November 2007

Saab Swan Song
The last of Air Nelson’s Saab 340As was withdrawn from (official) service on 24 September to make way for its Q300 replacement. Pacific Wings was invited to Nelson to say goodbye to the faithful and reliable Saab.

Targeting Terror’s Roots
Part 2 – On the Ground in Afghanistan
Pacific Wings’ August issue featured the first of two articles on the DOS-INL Air Wing’s operations in Afghanistan. In March 2007, Rob Neil returned to Afghanistan during the opium poppy season and witnessed eradication efforts on the ground as well as from the air.

Earlybird – The Story of Phil Lightband
At 82 years young, Phil Lightband has lost none of the passion for flight that saw him pioneering many developments and changes in New Zealand aviation. His time as a WWII fighter pilot was just the beginning of his service to his country as Rob Neil discovered.

Flight Into Moscow – A Kiwi Captain’s Perspective
Ex-pat Kiwi “Sandy Doone” is an Airbus A330 captain who flies to destinations all over the world from his home base in the Middle East. In this article, “Sandy” tells the story of a typical flight into Moscow.

Letters From War
On Leave and Returning to Duty
Veteran US military helicopter aviator and retired airline pilot Don Harward shares his thoughts on the rollercoaster of emotions inherent in taking leave – and returning to combat.