The ‘flag bearers’ of New Zealand Warbirds, this precision formation team can be been seen at air shows right across New Zealand.
Flying ex-RNZAF Harvard trainers, this team continues to promise maximum visual impact and crowd enjoyment – never to be missed! We continue to honour those that ensured our freedom by serving in the armed forces by carrying out fly-pasts at events such as ANZAC and Battle of Britain commemorative days.
Dave Brown Red 1
The team leader of the Roaring Forties is Dave Brown who flies Harvard 98 (NZ1098). Dave joined the RNZAF in 1978 and flew Skyhawks with No. 75 Squadron and was the Strikemaster display pilot in 1988 and 1989. He has been with the team since 2008 and has recently retired from airline flying. As well as the team leader, Dave is also the Chief Flying Instructor (CFI) for NZ Warbirds.
Dean BeverleyRed 2
Number 2 is Dean Beverley who flies Harvard 52 (NZ1052). Dean joined the RNZAF in 1978 with Dave and flew Andovers, C130 Hercules and Boeing 727’s. Dean has also recently retired from airline flying and is the Deputy Chief Flying Instructor (DCFI) for NZ Warbirds. He joined the Roaring Forties team in 2018.
Liz Needham Red 3
Number 3 is Liz Needham in Harvard 57 (NZ1057). Liz first soloed on Valentines day in 1974 (hence her love affair with flying) and has over twenty thousand flight hours, possibly NZ’s’ most experienced aviatrix in such a diverse variety of aircraft. Liz is has recently retired from airline flying and has been in the team for 12 years.
John Kelly Red 4
Number 4 is John Kelly in Harvard 53 (NZ1053). John started his flying career through the Aero Club environment in the 1980's and is a current commercial pilot and flight instructor. He has been in the team for the past 13 years and is the current Vice President of NZ Warbirds.
Rob SilichRed 5
Number 5 is Rob Silich in Harvard NZ1078. He performs the solo routines between formation manoeuvres during the display. Rob is a PPL who has been flying since 1986. He has a background in competition aerobatics and is a professional engineer with a passion for all ‘things’ mechanical. Formation aerobatics in a historic aircraft is a perfect blend of both
