Noted N.Z. Airman Receives Test Pilot Post

Wanganui Chronicle, 30 October 1948, Page 2

Noted N.Z. Airman Receives Test Pilot Post

(N.Z.P.A. —Special correspondent.)

LONDON, Oct. 26—A New Zealander with a distinguished career as a bomber pilot during the war lias been appointed an assistant test pilot to Armstrong Siddeleys, which is engaged on the development of jet engines and research in the field of jet propulsion generally. He is J. B. Starky, formerly of Opotiki, and formerly a squadron-leader. He was awarded the D.F.C. in September 1943 and the D.S.O. the following October.

Twic« during bombing operations his aircraft was badly damaged by fighters but he displayed “superb airmanship and unconquerable spirit” in making successful return flights. In 1944 he took a Empire Test Pilots School course and was later attached to an aeroplane and armament establishment at Boscome Down. There he was Flight-Commander of a squadron responsible for testing and accepting into service the heavier types of aircraft.

After the end of the war he returned to New Zealand and came back to London with thp New Zealand contingent in the Victory Parade. Back in New Zealand again he accented an extended service commission with the R.A.F. and was again posted to Boscombe Down. He was engaged on test pilot duties there for ten months and recently obtained his premature release from the R.A.F. to take up his present appointment.