The path to joining the Royal New Zealand Air Force’s (RNZAF) Black Falcons aerobatics team wasn’t an easy one for Squadron Leader Richard O’Flaherty, but he didn’t let a few knockbacks stop him from achieving his flying goal.

From Upper Hutt, where he attended Silverstream’s St Patrick’s College, Squadron Leader O’Flaherty thought he’d like to fly for the RNZAF.

However, his journey to the skies started firmly on the ground after missing out on the 2007 pilot intake, instead being offered a role to train as an avionics technician.

“I did that for about eight years, working mostly on the P-3K Orion at No. 5 Squadron, but I always wanted to take another crack at being a pilot.”

His opportunity came up again in 2015, and by then Squadron Leader O’Flaherty had matured and gained a good amount of Air Force experience.

“I’d done well at that point and had been promoted quickly during my career. I also gained leadership skills with opportunities like being chosen as the captain of the Defence Force cricket team when I was a Leading Aircraftman.”

He went straight into the role of flying instructor after completing training.

During his career, joining the prestigious Black Falcons team was always in the back of Squadron Leader O’Flaherty’s mind and he was thrilled to be asked to join the team this season.

“I’m enjoying the flying and the new challenges it brings. It’s also a great opportunity to speak to young people that are keen on aviation and hopefully inspire them to follow their dream of flying.”

Flying in the team’s fourth position, he said the role was challenging but worth it.

“Flying in the synchro pair is exhilarating; we get down low and fast and there isn’t much room for error.”

Squadron Leader O’Flaherty is now an instructor at RNZAF Base Ohakea’s Central Flying School.

The past eight years as an instructor included a two-year stint in the Royal Australian Air Force instructing student pilots on the Pilatus PC-21 – a role he relished.

This year’s Black Falcons’ display season has covered a raft of events spanning the country.

The first event of the season saw a display at Marlborough for the local Air Training Corps, followed by a meet and greet with the cadets.

“It was cool to have a chat to them and try to ease any doubts some of them had about if they would be good enough to become a pilot. We encouraged them to give it a go and don’t give up.”

Looking back on his 19 years in the Air Force, Squadron Leader O’Flaherty said he’s pleased he stuck with his piloting goal and didn’t let the knockbacks throw him off-course.

“I’ve enjoyed my time in defence. One of the great pleasures has been being able to travel and play sport as part of the job. If you’re into sport, hanging out with your mates and travelling the world – it’s a great career option.”

Source: New Zealand Defence Force

16/03/26