LONG CAREER

Otago Daily Times, Issue 26847, 11 August 1948, Page 4

LONG CAREER

SERVICE AS PILOT COMMANDER McLEOD’S RECORD Both Commander M. C. McLeod and Commander R. J. R. H. Makgill, the victims of the Dakota air crash, were outstanding personalities in New Zealand aviation, and between them hid flown nearly 18,000 hours. Commander McLeod joined as one of the

four original co-pilots of Union Airways in December. 1935—becoming a commander two years later —while. Commander Makgill joined Cook Strait Airways in 1937 after overseas experience. Known personally to probably more passengers in this country than any other contemporary cojnmercial pilot. Commander McLeod was the only one of the eight original commanders and co-pilots to have flown continuously with Union Airways and. more recently, the National Airways Corporation. His total of 10,d00 flying Hours was possibly greater than any other pilot in New Zealand since the inception of Union Airways. With a background of farming and aero club flying, Commander McLeod was an enthusiastic ijthlete, being a fine golfer. Apart from his courtesy and ability as a pilot, he made friends in many places. He was soon about to retire from the National Airways' Corporation, and-it was an unfortunate ending to a notable career in New Zealand aviation. . ' _ '

Recalled from the reserve of officers on the outbreak of the recent war, Commander Makgill served with the Royal New Zealand Air Force from September, 1939, to the beginning of this year. He saw extended service in the Pacific as a flying boat captain and unit commander, and later commanded the Sunderland flight, based at Mechanics’ Bay, Auckland, until he joined the National Airways Corporation in January of this year.