Off the Ground - 2, Challenge and Crisis

The second part of this 1982 series on the history of aviation in New Zealand hang glides to the 1930s golden age where world famous flying feats (from the likes of Aussie Sir Charles Kingsford Smith and NZ aviatrix Jean Batten) inspired a surge in aero and gliding clubs and the beginning of commercial domestic flights and aerial mapping. War saw Kiwis flying for the RAF and modernised an ageing RNZAF, taking it from biplanes to jet aircraft. Presented by pilot Peter Clements, the series was made for TV by veteran director Conon Fraser and the National Film Unit.

One never fathoms or fully understands air movements and it’s a perpetual challenge, and a very exhilarating one. It can be very lonely. I think in life one has to be frightened every now and again. It does one good and makes one appreciate the wonderful experience living is.

– Record breaking glider pilot Dick Jorgenson

Key Cast & Crew

Tom Williamson

Producer

Conon Fraser

Writer, Director

Peter Clements

Original idea, Presenter

Roger Goldstone

Sound

Brian Shennan

Sound Mix

Dell King

Editor