at Mount Cook for many years around this time.

[FlyingKiwi]

I've seen Merv Falconer's name pop up on Facebook in NZ aviation groups so if you're on there you could try sending him a message?

[AussieBob]

Here is a link to Merv Falconer Facebook page who is ex-Mt Cook Airlines. One post he gives his contact details

www.facebook.com/mervyn.falconer

[planewriting]

I have just received an email from the inquirer, Fred Barnes, who has been contacted by Merv Halliday. Merv says the pilot was Chris Boon.
Thank you to the above three correspondents for your suggestions. I consider the case is closed.

[thomarse]

That doesn't look like Chris to me...

[craig]

I believe Mal Davies may have flown for MC at some point

[cb66]

The pilot pictured is Arthur Tomlinson. Arthur was Chief Pilot of Mount cook Skiplanes until he joined the "main airline" of The Mount Cook Group flying HS 748 aircraft. After Chris Boon was appointed the manager of Mount Cook Skiplanes, in 1978, Merv Falconer was appointed Chief Pilot, remaining in this role for several years. Prior to this time, Mel (not Mal) Davies had previously flown skiplanes in the "skiplane division" before he joined the "main airline" flying the HS 748 aircraft. I am Chris Boon and I managed the General Aviation Division of The Mount Cook Group from 1978 to 1986 (this division included the skiplane division based at Mount Cook, Franz Josef and Fox Glaciers, the flightseeing operation based in Queenstown and, also, the agricultural operation (a wholly owned subsidiary) Central Aviation.

[thomarse]

I said it didn't look like you Chris!