NORTH AMERICAN HARVARD

Few aircraft have earned the respect and reputation of the North American Harvard. As the final hurdle in a wartime pilot’s training, the Harvard demanded discipline, precision, and guts. It was fast, heavy, and unforgiving — a world away from the gentle trainers that came before it. But for those who mastered it, the Harvard opened the door to Spitfires, Mustangs, and the front lines.

More than 15,000 Harvards were built across multiple variants, with hundreds sent to the Commonwealth under the Empire Air Training Scheme. In New Zealand, the Harvard became the cornerstone of advanced military flight training, remaining in RNZAF service well into the jet era.

Today, it’s one of the most recognisable and celebrated warbirds still flying.

The story of NZ1033

Built in 1942 by North American Aviation in Dallas, Texas; she was originally allocated the Air Ministry number EX588, USAAC serial 41-33561, and manufacturer’s construction number 88-12032. Ordered by the Royal Air Force, she was soon reallocated to the Royal New Zealand Air Force as part of the Empire Air Training Scheme, supporting pilot training for the Pacific theatre.

NZ1033’s first flight in the United States took place on 3 February 1943, and she was shipped to New Zealand shortly after. Assembled at RNZAF Station Hobsonville, she was officially brought on charge on 20 April 1943. Her first flight on New Zealand soil was recorded on 7 May 1943.

Over the course of World War Two, NZ1033 was based at several RNZAF stations, including:

  • No. 2 Elementary Flying Training School at Ashburton

  • Central Flying School at Tauranga

  • Fighter Gunnery School at Ardmore

She played a key role in training RNZAF pilots, including well-known instructors and students such as Allan Sievers, Keith Mulligan, and Barrie Reid. Exercise logs from 1944–45 show her flying formation training, air-to-ground gunnery runs, leaflet drops, and progress checks. Her postwar career continued into the 1950s, remaining active in RNZAF service until she was eventually withdrawn.

In the early 1980s, NZ1033 was generously donated by retired Air Commodore Stan Quill, a WWII fighter pilot, to the New Zealand Sport and Vintage Aviation Society (now Wairarapa Flying Tigers Inc). She remained under their custodianship until 2023, when she was acquired by Legend Aviation.

NZ1033 is a highly original example of her type and has been stored since 2006, requiring restoration to return to airworthy condition. We plan to complete this restoration within the next two years, bringing her back to life as a flying tribute to the thousands of Commonwealth pilots trained in Harvards during and after the war.

If you have any information, family or personal connections with NZ1033 we would love to hear from you!

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