Challenge - A Taste of Fun

High school students from the upper North Island detonated explosives, scrambled through mud and flew in military aircraft early last month as part of an Air Force experience at Whenuapai Air Force Base.

The event is organised by the Royal New Zealand Air Force and involves 40 Year 12 and 13 students from high schools between Taupo and Whakatane, including Auckland.

Left image: Nikki Sim of Southland Girls High School, Invercargill takes a close look at one of the Air Force's Iroquios Helicopter engines.

The students gave up the first week of their school holidays to take part in training exercises, fly in aircraft and talk with airmen and airwomen about what a career in the Air Force may hold.

RNZAF Auckland regional recruiting officer FLTLT Graham Burnnand said the students had all expressed interest in an Air Force career through their school careers advisers.

‘The Air Force Challenge allows the students to experience what Air Force life is really like. It’s more than just guns, aircraft and parade drills. The experience gives students the chance to learn about Air Force culture and a number of trades which they might not otherwise be aware of.’

The following week RNZAF Base Ohakea initiated its own Air Force Challenge for high school students from the rest of New Zealand.

Right image: Benjamin Eckery, of Upper Hutt College tries out some equipment in the Air Force Avionics Flight at Base Ohakea, while Micah Edney of Wellington East Girls College watches on.

Left image: Shane Elfied of Taieri College, Dunedin, Christchurch checks out an Air Force Iroquois helicopter engine.

Right image: Air Force Challenge Armourers demonstration and hands on M60 weapon with Challenge personnel to the rear.