To most people, Peter Jackson earned his fame as an Oscar-winning director from New Zealand who brought the Lord of the Rings universe from JRR Tolkien’s books to the big screen. But Jackson is also known for his collection of vintage aircraft, particularly British and German fighters from World War 1.
Claims have been made in recent years that Jackson actually possesses more fighter aircraft than the Royal New Zealand Air Force (RNZAF). Is this really true?
VERDICT:
TRUE.
Peter Jackson indeed has more airworthy WW1-era aircraft than the RNZAF – even if they have been obsolete for about 80-100 years and are without weapons.
As per a video produced by the Smithsonian Magazine, it was revealed that Jackson has 70 airworthy WW1-era aircraft, either original wood-and-canvas fighters designed and built approximately a century ago, or very accurate flying replicas.
In contrast, the RNZAF’s aircraft are designed for maritime surveillance and patrol, transports, utility helicopters, and trainers due to cost-cutting measures put into place in 2001 based on an assessment of New Zealand’s military needs and potential threats.
The reason for Jackson’s fascination with WW1 aviation is due to his grandfather’s military service. His grandfather, William John Jackson, joined the British Army in 1910, ultimately capturing an outpost during the Gallipoli fighting in Turkey and earning a Distinguished Conduct Medal aged 23. It is this and his personal love for aircraft that led to the collection he has today.
“When I was 12 my parents took me to the UK on a sort of family trip. We went to the RAF museum in Hendon and that was the first time I saw real First World War planes in the flesh, and I was pretty obsessed by that stage,” he said in an interview with BFBS.
“Because of my day job making films, I ended up with the resources of being able to do this. I don’t know how big it is. I keep my eye out, and if there’s something interesting, I try to buy it. Some people might say it’s got out of control, I’d say it’s evolved,” added Jackson.
In summary, Hollywood director Peter Jackson and his team own an impressive number of fighter aircraft, technically more than then entire nation of New Zealand.
SOURCES:
https://www.smithsonianmag.com/videos/heres-how-you-can-fly-one-of-peter-jacksons/
https://edition.cnn.com/2001/WORLD/asiapcf/auspac/05/07/nz.howard/
https://www.nzherald.co.nz/nz/air-combat-force-to-be-disbanded/Y62DJLBMRWT5XKJKHX3BZDFNGM/
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