Sir Tim Wallis has paid tribute to top New Zealand aviator Trevor Bland - who died on Saturday - saying the Warbirds Over Wanaka International Airshow would not be what it is today without Mr Bland's involvement.
Mr Bland, known as TT in aviation circles, died in Auckland Hospital from Parkinson's, aged 78.
He made a huge contribution to the New Zealand warbirds scene, particularly since 1978 when he founded the New Zealand Warbirds Association, based at Ardmore.
But it was his involvement in the Warbirds Over Wanaka airshow which was remembered fondly by show founder Sir Tim yesterday.
After buying a P51 Mustang in the early 1980s, Sir Tim decided Mr Bland was ''the ideal person'' to pilot it at warbirds displays in Wanaka.
Mr Bland flew at Sir Tim's 1988 Warbirds on Parade, which attracted 14,000 visitors to Wanaka Airport, and the first Warbirds Over Wanaka in 1990.
He went on to perform at many subsequent Warbirds Over Wanaka shows before attending in a spectator capacity.
''It was Trevor and his skills ... that helped me form Warbirds Over Wanaka to what it is today,'' Sir Tim said.
Mr Bland introduced Sir Tim to other warbird pilots such as John Lamont and Keith Skilling, who have flown at every show.
''He has been a key person for New Zealand Warbirds and Warbirds Over Wanaka ... He gave me great contacts for doing what I've done.''
Warbirds Over Wanaka general manager Ed Taylor said Mr Bland was ''one of the legends'' of warbirds display flying in New Zealand.
''He was recognised around the world as one of the very best warbirds pilots, especially in the P-51 Mustang, and we are honoured to have had Trevor grace the skies over Wanaka.
''He's one of those icons from those early days of Warbirds, like Sir Tim Wallis.''
A distinguished Royal New Zealand Air Force career saw Mr Bland serving as a Vampire pilot, before he joined the Royal Air Force as an aerobatic pilot then returned to the RNZAF.
He was the squadron leader of No 75 and No 14 Squadrons and a member of No 92 Squadron Royal Air Force.
He worked in civil aviation for Air New Zealand and had his own vintage planes.
He was awarded the Air Force Cross in the New Year Honours list in 1972 and was inducted as a Member of the New Zealand Order of Merit in 2004 for his commitment and services to aviation.
Medical issues forced him to retire from active flying in 2000 but he continued part time as a flight simulator instructor until 2007.
He is survived by his wife Kathy, four daughters and two stepchildren.
His funeral service is today at the New Zealand Warbirds hangar at Ardmore.
