The Warbirds Over Wanaka community is mourning the recent death of top New Zealand aviator Trevor Bland, who had a long association with the airshow and its founder Sir Tim Wallis.
Mr Bland, known as TT in aviation circles, died on Saturday at Auckland Hospital from Parkinsons disease.
He made a huge contribution to the New Zealand warbirds aviation scene, particularly since 1978 when he founded the New Zealand Warbirds Association based at Ardmore and was president for 30 years. He was the squadron leader of 75 and 14 Squadron and a member of 92 Squadron Royal Airforce.
An encounter with Sir Tim, who had recently bought a P51 Mustang, led to him becoming one of the most accomplished display pilots in Australasia and a regular attendee at the Wanaka airshow for many years as a display pilot and later as an avid spectator.
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 worked in civil aviation for Air New Zealand and had his own vintage planes.
He was awarded the Air Force Cross in the New Years 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 step children.
His funeral service is tomorrow at the New Zealand Warbirds hangar.
