Flight for Alan Peart

Alan Peart DFC, one of NZ's few remaining WW2 fighter aces, recently turned 92 and is in remarkably good health.

IMPORTANT NOTE - We have made our target and we are greatly humbled by the generosity of everyone who has donated to the cause. Alan will get to fly again in the Spitfire on the 28th September at Ardmore (weather permitting). But don't let this deter you from donating because if we can keep going we may also be able to get Jim Robinson in the air. Jim is the only other WW2 81 Squadron pilot alive in the world now. He lives in Auckland as well. How good would that be - to get the last 2 squadron members in the air for a final flight, a final remembrance.

A group of people with an interest in aviation and NZ's contribution to WW2 thought it would be a great idea if we could raise sufficient funds to get Alan a ride in a Spitfire.

it is nearly 70 years since Alan flew a Spitfire and he would be absolutely thrilled to fly one again. Interestingly the Spitfire is painted in the colours of 81 Squadron and Alan actually flew the aircraft with the same registration - FL-A

Alan Was in the RNZAF but saw service with RAF 610 Squadron and then 81 Squadron who he flew with continuously for over two years. He saw action in England where he flew in support of the Dieppe Raid, then later in North Africa, Malta, Sicily, Italy and then Burma. Alan scored combat victories against German, Italian and Japanese opponents.

While there are fund raising causes much more deserving than this, it would be a fantastic gift to a NZer who has served his country and his community through his entire life.

Alan Served with distinction through WW2 and later he trained as an Engineer and worked for the Ministry of Works for his entire career. He rose to high office before retiring after nearly 40 years. Even in retirement he has been an active participant in many community groups and even at 92 he still serves as an usher at his local church on Sundays.

If we can encourage 200 people with an interest in aviation and our servicemen to donate $20 then we can get him in the aircraft.

As an added bonus anyone donating more than $100 will receive a print, signed by Alan and others of a magnificent paining by Ron Fulstow of Alan flying his Spitfire against the japanese over Burma in 1944.

Well known aviation photographer Gavin Conroy has generously offered to email an air-to-air photo to anyone who donates over $25 - Gavin is going to get some air to air pics of the event from a chase plane.