Pyjama Pilots Jimbo Burgess

Join us on a remarkable journey through the skies with Royce Hooker, a distinguished 91-year-old (recorded 2023) aviation pioneer whose career spans the golden era of flight. From his early days as an aircraft mechanic in the RNZAF to his adventures topdressing Cessnas to the iconic FU-24 Fletcher, Royce has witnessed and shaped pivotal moments in aviation history. In this podcast, he shares stories from the industry's infancy, offering a rare glimpse into the challenges and triumphs of those who paved the runway for future generations. Tune in to hear the untold tales of dedication, skill, and passion from a true veteran of the skies.


Once again big ups to Chris Hoffman for sponsoring this Episode- You're a legend!

I'm flying solo again as we welcome Hallett Griffin, a luminary in the agricultural aviation industry with over six decades of experience. Starting his career in 1963, Hallett founded Griffin Ag-Air Ltd in 1981 with his wife Gloria, growing it into a respected family-run business. Join us as we yarn about Hallett and his amazing career as an Ag pilot. Another thanks to the Chris Hoffman, who helped fund this trip. What a legend.

In this episode I'm flying solo, having a sit down with Neville Worsley, a celebrated agricultural pilot whose distinguished career has made a significant mark in the skies of New Zealand. Neville, known for his exceptional skill in flying the DC-3 on single-pilot operations, shares fascinating insights and thrilling experiences from his time topdressing throughout New Zealand's beautiful landscape.

For those eager to dive deeper into Neville's story, his book "Tiger Moths to Topdressing DC-3s" is a must-read. It's a treasure trove of aviation history, personal anecdotes, and insights into the world of agricultural flying. To purchase, email Neville directly at dh822dc3@gmail.com


We also extend our gratitude to Chris Hoffman for sponsoring this trip to meet Neville. You're the man, Chris!

Chris is a legend!

Today we tackle the age old debate: Where do we land in an engine failure?

That and several other topics we wander off into: Standard Overhead Rejoins, Hawkes Bay Floods, and several others, on our journey of aviation tangents. We hope you enjoy!

Join us in this high-flying episode as our trio of aviators navigate through the swirling intricacies of weather and wind patterns in aerial topdressing. Learn how pilots tackle unexpected weather challenges and harness the power of the wind to ensure successful operations. Buckle up as we soar through the skies and delve into the atmospheric elements that shape the world of aerial topdressing.

In this powerful episode, we delve into the life-changing story of our very own co-host Pete, who experienced firsthand the impacts of trauma and mental health struggles. After witnessing a horrific incident that deeply affected him, Pete began his own arduous journey towards healing and recovery. Through his experiences, he has become a passionate advocate for mental health awareness in the aviation sector. Join us as we explore the challenges he faced, the stigma he encountered, and the steps he took to reclaim his life. Pete's story illuminates the critical need for mental health support in high-stress professions and offers hope to those who might be dealing with similar issues. Tune in for an eye-opening discussion about resilience, recovery, and the power of speaking out about mental health.



His TVNZ Episode is available to NZ viewers here: https://www.tvnz.co.nz/shows/i-am/episodes/s4-e2

Pete's Vector article: https://www.aviation.govt.nz/assets/publications/vector/vector-article-archive/health-and-human-factors/vector-article-2021-4-to-hell-and-back.pdf




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