Society News

Following Gerard Robertson’s 2 year term of office, Gp Capt Frank Sharp FRAeS has been duly elected to serve as President of the Royal Aeronautical Society’s New Zealand Division. Frank Sharp is the Manager of Professional Programmes at Massey University’s School of Aviation. He is a Fellow of the Society and a member of the Air Power Group.

Frank Sharp FRAeS - New Zealnd Division President 2012

Frank graduated with a Bachelor of Science from Canterbury University before qualifying as a pilot in the Royal New Zealand Air Force.  During a military flying career of 27 years he flew a variety of aircraft specialising in the fighter ground attack role.  He also became an A category Qualified Flying Instructor and served on exchange with the Royal Air Force (4FTS Valley – Gants and Hawks).  Frank has served on fighter squadrons at line-pilot, Flight Commander, Executive Officer, and Commanding Officer levels, particularly in the South East Asia – Pacific region.  He led the “Kiwi Red” Skyhawk formation aerobatic team that performed at the Australian Bi-Centennial, Sydney. He was the Commanding Officer of the Central Flying School, Commanding Officer of No 75 (Skyhawk) Squadron and the Officer Commanding the RNZAF Strike Wing.  He served on the Air Staff and as the NZ Air Attaché in Australia and was a Base Commander before leaving the RNZAF.  A graduate of the Air Force Staff College, Frank lectures on aspects of Air Power both in New Zealand and abroad.

Royal Aeronautical Society New Zealand Division webpages