NZFF

It is with great sadness that I inform you of the passing of Captain Gordon Vette (retired).
Gordon was instrumental in finding out the truth behind the Mt Erebus tragedy. His research into human factors and the white out phenomenon has since saved many lives and the human factors learnings are now part of the core airline pilot training syllabus.
He also located and assisted a pilot of an ag aircraft, who was lost near Norfolk Island, by using the DC10 fuel jettison system.
I had the pleasure of working with Gordon whilst I was a young flight instructor. Gordon took me for my C cat instructor rating flight test.

For the last few years Gordon was confined to a wheelchair and unable to speak.
One of aviation's true gentleman.

RIP

Remember Gordon from the early 80's at the Walsh Memorial Scout Flying School and his passion for the Moller Skycar.

His son Mark Vette is the Animal Psychologist and Zoologist who treats behaviour problems in animals. Mark can be seen on TV2 turning Dogs into stars

Mark looks just like his father Gordon

RIP Gordon

Another aviation famed/well known named identity legend gone , his name even went to Hollywood movie, I have seen a couple of times, actor Scott Bakula as the lost pilot.

cowpatz wrote:He also located and assisted a pilot of an ag aircraft, who was lost near Norfolk Island, by using the DC10 fuel jettison system.

Steve ,you were very lucky and too have the pleasure to have met him, I've reed about him and was a real stickler for safety and regulations , it showed .... R.I.P

Such sad news..................
My family came out to NZ from Scotland in 1947 to a little village called Arapuni.
Our next door neighbours were the Vette family and Gordons dad was the local GP.
Went to high school at Putaruru with the 'Vette' boys and through the years since
had the extreme pleasure to join Gordon on the flight deck whenever we were flying
together - and stayed at his Motel 'Peppertree' in Taupo on a number of occasions.............
RIP Gordon...................