ATC National Aviation Course 2008

[flyjoe180]

Some photos from this year's course. Gavin has posted lots of Red Checkers photos from the display they put on on the last day, but here are some from the course itself.

Course photo


Syndicate photos

Course CFI Padre John Neal and FML syndicate


Me and my lot in ETY:


Instructor Craig Walecki and DMF syndicate


Instrcutor Adam Eltham and ESG syndicate


Instrcutor Scott Corlett and EYE syndicate


Instrcutor Henry Aieleone and DMG syndicate


Instrcutor Joe Rakawa and TAW syndicate


I didn't realise at the time but when I sent all five of my cadets solo on the same day I inadvertently set a new record. So I received a dunking (usually reserved for first solo's). Most welcome actually as it was about 34 degrees that day. John Neal in the background taking a photo - little was he to know his time would come.


Oh yeah, that feels better!


This was Padre GPCAPT John Neal's last course as CFI after 25 years as CFI and 27 National AViation Courses. Cadets with John:


The cadets 'stole' John's canopy cover for his Tomahawk FML and had it adorned with this.


Every man has his day. The dunking for Principal Chaplain of NZDF


Overall it was a very good course, with excellent weather and hot days. Fun was had by all, and I'm already looking forward to next year's ATC NAC.



This clever little video was produced by the cadets as part of the final course presentations and was played in the presence of senior RNZAF and sponsor representatives. A research group from Qatar was also in attendance, they were there looking at this course and the Dip Flat course which was running at the same time. Qatar is apparently looking at setting up a similar system in their country.

Just for interest here is the video from 2007 as well:

[Dave Homewood]

Very good photos Joe, well done to all involved. The water dousing photos are excellent action shots!

[sqwark2k]

John will grace the flightline again this year at NAC09 and he's very much looking forward to relaxing at the other end of the flightline just doin his thing. John is quite possibly the consummate aviation gentleman. he's been a great friend and mentor to me over the years and it's great he's still going to be onboard.

[flyjoe180]

I agree Craig, John has been the stalwart of the course for years and I too am looking forward to seeing him continue with us. He can relax in the evenings now with a cool ale.

[sqwark2k]

Like he didn't before?? that's a big part of why instructors return, the camaraderie and relaxation with cool beverages of your choice in the evenings :-)