Frank Parker had an extensive and varied career in aviation over more than 55 years, having started with the Royal Air New Zealand Air Force in 1970 as a helicopter pilot and later a flying instructor. He subsequently had an extensive career in Air New Zealand, ultimately as a check and training captain on the Boeing 777.

In 1987, Frank started instructing in helicopters at Ardmore and qualified as a category A flight instructor and flight examiner. In 1996, he established Ardmore Helicopters, one of New Zealand’s premier helicopters flying schools, and is still active as a flight instructor and examiner.   

Frank has had extensive involvement in the New Zealand Warbirds Association for over forty years, serving as Chief Flying Instructor for ten years, then more recently as President. He is recognised as one of New Zealand’s most proficient warbird pilots and instructors, being a test and display pilot on numerous vintage aeroplanes including P-39 Aircobra, P-40 Kittyhawk, P-51 Mustang, FG-1 Corsair, Yak-3, FW190, Spitfire, Mosquito and L-39 Albatross. Very few pilots globally have flown such an array of historic aircraft. His displays demonstrate these aircraft to great effect and with great flair, targeting the performance characteristics of each type in a dynamic but safe manner.

Frank was also the leader of the ‘Roaring 40’s’ Harvard Aerobatic team for fifteen years, displaying at events throughout New Zealand and has given many hours training pilots in conversions, aerobatics and formation flying. Frank is well known for his outstanding leadership and commitment to aviation safety, inspiring young pilots to transition to Warbird aircraft.  His focus on safety gave rise to ‘FAST’, the Formation And Safety Team at NZ Warbirds.

Frank is now retired from airline flying and is now ever busy on the Ardmore scene with the management of New Zealand Warbirds, instructing and examining on Warbirds and helicopters, while also serving on the Ardmore Flying Operations and Risk Committee and New Zealand Aviation Trust.

For an outstanding contribution to the art of ‘warbird’ display flying, Frank is awarded the Hanna Trophy.

2013  John Romain

2014  John Beattie MBE

2015 Squadron Leader Duncan Mason RAF

2016  Flight Lieutenant "Charlie" C V Brown

2017  Brian Smith

2018  Lee Proudfoot

2019  Nigel Lamb

2020  Air Marshal Cliff Spink CB CBE RAF(Retd)

2021  not awarded

2022  Stuart Goldspink

2023  Paul Stone

2024  Captain Frédéric Akary

2025  Jon Gowdy