JOHN Carter and Cecil Hickman with their trophies. PHOTO SUPPLIED
TE KŪITI pilots John Carter and Cecil Hickman won first place in their respective events at the Flying NZ National Competitions held at Omaka Aerodrome near Blenheim last weekend.
John won the bombing competition, Cecil the forced landing, as they did at the regionals flown in Tauranga on November 26.
Regional aeroclubs choose a club team to perform at one of five regional rallies held in November. The central region includes pilots from Waitomo, Tauranga, Taumarunui and Waikato.
They compete in precision flying, aerobatics, life raft dropping, formation flying, bombing, navigation, streamer cutting and more.
Heading off the younger talented pilots from throughout the country was a credit to John and Cecil’s ability, coolness and experience, Diane Hickman said.
“An average age of 75 just proves age is no barrier at Waitomo,” she said.
Next up is the Wings Trophy International competition between New Zealand and Australia held each year, alternately in each country. The New Zealand team is selected from the highest performing competitors at the Regional Rallies and the previous year’s National winners.
They haven’t received an invitation yet, Cecil said.
