New chopper pilot

Waimarino Bulletin, Volume 4, Issue 33, 3 February 1987, Page 5

New chopper pilot

Jim Reed is the Waimarino's new helicopter pilot employed by Wanganui Aero Works. He has filled the vacancy left by former pilot Lisa Patterson. Jim and his wife Sharon moved to Ohakune from Mangaweka at the end of November following Jim's successful application for the position. He already has a great many hours flying time to his record, starting in 1967 when he flew fixed wing aircraft. He took on contract spraying for two years while at Mangaweka, but a downturn in farming that hit hill country farmers particularly hard put paid to that. Before that, he was a contract fencer. Jim has been flying helicopters for the last 4'/2 years and has already clocked up 1 30 hours since his arrival to the Waimarino. Jim is particularly enthusiastic about his new position because of the immense scope the area has to offer. As well as regular spraying and fertilizer work there is also the opportunity to be involved with the lifting work. He has already been involved in lifting for the

Park's Board and sees tremendous opportunity with the continuing development of the area. The couple are at present living in Ohakune but intend to shift closer to the air field and into the more familiar countryside. Sharon acts as secretary,

home executive and mother. The couple have two sons, Matthew (16) and Michael ( 1 8). Matthew is presently at New Plymouth Boy's High School but may be starting at Ruapehu College this year, while Michael is on a working holiday in the United States.

Both teenagers are very keen on flying — Matthew in particular, who is considering a career in air traffic control. In theirspare time Sharon and Jim hope to sample some of the walks around the area as they are both enthusiastictrampers. Hunting and fishing also come into the 'spare time' category, as well as sampling the slopes this winter.