Southland man John McDougall pictured yesterday at Invercargill Airport, which holds special memories for him. He was among the first paying passengers on the first commercial flight out of Invercargill Airport on November 7, 1944. PHOTOS: LUISA GIRAO
Exactly 78 years ago to the day, he was at the same place, waiting to embark on the first commercial flight out of the airport.
Mr McDougall and his parents were among the passengers on the Union Airways of NZ Ltd flight.
It was a 40-minute trip to Taieri Airport in Dunedin.
He was only 4, but remembered clearly the excitement he felt.
"It was my first time flying and I didn’t feel any kind of fear. It was actually beautiful.
"We had a view of all the farmlands as the planes didn’t fly so high in those days. I remember being so interested in all the scenery — I didn’t believe it."
He said his parents chose his best outfit for the occasion as it was a big event for them.
A copy of tickets for the first commercial flight out of Invercargill Airport.
"What I got closer to from this was a day where I was driving at Otatara Rd at 72kmh. It was a 30kmh road and a police officer pulled me over. I was flying," he said, laughing.
After travelling around the world twice, he said he had now stopped using planes as his age did not allow him to enjoy the experience as before.
However, he hoped to be able to celebrate the 80th anniversary of the first commercial flight in two years.
When asked how he felt being part of the history of Invercargill, he answered quickly.
"I made history — put it that way."
