Ivor - Has just landed here

[Ivor]

Hello all - Introductions I suppose are in order: My name is Ivor Link and live in Christchurch New Zealand but my story starts in a country that was fondly known of as Rhodesia and was changed after independence to Zimbabwe. I scrubbed out of the Rhodesian Air Force Pilot training after solo on the Percival Provost in 1973 - a bad day as there was only 7 of us left from an original 17, but was told there was only space and funding for 5 wings! Went on to fly as a PPL and as the Rhodesian conflict escalated, I eventually found myself flying within the Police Air Wing in an armed C206T and a bit of jollying around in 180hp Super Cub. Flying after the conflict without the Govt paying the time proved too much as well as life and family responsibilities getting in the way. I was still passionate about planes though and took over a KR2 experimental project back in the late 70's. Under duress I had to trade it as Zimbabwe Govt was anti anything leaving the country when we as a young family realised that we had to leave for safety's sake. I got involved with EAA in South Africa 25 years later and determined then I would fly again one day as well as build again. Next step after my family experiencing multiple episodes of violent crime in South Africa was we emigrated to New Zealand in 2009-- Fast forward to 2015 when I paid a visit to Rangiora airfield and could not believe my eyes when I found the very same KR2 that I had nearly finished and swapped for a caravan to leave Zimbabwe, flying here in Christchurch.. on the other side of the world 31 years later!!! It has been here for 20 odd years and the current owner bought it from the fellow that eventually had smuggled it out! The synchronicity was too much and after meeting up with a pushy instructor started flying again recently in advanced microlight / LSA. I soloed again after 30 years of pilot drought weekend before last in the Club Tecnam P92. I have also been having a ball flying with this pushy instructor in his Alpi200 - fortunately he is also now a friend who welcomes company on many flights, so I count myself blessed to have air under my seat once again ...and flying that is affordable! - Regards Ivor

 

 

[rankamateur]

Seems you have well and truly found your feet now, welcome to the forum.

 

 

[Ivor]

Thank you - only found this web site this evening and I'll visit regulary

 

 

[dazza 38]

Welcome Ivor

 

 

[Guernsey]

Welcome Ivor, a very interesting and fascinating story, keep us informed as you regain your flying wings.

 

Alan.

 

 

[Kyle Communications]

Welcome Ivor..seems there are a lot of ex zimbabweans in Christchurch. I have a friend who lives there..he flies model jet turbines..he and his wife are just the nicest people we stay with them when we go over for holidays. He has a lot of expats over there they socialise with

 

Mark

 

 

[facthunter]

NZ, the land of the" wrong white crowd". Just kidding . It's better to be robbed in (almost) your own language than the other option. I actually like New Zealand, but I don't think it is easy to make a buck there. Nev

 

 

[Yenn]

Welcome. Another addition to the sad stories from Southern Africa. I have a nephew in England who is going to South Africa, He was raised there and has a brother there. Other rellies are trying to work out how to get out of SA without losing their life savings. A nice country, but ruined by years of apartheid.

 

 

[pmccarthy]

The best holiday my wife and I ever had wa driving around Zim for a month in 1999 after I had been working there. Lovely country and lovely people at that time, though we didn't mix with the ruling classes. Some of the farmers were very welcoming but doing it hard, and I suspect had to get out later. Welcome to the forum.