Captain Gordon Vette, JP, ONZOM - RIP
 

Sad to hear of the passing of Captain Vette.

He will be remembered as one of the most sterling of aviation professionals in the world.

A sad day.
He was a man of integrity.
Respect.

Aviation owes him a lot.
Condolences to his family.
R.I.P.

An outstanding aviator and navigator who definately left his mark on aviation. :ok:

There are no good deaths, just good lives lived.

Sad indeed. Thanks Gordon for the mentoring and inspiration and everything you did for NZ aviation, you will be greatly missed

Gordon certainly did that. He will forever be remembered for his role in saving the life of C188 pilot who got lost on a flight from Pago Pago to Norfolk Island in December '78 when he was the captain of an ANZ DC10 (TE103) flying between Nadi and Auckland. His contribution to saving the C188 pilot's life makes incredible reading.

Rest in peace, Gordon, and condolenses to all his family.

Wasn't there a movie made on that story?

Mercy Mission: The Rescue of Flight 771
https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Cessna_188_Pacific_rescue

Thanks Stikman, that's the one I was thinking of.

Yes, and in typical Hollywood style dramatised it beyond recognition. Even had the aircraft landing at Auckland:ugh: