Episode 44 – Barry ‘Patch’ Nelson

Episode Forty Four – Skyhawk Pilot Barry “Patch” Nelson Host: Dave Homewood Guests: Barry “Patch” Nelson Duration: 40 minutes, 16 seconds Topic: Dave talks with Wing Commander Barry “Patch” Nelson, who flew the McDonnell Douglas A-4K Skyhawk with the Royal New Zealand Air Force from 1987 through till 1997. During that time he served with both No. 2 Squadron and No. 75 Squadron, and he flew as No. 2 in the premier Skyhawk aerobatic display team Kiwi Red. he also went on numerous overseas exercises with No. 75 Squadron, and he remembers the famous jet fighter very fondly. In April 2013 Patch was a guest of honour at the Fun & Sun Airshow at Lakeland, Florida, in the USA, where Draken International – who now operate ex-RNZAF Skyhawks and Aermacchis – hosted a special tribute day to the RNZAF. In this interview Patch looks back on his Skyhawk days and reports on the event in the USA that has marked a new lease of life for the jets. By the way the small music clip is Magic Ghost from Danosongs