116 St. Johns Road,
Remuera,
AUCKLAND.
11th November, 1955.
Squadron Leader Golding,
Air Department,
WELLINGTON.
Dear Sir,
Since our last conversation I have read in the newspapers a statement from the R.N.Z.A.F. Authorities, that they consider the bright light may be the planet Venus, but that they cannot understand its change of position because I stated that we did not alter course.
To me, this appears to be now, that my ability as a pilot, and also my reputation, is being questioned. I did not wish to be involved in this inquiry; I saw a bright object; it passed my aircraft and I notified A.T. Control, and as far as I was concerned that was the end of the matter. After watching this object, and after having read reports from overseas, the answer appeared quite simple. As you are no doubt well aware, there are hundreds, and I do not think that is an exaggeration, of similar reports by airline, military and private pilots, and as I see it this is just another report of a sighting.
I have been an airline pilot for ten years, eight of which are as captain, and have over 7,000 hours to my credit, and if the R.N.Z.A.F. authorities can believe that I could in moonlight conditions, in full contact with the ground, allow an aircraft on the auto-pilot to turn towards the West by 60°–70° to enable Venus to alter its position in relation to our course, then having realised this, and therefore alter back 60°–70° to regain my track, and still report the incident to A.T.C. upon arrival, then obviously I am a most incompetent pilot, plus a prize idiot for my behaviour.
Points that I wish to confirm, and as far as I am concerned are accurate, are:
We maintained a steady course on the auto-pilot of 330°
That the object passed our aircraft, at the same altitude as ourselves.
Note: The handwritten annotation "330°" with a small "1" and a circle around it appears to be a marginal note or correction, placed near the end of the paragraph. It is included as part of the text as it is visually present and legible. The circle and handwritten mark are preserved as described.