About JEM aviation

Established in 2006

Jay McIntyre leads a team of passionate and capable aircraft technicians.  The team hail from varied backgrounds ensuring each and every task preformed on your aircraft is carried out to the highest standard of quality. This wide ranging experience leads to practical and expedient trouble shooting.

JEM aviation offers a complete range of services from the day-to-day maintenance of your pride and joy through to a full rebuild of your dream aircraft - and everything in between.

Jay McIntyre

Director, NZ L.A.M.E, I.A and PPL

Jay began his career in aviation with the Royal New Zealand Air Force in 1989 where he trained as an aircraft technician straight out of high school.  Earning a reputation for dependability and accuracy, Jay excelled in the ranks over 13 enjoyable years. He served on No's 2, 14 and 75 Squadron plus a lengthy stint in the No 1 Repair Depot's Engine Reconditioning Squadron.

Following the disbandment of the RNZAF’s Air Combat Force, Jay took up an opportunity to work in the burgeoning WW1 aircraft scene in NZ with the respected team at Antique Aeroworks in 2002.  After several years it became apparent that there was a greater amount of work than Antique Aeroworks could accomodate. This spurred Jay into going out on his own, establishing JEM aviation and recruiting his ultimate team along the way.

Jay holds a PPL and is a shareholder in the Omaka Real Flying Club that operates a Nanchang CJ-6a (ZK-JQS) and a dH-82a Tiger Moth (ZK-BER). Additionally, in the back of the hangar a WACO UOC (ZK-AEL) awaits rebuild when time can be found!

Dick Veale

CPL and C Cat instructors rating

With what seems like 100 years of experience, predominantly in Auckland, Dick joined the team following the 2009 Classic Fighters Airshow. His main focus has been on the Yak-3, ZK-VVS. Experienced in both the motor and general engineering trades, Dick found his niche in the aircraft industry over 20 years ago and brings his many years of methodical  practice to the team.

Dick is a fountain of knowledge on engines, radials in particular.  Previous aircraft experience includes such notable types as LA-9, P-40, Yak-3 and Hawker Hunter, not to mention many other lighter types.

Chris O’Connor

NZ L.A.M.E and PPL

Chris’ avionics background rounds out the team.  Trained as an avionics apprentice with Aer Lingus in Ireland, Chris’ work ethic and knowledge have taken him all over the world on contract work.

Chris looks after the avionics repair and installation workfor JEM aviation. His main jobs to date have been the re-wiring and installation of avionic components in the Yak 3 and  the Nanchang, ZK-MUD.

Chris holds NZ L.A.M.E and a PPL and also a shareholder in the Omaka Real Flying Club where he is rated on the Nanchang CJ-6a. Chris' other passion in life is growing Sauvignon Blanc grapes for the local Marlborough wine industry.

Daniel Frew

Even as the youngest team member, Daniel brings significant experience having worked on two Spitfires and a dH.98 Mosquito project prior to joining the team, primarily to work on the Yak-3, ZK-VVS.  Daniel’s aviation experience began with crud-busting Fletcher agricultural aircraft in Wanganui. Since then he has acquired a vast range of skills and is able to turn his hand to almost anything, aircraft welding and painting being specialties.

Daniel is currently learning to fly (sporadically!) and is building his own full scale replica Sopwith Pup in between restoring various 'classic' cars.

Martin Nicoll

Marty was the first to join the team in 2009 and has an extremely varied background including stints as a Customs Officer and Undertaker! Marty is extremely skilled as an industrial seamstress and is the resident fabric and dope technician. Marty also has a sideline interest in the maintenance and history of Air Force survival and safety equipment.

Marty’s passion for aircraft, in particular the Westland Lysander, lends interest and quirkiness to the team.

Marty has held a PPL in the past and once owned dH.82 Tiger Moth ZK-BSN. He enjoys the opportunity to get airborne whenever he can.

Buddy

Buddy's story coming soon.....