RNZAF Graduates Make it a Family Affair
Their graduation on 11 June was a ‘special’ day in more ways than one. (WB-08-0103-05).
For Mark and Nick Pearson, Royal New Zealand Air Force Initial Officer Training Course (IOTC) graduation at RNZAF Base Woodbourne on Wednesday 11 June was one of special significance.
As the pair from Blenheim took to the parade ground with 27 fellow graduates, it was the first time in recent memory that a father and son received their commissioning together. OCDT Mark Pearson, a former F/S and avionics technician who has spent 12 years with the RNZAF, graduated as an Engineering Officer in the rank of FLTLT and was posted to Operational Training Flight at Ground Training Wing as the Flight Commander. His son, former Nelson College student, OCDT Nick Pearson headed to Massey University to study for a Bachelor of Aviation Management under the new University Officer Scheme, before starting his pilot training on Wings Course in 2011. Despite the challenges of IOTC, OCDT Pearson (Snr) says watching his son come through the course has been a great source of pride. ‘Nick is a very down to earth guy and he has actually helped me to remain focussed on occasion, it’s a bit like a reversal of the father/son role! I am incredibly proud of his achievements, especially as he’s the youngest on course and has had the added pressure of having his father on course with him.’
A RNZAF Harvard in a fly past demonstration at the IOTC graduation on 11 June. (WN-08-0038-03).
Father and son graduates. (WB-08-0103-07).