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Post by vgp on Aug 8, 2008 15:14:40 GMT 12
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Post by corsair67 on Aug 8, 2008 15:29:21 GMT 12
He's an ex-RNZAF Macchi pilot.
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Post by vgp on Aug 8, 2008 18:33:14 GMT 12
That would be why, Thank you for that Corsair67-although can't find any story with the slideshow: Biography - Flight Lieutenant Charlie Matthews RAF Flt Lt Charlie Matthews, aged 29, was born in Napier, New Zealand and grew up near the beach before moving to a farm in the south of the South Island. He was educated at Otago Boys High School in Dunedin from 1991-96 as a border, and then at Otago University for a short while before joining the Royal New Zealand Air Force in 1998. His ambition to fly grew from talking to his Grandfather, John Middleton, who flew Corsairs for the British Fleet Air Arm in the Pacific during World War 2 and his uncle, Tom Middleton, who first took him flying in an Auster and whom he watched display various WW2 aircraft at the bi-annual Warbirds over Wanaka airshow. After finishing basic training on the Airtrainer CT4-E at Ohakea, he was selected to complete fast jet training on the Aermacchi MB339-CB as a member of 14 Squadron. By the end of 2000, Charlie achieved operational status on the Macchi and looked forward to a period of consolidation and advancement in responsibility in the air before converting on to, at that time, the F16 Fighter. In September 2001 Charlie joined the RAF and after a short orientation phase he continued fast jet training on Tornado F3 Operational Conversion Unit, 56(R) Squadron, at RAF Coningsby which culminated in a posting to 43(F) Squadron at RAF Leuchars. He flew just under 1000 hours on the Tornado F3, travelled to Jordan, Canada, Egypt, UAE, Germany, Holland, Denmark, Iceland, Hungary and Spain on exercise during that time, and carried out Quick Reaction Alert (QRA) duties in the UK and Falkland Islands. In 2005, Charlie was posted back to 56(R) Squadron (which had moved to RAF Leuchars) as an instructor before converting to the Typhoon in 2006 and training for his current role on 29(R) Squadron at RAF Coningsby. Charlie’s primary job is as a Qualified Pilot Instructor, teaching pilots to operate the Typhoon in both the air-to-air and air-surface role. Charlie enjoys all outdoor sports and pursuits particularly mountain-biking and trail running. Also, watersports like rowing and sailing (not that he’ll have much time for them during the season). At home he is known to dabble with the guitar, DIY and gardening. www.raf.mod.uk/RAFconingsby/newsweather/index.cfm?storyid=A259941C-1143-EC82-2EFC094DB803BF4B |
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Post by vgp on Aug 8, 2008 21:57:58 GMT 12
and a video of the 2008 Typhoon display-it also sounds like the Typhoon display commentator has a kiwi accent? not 100% sure as the commentry is hard to hear? on the video: Typhoon F2 at Kemble 08 Typhoon display from Kemble 08 . nz.youtube.com/watch?v=TzYiXKXFZVA&feature=relatedVery Cool. |
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Post by flyjoe180 on Aug 9, 2008 9:54:29 GMT 12
That was a very good post, thanks vgp.
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Post by vgp on Aug 9, 2008 18:27:51 GMT 12
From New Zealand to Wearside for air ace Flight Lieutenant Charlie Matthews. 23 July 2008 By Danielle Beeton A Kiwi will add international flavour to this year's Sunderland Airshow when he flies the world's most advanced aircraft over the sands of Roker and Seaburn. New Zealand-born Flight Lieutenant Charlie Matthews, who this week celebrates his 30th birthday, will be watched by his parents who have flown over to see him take to the skies in the Eurofighter Typhoon. Having flown the Tornado F3 at RAF Leuchars in Scotland for four years, Flt Lt Matthews began flying the RAF's Eurofighter Typhoon two years ago. He said: "This is my first season on the airshow circuit and I'm really enjoying it. "Sunderland will be my 14th show and, hopefully, the weather will be kind to us and I'll be able to perform a full demonstration for the hundreds of thousands of people who are expected to come to the show. "It's an added bonus that my parents will be there also." The Eurofighter Typhoon haswowed the crowds at the last three Sunderland International Airshows and this year will form part of an action packed flying programme. New for this year will be a rescue mission where the UK's armed forces work together in a realistic military exercise. The RAF Chinook makes a return after its fantastic debut last year. There will also be aerobatic displays from The Blades, performances from the Black Cats Helicopter Display Team, and the Battle of Britain Memorial Flight with the Hurricane, Spitfire and Lancaster will give a glimpse of aviation history. Crowd favourites, The Red Arrows will once again return on Sunday, when they'll close the flying display programme at 5pm. The airshow takes place from 10am to 6pm on Saturday and Sunday, with the flying programme from approximately 1.15pm to 5pm on Saturday and 1.15pm to 5.30pm on Sunday. www.sunderlandecho.com/news/From-New-Zealand-to-Wearside.4316927.jp |
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Post by Dave Homewood on Aug 10, 2008 11:09:38 GMT 12
Which war did he become an ace in then?
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Post by phil82 on Aug 10, 2008 13:31:54 GMT 12
You'll be pleased to know that one of the Red Arrows pilots is a Kiwi. Flt. Lt. Andrew Keith from Howick. Has completed three operational tours in Afghanistan, as a member of No. 4 (AC) Sqn. flying the Harrier GR7.
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Post by vgp on Aug 10, 2008 13:43:41 GMT 12
Phil two this year Re: Red Arrows along with andrew keith: Red 2 – Flight Lieutenant Simon Rea Flight Lieutenant Simon ‘Kermit’ Rea (31) is in his first year with the Red Arrows. Born in Hawera, New Zealand Kermit became interested in aviation through travelling overseas as a child and through some initial flying lessons at his local Aero Club. Educated at Hawera High School, Kermit joined the Royal New Zealand Air Force at the age of 18. On completion of flying training Kermit was posted to the ‘strike attack’ role and flew the Aermacchi MB339CB trainer and A4-K Skyhawk both in Australia and New Zealand. In 2002 Kermit transferred to the Royal Air Force. He was posted to fly the Harrier GR-9 ground attack aircraft and carried out operational missions over Afghanistan, flying reconnaissance and close air support missions in support of British and Coalition ground forces. After his tour on 3(F) Squadron, Kermit was posted to the Harrier Qualified Weapons Instructor Course and on completion took up a post on the Operational Conversion Unit training new pilots to fly the Harrier. Kermit is married to Mandy and in his spare time enjoys scuba diving, running, tennis and skiing. When not outdoors Kermit enjoys watching Formula 1 motor racing and rugby. www.raf.mod.uk/reds/behindthescenes/red2.cfm |
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Post by FlyNavy on Aug 11, 2008 12:05:56 GMT 12
vgp, great video of the display, mostly in full burner it would appear. No wonder the aircraft has that centreline fuel tank. ;D The 'half Cuban 8' landing at the end looks like a lot of fun, similar to the old Skyhawk HPA (High Precautionary Approach) engine out landing (banned in later years).
Dave, 'Ace' is the most overused term ever. "ACE" - to be called "ACE" in the RAN FAA was derogatory. ;D
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Brodes
Leading Aircraftman
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Post by Brodes on Mar 6, 2022 0:47:17 GMT 12
and a video of the 2008 Typhoon display-it also sounds like the Typhoon display commentator has a kiwi accent? not 100% sure as the commentry is hard to hear? on the video: Typhoon F2 at Kemble 08 Typhoon display from Kemble 08 . nz.youtube.com/watch?v=TzYiXKXFZVA&feature=relatedVery Cool. |
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Brodes
Leading Aircraftman
Posts: 6
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Post by Brodes on Mar 6, 2022 0:48:04 GMT 12
Ha. Funny. Yes, that was me for the commentary. I commentated Kemble for three years.
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