Episode 29 – Brian Farrell

Guest: Brian Farrell

Host: Dave Homewood

Duration: 1 hour 22 minutes, 59 seconds
Recorded: 20th of November 2012

Topic:. Brian Farrell has had a long association with aviation. He joined the RNZAF in 1955 and trained as an Airframes Mechanic. Serving in that capacity on Vampires in New Zealand and Canberras in Singapore, he later cross trained in the engine trade and was sent to the USA to upskill in maintaining the newly ordered Bell UH-1D Iroquois helicopters in 1965. On return to New Zealand in 1966 Brian was posted to No. 3 (Battlefield Support) Squadron and was appointed the RNZAF’s first ever Helicopter Crewman – whilst also working in his regular maintenance role as airframes and engine specialist.

Brian has also worked on Bristol Freighters, Andovers and other types in the RNZAF, and he became a glider and fixed wing pilot for recreation. A new career after his 21 years in the RNZAF saw him become an inspector with the Civil Aviation Authority, responsible for ensuring airworthiness and correct practices and training on all sorts of aeroplanes across New Zealand and the Pacific from homebuilds up to Air New Zealand’s Boeing 747 fleet.

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