Talks On Introduction Of Skyhawks

Press, Volume CIX, Issue 31983, 9 May 1969, Page 20

Talks On Introduction Of Skyhawks

(New Zealand Press Association) PALMERSTON NORTH, May 8: Preparation for the introduction of A4F Skyhawks at the R.N.Z.A.F. Base Ohakea reached a further stage today with talks between Air Force and Ministry of Works officials.

The conference at Ohakea today was the first time" the’ two administrations have met oh the issue, and the first positive move towards planning the’changes 'which will; be necessary to accommodate’ the aircraft which will phase out the Vaihpire jets of No.’ 75 Squadron. Late- last year a- team of Air Force specialists met at Ohakea. The result of their discussions was a report on the alterations expected to be necessary to existing, buildings.

This report had been , seen by the Air Board, and was considered satisfactory in general, an Air Force spokesman said.

; Today’s conference was to examine the report The Ministry of Works will now pre? pare Working drawings and produce cost estimates, with emphasis on arriving at priorities. A spokesman said that no new building would be necessary, but existing buildings would have to be altered. The erection of arrester wires oh the runway, planned - for some time, was hoped to coincide with the arrival of the Skyhawks, as, was a smoothing out of the, runway. The> Skyhawks would be introduced in April, 1970, and much of the work was expected to be completed by then.