While aircraft play a large (literally!) part in the Air Force Museum of New Zealand, there is much more to the collection than full-sized aeroplanes.
Small objects also help tell the story of the RNZAF and its people and help enhance the biggest of our collection items.
A C-130H Hercules is no exception: after NZ7001 touched down at Wigram on 19 February 2025, the museum received other items which enrich that significant arrival.
One of the enduring images of the NZ7001 landing at Wigram is of Wing Commander Rob Attrill triumphantly flying the RNZAF Ensign from the cockpit escape hatch.
There are several RNZAF Ensigns in the collection, but this one has a unique association to successful mission and an end of an era.
The RNZAF Ensign is one of New Zealand’s official flags, the others being the New Zealand flag, Governor-General’s Flag, New Zealand Red Ensign, New Zealand White Ensign, New Zealand Civil Air Ensign and the Union Flag (commonly known as the Union Jack).
Not a bad patch – marking 60 years of C-130H service
Wing Commander Brad Scott wore this embroidered patch during the final flight NZ7001 to Wigram on 19 February 2025. Brad, captain of the aircraft, signed the patch after landing.
These patches were created by 40 Squadron to mark the retirement of the H fleet and celebrate 60 years of service. A version with black text is being sold in the Museum shop, with the permission of 40 Squadron.
Paperwork in order: Flight Authorisation and Load Plan
For any flight, there is official documentation to record the intention and details of the flight and ensure the safety of the aircraft and personnel. A Flight Authorisation (RNZAF Form 1575) is an official record of the permission to carry out a flight/mission from the unit, who and which aircraft and routes were involved, and a record of the duty being carried/not carried out.
Load planning is the arrangement and distribution of cargo and passengers within an aircraft, and another process that requires documentation. The unique flight into Wigram had a C-130 Load Plan (RNZAF Form 2873) showing 14 passengers (PAX). The nature of this flight meant the aircraft needed to be as light as possible; this time the ‘ute of the sky’ had no cargo.
These small items help tell the story of one big aircraft – something we will do even better when we build a permanent home for NZ7001 and our P-3K2 Orion NZ4203.
You can read more about our #extraordinaryaircraft here: Extraordinary Aircraft – Air Force Museum of New Zealand
