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Veteran pilot Nigel Clark - Source: ONE News -
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One of New Zealand's most experienced aviators has today touched down for the final time after half a century in our skies.
From captaining 747s to saving lives in a rescue helicopter across the South Island, Nigel Clark has had every angle covered.
For 51 years, Clark has had his head in the clouds, the West Coast rescue helicopter the last in long line of aircraft that have seen the 70-year-old clock up over 26,000 flying hours.
"I did my commercial pilot's licence at Auckland Aero Club which was at Mangere airfield and that's of course where Auckland airport is now. It was just a grass paddock in those days," said Clark.
From there it was into Teal's flying boats at Mechanics Bay, followed by a stint with National Airways Corporation in Invercargill.
But it was the creation of Air New Zealand that really put Clark in the hot seat, flying DC3s, 737s, 767's and the big bird, the 747.
"I'd says the 767 was more the sports model but the 747 was a delight to fly and full of technology. But it certainly was heavy aircraft flying."
Having his fill of fixed wing aircraft, Clark opted for helicopters, rescue work, he says, offering the real rewards.
"I came over from Christchurch to Hokitika airfield where a chap was in a parachute drop from an aircraft. The aircraft had landed on the ground and then unfortunately he'd landed in the propeller and cut his arm off. So we had to take him emergency back to Christchurch," said Clark.
The parachutist kept his arm and Clark's steady hands will still be put through their paces in retirement.
"I've got several friends nagging me to go back to golf. I did play that for bit but it's been neglected for a while."
But even when he's holding a driver, Nigel Clark will at heart be a flyer.
