The Story of Nelson Aviation By Richard Waugh and Graeme McConnell.

Publisher: Kynaston Charitable Trust in conjunction with Craigs Design & Print Limited, Nelson, 2013. SCARCE. Softback in excellent near new condition with no inscriptions. Very minor fading on covers. 336 pages, illustrated.

"Aviation's influence on Nelson has been profound. With challenging road access, no rail link and the barrier of Cook Strait, Nelson had the reputation of being a 'sleepy hollow'. It was isolated and in some way still is, yet has never been the same since the first aircraft visit in 1921. After aero club beginnings, a pioneering scheduled airline was established at the Stoke Airfield in 1935. The opening of Nelson's new airport at Tahunanui in 1938, close to the city centre, was a key milestone for the region's social, economic and tourism future. The airport led to a wartime air force station and a growing post-war airline scene. It became the main commercial aviation centre for the upper South Island, including helicopter work. Illustrated by many rare photographs, this book tells the story of Nelson aviation - its aircraft, personalities, innovations and events - and how it helped develop the whole sunny province. Nelson Airport serves more than 750,000 passengers annually, is the hub for the country's largest regional airline and is the fourth busiest airport for scheduled flights in New Zealand."--Publisher description.

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