Flight Lieutenant Nick's visit

We had an amazing time this morning learning about the Defence Forces with Nick, a Flight Lieutenant with the Royal New Zealand Air Force.

Nick asked us what we knew about the Air Force. 

• Ivo - To be in the Air Force you need to have your eyes tested. 
• Lorin - The Air Force fights in the air. 
• Rafa – I’ve been learning about the Red Baron. He was the best fighter until he died.
• Aaron - They fix planes.

Nick told us that the Air Force also help a lot of people who suffer during natural disasters, such as earthquakes. For example, after the earthquakes in Christchurch, the Air Force loaded up planes with food, and took people there to help. Sometimes the Air Force go and help people in other countries like the Pacific Islands after a natural disaster. Lorin was interested to know if the New Zealand Air Force helped after the earthquakes in Nepal. Nick explained that the Defence Forces of other countries closer to Nepal were sent in to help, but this time, the New Zealanders were not needed.

Nick told us that another important role of the Defence Forces is their work to prevent other wars from happening. He said that they also do a lot of training so that they are ready in case a war begins.

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We watched an interesting video about all aspects of the Defence Forces. We especially enjoyed learning about how the Hercules is loaded, and how supplies can be dispached from the plane with a parachute attached. Another fascinating thing for us was seeing some special forces soldiers practicing a surprise attack from a moving helicopter. One other point of interest was finding out that the Defence Forces get involved in search and rescue missions at sea. 

We learnt today that the Air Force uses several different types of aircraft, the Hercules (to transport equipment and people), the Orions (for surveillance) and the Boeing 757s (to transport soldiers). There is a kiwi symbol on all New Zealand Air Force aircraft.

Nick is an aircraft engineer. He fixes the components of the aeroplanes, such as the wheels, tyres, and seats. His job is to make sure that the plane is ready to take off for its mission. 

All those working in the Defence Forces have a rank. Nick showed us the bands on the sleeve of his uniform and explained that they signify his rank as a Flight Lieutenant. If he doesn't wear his jacket, people can still tell his rank from his epaulets. Nick told us that it has taken him six years to earn his current rank.

We looked at Nick's medal. It is engraved with his name, rank and service number. It is called a Defence Service Medal. The symbols on it are the New Zealand Coat of Arms, and also a silver fern with the symbol of the Defence Force.

The special badge on the cap is the Royal New Zealand Air Force badge. 

Nick made this paper plane. It is a model of the hercules aircraft that the Air Force uses to transport equipment and some people. We are going to make a model at home too!

At the end of the session Nick surprised us by giving each of us a cap, drink bottle and stickers. 

We were so surprised and excited to receive gifts from Nick today!

Here are our highlights of our session with Nick:

Ivo – I liked watching the video. It was interesting.

Bella – I learnt what the army does.

Rafa – I liked seeing the pictures and the model plane.

Lorin – I learnt that tanks are big and can go in shallow water. Five people can fit inside them.

Joe – I learnt about the ranks in the Air Force.

Aaron – I learnt about the plane with the camera which is used for looking for people lost in the water.

Thank you Nick, for coming to talk with us today. We had a great time!

Lorin showed us his World War 2 model aeroplane. We think it is pretty cool!