Today I would like to congratulate Royal New Zealand Air Force (RNZAF) Squadron Leader Jim Rankin, who has this week been recognised with the prestigious Jean Batten Memorial Award by the New Zealand region of the Guild of Air Pilots and Air Navigators (GAPAN).

Presented by Master of the Guild Rear Admiral Colin Cooke-Priest CB FRAeS RN (Retired) during the Guild’s annual dinner, the award recognises an outstanding individual contribution to New Zealand aviation.

Squadron Leader Rankin joined the RNZAF in 1978 and for the past three decades has, as the citation stated: made an outstanding personal contribution to New Zealand aviation in the disciplines of pilot training, airmanship and the safe conduct of general aviation activities.

Squadron Leader Rankin has flown a number of fixed and rotary wing aircraft and, at various times, co-ordinated military and civil air displays at events such as 'Warbirds Over Wanaka'.