Pioneer Queenstown pilot
1915
Frederick John Lucas, born in Dunedin on 18 August.
1936
Joins RAF and in 1940 is founder member of No.75 (NZ) Squadron.
1940
In November is awarded DFC and in April 1942 a bar for his “outstanding keenness” and “courage and perseverance” flying Wellington bombers in the early stages of World War II.
1943
Serves with distinction with the RNZAF including helping form the first transport squadron and flies the first Douglas C-47 Dakota (DC-3) in New Zealand.
1947
With other ex-servicemen, Bill Hewett and Barry Topliss, forms Southern Scenic Air Services (SSAS) at Queenstown. SSAS pioneers freight, scenic charter work, topdressing, scheduled passenger services, and supply drop flying.
1952
SSAS develops first airstrip at Milford Sound and Lucas makes the first official landing there on 31 May. International attention is drawn to the region as ‘The Milford Flight’ is made famous.
1960
Lucas retires from flying and takes over the Cecil Peak Station on the western shore of Lake Wakatipu and opens it to tourists. He sells in 1975 and retires to Lower Moutere in Nelson where he spends the rest of his life.
Popeye Lucas was one of New Zealand’s legendary aviators.
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