Prime Minister John Key has expressed his sympathy for the family, friends and colleagues of an air force Red Checkers display team pilot who died in an air crash this morning.
The pilot from Ohakea Air Base was practising for a display in an air force CT4 trainer when he crashed near the Raumai weapons range, west of Bulls in the Manawatu, about 8am today.
The man, whose name has not yet been released, was a highly experienced pilot, as well as a flying instructor, Mr Key said.
"It is particularly saddening to learn a pilot died while practising aerial display manoeuvres - a spectacle which entertains thousands of New Zealanders over the summer months.The Red Checkers are our air force's only aerobatic team and their reputation and skills are first-class.
"The Royal New Zealand Air Force's safety record is excellent -- but there are always dangers when flying and, regrettably, they can claim the lives of even the very best of our pilots," he said.
The events served to remind New Zealanders defence force members, both in New Zealand and overseas, regularly put their lives at risk, he said.
Air force personnel would release further details about pilot and the crash at a press conference at Ohakea this afternoon.
