Senior Station Officer Bob Calder does a ''Christmas favour''
for a grateful Joshua Rogan, retrieving his remote-controlled
model plane from the trees lining Littlebourne, in Dunedin,
yesterday.
Joshua (12), of Wanaka, was piloting his new Super Cub on its
maiden flight but became disoriented when he changed
direction and the plane headed towards the trees.
''By the time we realised what was happening it was all
over.''
The plane was stuck high up in the trees and attempts to
retrieve it were abandoned because it got a ''bit hairy'',
his dad Phil Rogan said.
Mr Rogan called the Dunedin Fire Service and asked if they
could help.
Yesterday, Mr Calder took the turntable ladder to the grounds
and rescued the plane.
''It was a Christmas favour. I could imagine what it was like
not to even get to land it.''
It was Mr Calder's first plane rescue - but he has retrieved
golf clubs and a parachutist. Mr Rogan said getting the model
plane back made his son's day.
''He was most upset yesterday. Next time we'll go somewhere
without trees.''
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