On October 26th, Micro Aviation founder, Max Clear, invited his first instructors, Ken Fenwick and Jack Bindon, to join a large group of friends to celebrate the 50 years since Ken sent him off solo at Rukuhia aerodrome; south of Hamilton, New Zealand.
Back then Jack was a relatively new instructor and Ken was CFI of the Waikato Aero Club and an ex. WWII RNZAF Catalina pilot and flight instructor. So it was truly wonderful that both men could be present as Ken is now into his ’90s and still pretty sharp in the head department; if not quite so nimble in the undercarriage assembly.
Many flew in for the luncheon so it was quite a gala aviation gathering with old chums meeting again after some years. Several crews returning north from the Tiger Moth Club’s annual Taumarunui fly-in also dropped in to see Max and Ken and Jack.
Some very nice aviating added to the jolly atmosphere with a brace of Yaks formating and some evocative Tiger Moth aerobatics bringing back memories to the older visitors. The incredible low-level handling skills of the radio-control flyers also proved popular.
Thank you Max and Maxine for creating such a jolly convivial occasion. We all enjoyed it so much and a particular thanks for your honouring your old instructors who obviously helped you to become a really sound aviator…..
(below and attached are a few photographs, with captions. Report from:
mikefeeney@actrix.co.nz )
Max Clear, Ken Fenwick and Jack Bindon laugh over some event from Max's student pilot days back in 1959.
Judy Costello (nee Knight) and Max were training at Waikato Aero Club at the same time. Judy, with husband Ray, regularly use their Tecnam Golf to call in to see Max at his charming rural facility where some 330 Bantams have now been constructed.
These four rugged survivors from the (at times) wild 1950's years of New Zealand aviation and the very active flying and social life of the Waikato Aero Club are, from left: Mike Feeney, Les Marshall, Ron Henneker and Jack Bindon.
As Les Marshall departs in his Ryan, he dips a wing in a salute to Max and Ken and Jack.
