Initial MOTAT Aviation Section Head Norm McKelvey was honoured with the award of the QSM for services to heritage aviation in the 2006 New Year Honours List.
Norm, starting as an engineering apprentice with de Havilland in 1947, was in the RNZAF 1949 to 1957, joining TEAL which became Air NZ. On retiring as senior Air NZ engineer, he came to MOTAT in 1995 to work with the Air NZ/TEAL team on the Solent, alongside the Bomber Command group working on the Lancaster.
Concerned about the other aircraft at MOTAT not being worked on, he began a campaign to recruit ex-RNZAF, Air NZ retired members and other aviation enthusiasts to expand the workforce and became the first Aviation Section Head. Providing strong enthusiastic leadership and a high professional standard he was a key force in restoring the derelict aircraft and building the MOTAT collection to the international quality it enjoys today.
This was also recognised by the award of the FAI (Federation Aeronautique Internationale) of Lausanne, Switzerland of their Diplome d’Honnuer to the MOTAT Aviation section a little before Norm received his QSM.
He continued to be involved with the continuing restoration of the interior of the Solent until recently, and continues to take a close interest in MOTAT.
Above left to right: The Aviation Section volunteers with the Sunderland as background with the award; Norm McKelvey and Les Adams with the FAI Diplome d’Honnuer award in the Museum.
Words and photos courtesy of Bill Rayner
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