Flight repeated

Press, 6 October 1987, Page 8

Flight repeated

PA Auckland Captain Fred Ladd passed under the Auckland Harbour bridge in an aircraft yesterday, but this time it was legal, the “New Zealand Herald” reports. Two decades ago, the irrepressible aviator broke the rules and flew his Grumman Widgeon amphibian underneath the main span of the bridge on his last day as general manager of Tourist Air Travel. Captain Ladd, aged 79, was yesterday aboard a Grumman Goose to go through almost the same paces again. Although he was not at the controls this time, he was still as enthusiastic about the trip as ever. With the famous phrase “a shower of spray and we’re away,” Captain Norman Sanson took the plane over the Waitemata Harbour with Captain Ladd in the cockpit — resplendent in a bumblebee costume. The trip down memory; lane was part of the launching of his second book, “A Bit of a Ladd.” Captain Ladd’s wife,

Mabel, the only passenger during his escapade in 1967, was again on board yesterday. Ohly, this time, she said, she was not worried.

On the original flight, Captain Ladd took his plane about nine metres above the water under the bridge, when the minimum flying height over the harbour was just over 150 metres.

But yesterday’s flight was within regulations, as the amphibian touched down on the water just before the bridge and taxied underneath before taking off again. The flight did have its hitches. During the flight, Civil Aviation officials called See Bee Air in Auckland to find out “what was going on.” The Director of Civil Aviation, Mr. Stuart Mclntyre, was on hand at Mechanics Bay to ensure the flight was legal. ■; Captain Ladd has been battling Civil Aviation officials for at least 10 years to have his pilot's licence renewed.

He said of the flight, "It was jolly marvellous. But I think I should have my licenlpe back.” ■(