No. 14 Squadron RNZAF
| 14 Squadron RNZAF | |
|---|---|
 |
|
| Active | 25 April 1942 – January 1949 3 September 1951 – 13 December 2001 05 January 2015 – Present |
| Country |
 New Zealand
|
| Branch |
 Royal New Zealand Air Force
|
| Type | Light attack, Primary and Advanced Training |
| Garrison/HQ | RNZAF Base Ohakea |
| Motto(s) |
Māori: Kia Maia , kia u, kia ngawari (Translation: Active, ardent, adaptable) |
| Colors | Black and white |
| Mascot(s) | Kea |
| Anniversaries | 25 April |
| Equipment | 11 x Beechcraft T-6 Texan II |
| Engagements | World War II, Malaya |
| Decorations | Distinguished Flying Cross |
| Commanders | |
| Current commander |
Wing Commander Chris Andrew |
| Notable commanders |
Flying Officer Geoff Fisken |
| Insignia | |
| Squadron Badge | A kea in perching position |
| Squadron Codes |
HQ (Apr 1942 – 1944) AX (Apr 1949 – 1950) |
14 Squadron RNZAF is a squadron of the Royal New Zealand Air Force. In 2015 the squadron will be re-raised to support the purchase of 11 RNZAF Beechcraft T-6 Texan II. A new aerobatic display team called the Black Falcons will also be formed using the new aircraft. This will replace the current RNZAF display team known as the Red Checkers.
Until World War II, New Zealand's air force concentrated on training, transport and maritime attack. The vast distance of the Pacific Ocean seemed a defence against attack by air. Until 1938, only a handful of record breaking air flights had flown to New Zealand, where they were required to land and refuel, suggesting that an enemy attack could not both get to, attack, and then return from a mission to New Zealand. The New Zealand Permanent Air Force operated token numbers of Bristol Fighters and Gloster Grebes. As far as operations overseas went, it was assumed New Zealand would be embedded within Britain's Royal Air Force. In Europe, this was the case. During the 1930s New Zealanders joined the RAF through RAF scholarships and short service commissions, like the first RAF ace of WWII, 'Cobber' Kain. In the opening years of World War II, the RNZAF produced many pilots for the RAF, including fighter pilots. Many New Zealanders trained in Canada for the RAF with the Empire Air Training Scheme. Nos 485(NZ), 486(NZ) fighter squadrons fought in Europe. There were however no fighter units in New Zealand itself when war broke out with Japan.
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