WONZ 259: Larry Olsen - Strikemaster 50th

[Dave Homewood]

A new episode of the Wings Over New Zealand Show is here. Episode 259: Larry Olsen - Strikemaster 50th.

Today as this episode is released it is exactly 50 years to the day since the first flight of the first Royal New Zealand Air Force BAC167 Strikemaster Mk. 88, NZ6361. It took off from Warton Aerodrome, at Preston in Lancashire, UK, on its test flight on the 15th of May 1972. It had been built to order by the British Aircraft Corporation (BAC) following an order placed in 1970 by the New Zealand government for ten new Strikemaster. An order for a further six would follow a couple of years later.

Given the anniversary and the recent episodes involving the Strikemaster, I thought it would be good to look back at how this jet type ended up being chosen as the new jet trainer for the RNZAF. In this episode we hear from the pilot in charge of undertaking the evaluation process and who made the recommendation for it to be selected for purchase, Squadron Leader Larry Olsen.

As well as Larry’s memories of the Strikemaster evaluation, where its only competitor in the process was the Australian-built, Italian-designed Aermacchi MB326, he also talks about his interesting career in both the RNZAF and the airline industry.

In the course of his Air Force career various postings saw Larry flying the English Electric Canberra, the de Havilland Vampire, the BAC Strikemaster, the North American Harvard, and the de Havilland Devon among other types. He also did an exchange posting to the RAAF where he instructed on the Aermacchi MB326.

Larry also flew in and led both the No. 75 Squadron Vampire jet team and the Red Checkers Harvard display team. He talks about these and various incidents along the way.

On leaving the Air Force, Larry worked for numerous commercial aviation companies, including flying for Royal Brunei, and Qantas. He gives an overview of his civil career which lasted till he was 70.

cambridgeairforce.org.nz/WONZShow/2022/05/wonz-259-larry-olsen-strikemaster-50th/

[hardyakka]

Just listened to this episode. Great interview, Dave. Lots of good stories from Larry that I hadn’t heard before.

[aileronroll]

Dave, this was a fantastic podcast, well done to you and Larry! Speaking of podcasts I enjoyed the RNZAF Heritage Flight one also. Squadron Leader Williams talk on his Harvard forced landing is one of the most humble and brilliant briefs I have heard, his actions that day where spot on also!

[Dave Homewood]

Thanks. Yes they were both great episodes, and Mike's story of the NZ1015 belly landing was amazing. A real privilege to be the first one to make that story public too.

[Dave Homewood]

The Press newspaper on Papers Past has had eight more years of papers added in the past 24 hors or so, and now goes up to the end of 1979!

As a result, I was able to find this published on the 17th of May 1972:

Trainer for N.Z. tested

(N.Z. Press Association) AUCKLAND, May, 16.

The first British Aircraft Corporation Strikemaster jet trainer ordered for the Royal New Zealand Air Force made its first flight in England yesterday, according to advice received by the Corporation s Auckland office today.

Under the command of a B.A.C. test pilot, Mr R. Stock, the Strikemaster made a 47-minute test flight at Preston, Lancashire, where the 10 jets, which will cost $7m, are being built.

An R.N.Z.A.F. team, including engineers, has arrived in Britain to train on the aircraft, which will be used for pilot and weapons training at Ohakea, replacing the 21-year-old Vampires. The aircraft are expected to go into service at the end of this year.

[Dave Homewood]

Strikemaster flight soon

(N.Z. Press Association} PALMERSTON NORTH, October 19.

The Air Force’s first Strikemaster jet training aircraft will make its maiden flight from Ohakea late next week or early the week after. The first test flight was expected earlier, but missing test equipment delayed the flight.

Work on assembling the Strikemaster is advanced; the wings and tail are attached and most of the controls have been coupled. When the first aircraft is fully assembled, work will begin on assembling the other two Strikemasters at Ohakea.

Another seven aircraft and spares are also to arrive at Ohakea from their British manufacturers. Test pilots for the first three Strikemasters will be Flight Lieutenants G. Lloyd and B. A. Lockie.

PRESS, 20 OCTOBER 1972

[Dave Homewood]

Strikemaster flight test

(N.Z. Press Association)

WELLINGTON, Oct. 29.

The first of the Royal New Zealand Air Force’s new Strikemaster jet training aircraft was successfully flight-tested yesterday. The Strikemaster, one of three which arrived in New Zealand three weeks ago, was tested in a 75-min flight over the Ohakea area by Flight-Lieutenant G. Lloyd, who was accompanied by the commanding officer of 14 Squadron, Squadron-Leader J. Hosie.

PRESS, 30 OCTOBER 1972

[Dave Homewood]

Extensive tour by new aircraft

Four Royal New Zealand Air Force Strikemaster jet training aircraft will fly over 59 centres during the two weeks beginning on Monday in the most extensive tour to introduce a new service aircraft to the country.

Four Strikemasters will arrive at Christchurch at 10.30 a.m. on Thursday, March 22. if the weather is suitable. They will give a display over the airport, and will fly over New Brighton about 12.30 pm. They will fly to Wigram for a display, and stay overnight.

The next day, they leave for Ashburton, Timaru and Dunedin. The Strikemasters will land at 31 of the 59 centres, where one of the aircraft will give a handling display while the others will be on static display on the ground. At the 28 centres where they do not land, the jets will spend as much time as possible overhead. At centres where they give a midday display, the Strikemasters will be on public display for up to four hours. Eight pilots will fly the Strikemasters while on the tour. Most of them were involved in flying the four Vampire jet fighters on their farewell tour at the end of last year.

The group will be led by Squadron Leader J. S. Hosie. of Wellington, who trained as a flying instructor at Wigram from 1966, and who led the Red Checkers Harvard aerobatic team during 1971.

PRESS, 10 MARCH 1973