Red Checkers

Last updated

Red Checkers
Red Checkers patch.svg
Red Checkers team patch
Active1967–1973, 1980–2015.
DisbandedJanuary 2015
CountryFlag of New Zealand.svg New Zealand
Branch Royal New Zealand Air Force
Type Aerobatic display team
RoleDisplay team
SizeSeven pilots
Garrison/HQ Central Flying School RNZAF, RNZAF Base Ohakea
Nickname(s)The Checkers
ColorsRed and White
Insignia
Identification
symbol
Red and White checkers
Aircraft flown
Trainer

The Red Checkers was the aerobatic/precision flying Team of the Royal New Zealand Air Force. The Checkers fly the Pacific Aerospace CT-4E Airtrainer. Previous aircraft used were the CT4B and North American Harvard (T-6). Until the year 1994 the Checkers were based at Wigram. Aircraft used by the team had a nose painted in a red and white checkered pattern, but this has now been reduced to a small checkered stripe.

Contents

In 1973 the team was disbanded due to a world fuel crisis but was formed again in 1980.

Incidents

Squadron Leader Nick Cree was killed when the CT-4 training aircraft he was flying hit the ground while practicing aerial display manoeuvres near RNZAF Base Ohakea on 14 January 2010. [1]

On 1 March 2010 two aircraft touched during training with one aircraft incurring minor damage. The Red Checkers were grounded for the rest of the season. [2]

Disbandment

The Red Checkers display team was disbanded following the retirement of the CT-4 Airtrainer. They were replaced by the Black Falcons, who fly the Beechcraft T-6 Texan II.

References

  1. Michael Forbes and Dave Burgess (15 January 2010). "Pilot gave life '100 per cent'". The Dominion Post . Archived from the original on 14 September 2012. Retrieved 5 November 2011.
  2. "Red Checkers grounded after latest accident". The New Zealand Herald . NZPA. 1 March 2010. Retrieved 5 November 2011.