| NZ6001 | n/a | Previously EE395 this was the first jet aircraft of any sort to arrive in New Zealand and was loaned to the service by the RAF. Uncrated at Hobsonville on 23 January 1946 and was airborne for the first time at 1035 hours on 12 February 1946 flown by Squadron Leader Bob McKay. The aircraft was demonstrated throughout the country over the next few months, its first appearance being at Ardmore on 15 February at the farewell parade to No.14 Squadron who were leaving for duty in Japan. By March 1946 it had acquired it's RNZAF serial number of NZ6001. Attached to the Central Flying School, Wigram for 2 months from 09 May 1946 to convert the first group of RNZAF instructors to jets. To Central Fighter Establishment, Ohakea in July 1946 where it was used to train over 50 RNZAF pilots. Last public appearance was at the Otago Centennial Air Show at Taieri on 21 February 1948 after which the aircraft was placed in long term storage at Ohakea. Purchased from the RAF for 5,000 pounds on 15 March 1950 and became the RNZAF's first jet aircraft.Final flight was from Ohakea to Whenuapai on 16 September 1950 in the hands of Squadron Leader J. Wenden. Converted to instructional airframe INST147 with the TTS, Hobsonville on 19 September 1950. Declared surplus in March 1957 and sold by tender to A. Elliot, Onehunga in May 1957. The engine was sold and the rest of the aircraft melted down. |
