Walsh Memorial Scout Flying School and Moldova

Our scheduled speaker was unable to attend our meeting so Boyne Drummond stepped in and spoke to us first about his visit to Moldova and then secondly about the Walsh Memorial Flying School

Moldova

Boyne told us about his visit to Moldova to remove waste hazardous material from a major electrical substation in the south of that country.

Boyne described told us  a little about Moldova, including the country's history, the breakup of the Soviet Union, and the challenges faced during the project including avoiding visiting various parts of the country that had seceded or were attempting to secede from Moldova itself.

Boyne explained the project's context, including the breakup of the Soviet Union in 1991 and Moldova's independence. He then described the logistics of the project, including flying into Chisinau, the training conducted, and the strategic location of the electrical substation. He then highlighted the challenges faced in the Transnistria region, including the mixed population and the security issues including a strong Russian influence in the region and the tension that exists without outright conflict.

Boyne then went on to detail the technical challenges of the project, including the outdated Russian-built substation and the use of low-voltage capacitors.  He went through the process of lowering the platforms that supported the capacitors using chain hoists and the involvement of the Moldovan Minister of Environment in the operation. The project succeeded and the capacitors were removed and shipped to France for disposal.

In response to a question about his involvement, Boyne explained that it was through his French company's expertise in hazardous waste disposal that he was brought in to the project. In closing in this part of his address, Boyne mentioned the global impact of hazardous waste disposal, including the designation of chemicals by the Stockholm Convention. He noted that there are ongoing issues with disposal of PCB based firefighting foams and their contamination of groundwater and soil. The only way to dispose of such chemicals being high-temperature incineration.

Walsh Memorial Scout Flying School 

Leaving Moldova, Boyne then turned to the topic of the Walsh Memorial Scout Flying School.

He told us of its history and mentioned the impact of COVID-19 on its operations.

The School is based at Waharoa Airfield outside Matamata.  Normally a sleepy airfield, but during the period the Flying School is in operation it transforms into the busiest airport in the southern hemisphere.

Boyne summarised the structure of the school, including the instructors, students, and ground staff, and the role of Scouts New Zealand. He explained the funding mechanisms and the involvement of various organizations and individuals in supporting the school.

Boyne then moved on to talk about the process of selecting students for the Walsh Flying School, including the introduction of the Auckland Aero Club's gateway program.  He summarised the benefit of the new selection process, which involves a pre-assessment by the Auckland Aero Club. 

Boyne told us about the logistics of the camp, including the living arrangements, meals, and activities.  He highlighted the immersive nature of the program and the various competitions and events organized by the students.

Boyne then acknowledged key individuals involved in the creation of the Walsh Memorial Scout Flying School, including Ross Craig and Phil Pacey.

He highlighted the impact of the program on the students, including their achievements and the skills they acquire. He told us about a student called Mathew.  Mathew's first solo flight took place after about seven and a quarter hours of training.  This happens at the end of a circut when the student and instructor land. The instructor then simply gets out of the aircraft and tells the student to fly it solo.  Matthew's early morning flight was facilitated by the presence of visitors, including his family. At the end of his first flight Mathew was then dowsed in water which is a ritual experienced by those who complete their first solo flight.

Boyne told us that the middle Saturday of the camp are family days, where family members visit and see what the students do. There are also visiting aircraft, such as the Harvard and Tiger Moths, which are popular during these events, and students often get to fly with them.

At the end of the camp there is a presentation of Wings to students and the Bruce Donnelly Award.  The Bruce Donnelly award is presented to the best rotary student of a particular intake, sponsored by the Rotary Club and Anne Donnelly.  Anne Donnelly attends the dinner each year for the presentation of the award.

For those who dont know Bruce  was an instructor at the Walsh for over 20 years and a member of the Rotary Club of Newmarket. Bruce had been passionate about flying from a young age and joined the RNZAF and was one of the first pilots to fly Sky Hawks in NZ. He flew as a forward air controller in the Vietnam War, earning a citation from the US Air Force and the New Zealand Air Force Cross. He later flew with Air New Zealand achieving senior rank.  Unhappily, shortly after he joined our club he was diagnosed with cancer and passed away.  The Award is his memorial,