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A Blenheim father and son will be flying high tomorrow after graduating side-by-side from air force training at Woodbourne near Blenheim.
Mark and Nick Pearson will become the first father and son duo in recent memory to graduate from the Royal New Zealand Air Force Initial Officer Training Course (IOTC).
Officer Cadet (OCDT) Mark Pearson, a former Flight Sergeant and avionics technician who has spent 12 years with the RNZAF, will graduate as an engineering officer in the rank of Flight Lieutenant.
His son, OCDT Nick Pearson, will head to Massey University to study for a Bachelor of Aviation Management.
OCDT Pearson (Snr) said watching his son go through the course had been a great source of pride.
"Nick is a very down to earth guy and he has actually helped me to remain focused on occasion, it's a bit like a reversal of the father/son role.
"I am incredibly proud of his achievements, especially as he's the youngest on course and has had the added pressure of having his father on course with him."
- NZPA
