Nick Turvey
Encyclopedia
Roland Archer Nicholas “Nick” Turvey (November 16, 1931 – March 26, 2006) was a champion aerobatic and air show
pilot in South Africa
.
in 1955. He later became Chief Instructor of the Johannesburg Light Plane Club, a popular flying club of that era. He was awarded Springbok Colours
for aerobatics in 1965 and represented South Africa
at the World Aerobatic Championships four times. In 1981, Turvey survived a crash in his Pitts Special
, ZS-ZAP at the Aviation Africa airshow, using his skills to avoid crashing into cars and spectators. He won the National Aerobatic Championships eight times.
Turvey was also a committee member of the South African Air Force Association (SAAFA) from 1963 until shortly before his death.
Air show
An air show is an event at which aviators display their flying skills and the capabilities of their aircraft to spectators in aerobatics. Air shows without aerobatic displays, having only aircraft displayed parked on the ground, are called "static air shows"....
pilot in South Africa
South Africa
The Republic of South Africa is a country in southern Africa. Located at the southern tip of Africa, it is divided into nine provinces, with of coastline on the Atlantic and Indian oceans...
.
Flying Career
Nick Turvey earned his flying wings in the South African Air ForceSouth African Air Force
The South African Air Force is the air force of South Africa, with headquarters in Pretoria. It is the world's second oldest independent air force, and its motto is Per Aspera Ad Astra...
in 1955. He later became Chief Instructor of the Johannesburg Light Plane Club, a popular flying club of that era. He was awarded Springbok Colours
Springbok colours
Springbok colours were historically awarded to South African teams and individuals representing the country in international competition. With the arrival of South Africa's new democratic regime in 1994, the name 'Springbok' was abandoned by the various control boards since they felt that the term...
for aerobatics in 1965 and represented South Africa
South Africa
The Republic of South Africa is a country in southern Africa. Located at the southern tip of Africa, it is divided into nine provinces, with of coastline on the Atlantic and Indian oceans...
at the World Aerobatic Championships four times. In 1981, Turvey survived a crash in his Pitts Special
Pitts Special
The Pitts Special is a series of light aerobatic biplane designed by Curtis Pitts. It has accumulated many competition wins since its first flight in 1944...
, ZS-ZAP at the Aviation Africa airshow, using his skills to avoid crashing into cars and spectators. He won the National Aerobatic Championships eight times.
Turvey was also a committee member of the South African Air Force Association (SAAFA) from 1963 until shortly before his death.