RNZAF safety expert appointed MNZM after 50-year aviation career

His career included many firsts and large contributions to aviation and also naval safety.

Group Captain McWilliam’s MNZM has been announced in the King’s Birthday Honours List for services to the New Zealand Defence Force (NZDF) as a pilot, flying instructor and airworthiness expert who has contributed significantly to military and civil aviation safety.

“I was very surprised at the award,” he said. “But I am immensely proud. I am also incredibly grateful  to  the many people who have supported me over the 50-odd years.”

Growing up near Te Awamutu, he had always wanted to be a farmer. But his parents sold the farm and pointed him towards flying lessons, which he took at Tauranga Aero Club. 

He enlisted in the RNZAF in June 1975 and graduated as a pilot officer the following year. 

“McBill”, as he was commonly referred to, flew mainly the Iroquois helicopter and from 1978 spent two years posted to Singapore before returning to New Zealand. He then moved to a flying instructor role both here and in Perth.

In 1990, he was awarded the Air Force Cross for his outstanding service. 

Midway through the 1990s, Group Captain McWilliam left the RNZAF and joined the Aeromotive group, where he was chief executive of Pacific Aerospace Corporation (PAC) and also its chief test pilot. 

He was one of the very few New Zealand pilots to fly a first-of-type aircraft, the PAC-750, which is an extremely short take-off and landing utility aircraft made by Hamilton-based NZ Aero. 

In 2010, he rejoined the RNZAF and established the role of the NZDF Operating Airworthiness Regulator. 

His long list of achievements include; development of safety resources which are used by Air Forces around the world, membership of the multinational Air Force Interoperability Council and representing the NZDF at NATO’s Aviation Committee. He was awarded a Chief of Defence Force Commendation for his contribution to NZDF airworthiness. 

He has also led the safe introduction of multiple new aircraft fleets to the RNZAF.

In 2020, he was appointed the inaugural Director of the New Zealand Defence Aviation Authority.

In 2023, he was awarded the Royal Aeronautical Society Meritorious Service Gold Award for his work in military and civil aviation safety. 

Group Captain McWilliam’s expertise is frequently sought for complex operational assessments. As a member of  the Court of Inquiry which investigated the loss of HMNZS Manawanui, he helped identify the root cause.

“There was significant time pressure, it was challenging but it was rewarding. It is also satisfying to be helping the Navy develop their seaworthiness system which includes addressing recommendations identified by the inquiry.” 

Group Captain McWilliam said his career highlights were graduating as a pilot, making the Red Checkers aerobatic team and being Commanding Officer of the RNZAF’s No. 3 helicopter squadron. 

He also enjoyed the variety of work when he was appointed aide-de-camp to Governor-General Sir David Beattie in the 1980s. 

Group Captain McWilliam is now a member of the Air Force Reserves and still contributes to the Royal New Zealand Navy’s new seaworthiness framework. 

However, despite the recognition, Group Captain McWilliam said he always worked with great teams. 

“There’s no way I could have got to where I have without some amazingly talented people. They have made me look good.”