Flying took pilot around the world
Aviator
DEATH has a strange way of shedding fresh light on someone’s life. An old friend, a loved one or colleague can be seen in a completely new way as stories, memories and mementoes paint a fuller picture.
This is true of Geoff Kitto, a name synonymous with the skies of Otago and the communities below. While he came to be known for his generosity and work ethic in the community, many will not know his full story.
Mr Kitto’s career in aviation took him to all corners of the world, from aerial spraying in Zimbabwe and Mozambique to powerline construction in Scotland.
But his most daring flight came closer to home during the height of the Aramoana massacre, when Mr Kitto was asked by police to fly his helicopter over the town in an effort to flush out gunman David Gray.
On the morning of November 14, 1990, the experienced pilot ignored directions to fly over the settlement at 2000 feet — instead putting his skills to good use, flying low and fast over the village.
Gray unsuccessfully fired at him, which allowed the Armed Offenders Squad to pinpoint his location in the town.
That was just one event in a long and storied career in the aviation industry; where his expertise, sense of humour and discipline became widely known across New Zealand.
William Geoffrey Kitto died at home at Kaka Point on May 22, aged 71.
Born on September 25, 1946 to Rose and Arthur Kitto of Maori Hill, Dunedin, Mr Kitto caught the aviation bug early in life.
While on holiday as an 8yearold in Omarama with his uncle, he was invited on a joyride with one of the first agricultural pilots in Central Otago.
After leaving Kaikorai Valley High School, he started working towards his private pilot’s licence at the Otago
Aero Club, using money from his job at the New Zealand Apple and Pear Board to pay for lessons at the weekend.
He soon moved north to Whanganui, where he gained his commercial licence, and began a long and diverse career which included fighting fires, spraying and fertilising crops, and pest control.
Mr Kitto started off flying fixedwing aircraft on the east coast of the North Island for Cookson’s Aviation. After two years flying in the North
Island, he set his sights on Africa.
During his years flying in Mozambique, Zimbabwe and Malawi, he developed an interest in helicopters. In the early 1970s, there were few helicopter training schools but, undeterred, he moved to the United States, training next to Vietnam War veterans.
After a short stint flying helicopters back in New Zealand, overseas adventures came knocking again and he returned to flying fixedwing aircraft in Australia and Central America.
One of his log books from the time shows how busy he was. In one week he worked across a large swath of New South Wales, flew to Jamaica and completed a check flight the same day he arrived, then flew his plane to Belize to start spraying banana crops.
Nearly three years later he returned to New Zealand, settling in Balclutha where he would meet his wife Andrina (nee Anderson) at the South Otago Aero Club. They married at St Mary’s Church, in Stirling, on May 17, 1980.
From 1974 until 1981 he worked first for Farmers Aerial Topdressing throughout Otago and Southland and later joined Whirl Wide Helicopters Ltd, operating from its base in Balclutha.
In 1981 he set up his own helicopter business, which was near impossible at the time due to tight regulations barring new operators.
Undeterred, he became the driving force behind abolishing these regulations, which successfully opened up the industry to competition.
In recent years he again went in to bat for his industry as part of the Aviation Industry Group, and successfully rolled back repressive aviation sector regulations.
In 1990 Andrina gave birth to Tom, their only child.
Tom’s memories of his father are of a relaxed and charismatic man who related to people from all walks of life, and was always ready for a laugh.
‘‘People say he wasn’t a dominating personality, but his large presence was always felt and appreciated in a room,’’ Tom said.
‘‘I’ve got many fond memories of our time together, of trips overseas, fixing up motorbikes, working on the farm and with helicopters, and more lately learning to fly with his guidance.’’
After selling the business in 1999 and retiring, Mr Kitto focused on training the next generation of pilots. He went on to train 37 agricultural pilots, leaving another lasting legacy in New Zealand’s aviation industry.
He specialised in teaching pilots how to safely and efficiently fly at low levels in spraying operations. His courses also emphasised client relationship, and knowledge of the systems and chemicals used in the industry.
He was an early provider of the air ambulance, and carried out many rescues in the mountains and out to sea with the emergency services.
Mr Kitto also had a love for all animals, particularly his dogs, an integral part of the family. They were also his regular and loyal colleagues, spending hours in the copilot seat next to him.
Drawing together 52 years and more than 20,000 flying hours of experience, he provided a valuable professional service to the community, local farmers, forestry and government departments alike.
He is survived by Andrina and Thomas.