Archive

There was a series of science books around when I was younger, called What, When, Where, Who, Why and How? The books took basic science concepts and explained them. They were full of colour and easy to understand. I would credit them in sparking an interest in science for me. Not far from where I live in Canterbury, Des Lines is doing something very similar but on a much grander scale.

A suitable landing system had been proposed back in the early 1980s and the cost was presented to the airlines at the time. It really took until 2006, when the airport had 16 fog disrupted days, that the airline users, Airways New Zealand and Auckland International Airport decided that offering Cat IIIb landings was required to offset the high diversion costs and the discomfort and inconvenience to passengers.

Doug Brooker's Spitfire, heralded in these pages for some months, was initially due in New Zealand late January or early February but was held up, initially by the US State Department, classed as a weapon of war and not cleared for export. Later it was further delayed by US Customs who could not understand how a Spitfire could arrive in the USA and then be exported in the same container ? although they were two different aircraft.

A microlight retractable is the latest offering from Tecnam. The first example is being seen in all corners of the country this summer and follows the dictum of Roy LoPresti - "Life is short - fly faster"

Joining the expanding light aircraft new to New Zealand is Tecnam's P-96 Golf.
A sharp 100hp two seater with a robust airframe which offers speed and economy and can be flown on a microlight pilot's license.

Escaping from ditched helicopters and fixed wing aircraft is the forte of Denray Marine Services.
A specialised indoor pool and escape rig allows escape training to be undertaken all year round.

Build your own helocopters have always attracted the more avant gardé amateur builders. The major problem has been getting a helicopter which will offer performance.
Canadian Home Rotors offer their Safari as a contender. Two builders from Tokoroa prove the concept for New Zealand.

Promotional flyer

Ashton Air Services provides business executive charter services throughout New Zealand with their Panther equipped Piper Navajo.
Stephanie Coffey is the only woman operator engaged in the business New Zealand wide.

A third party heavy airframe maintenance provider.
Based at Auckland International Airport Airwork (NZ) Ltd. Fixed Wing division carries out heavy airframe maintenance visits on not only its own fleet of Fairchild Metros, Fokker F27 Friendships and Boeing 737s but also services the fleets of other carriers within New Zealand and offshore.

Joining the New Zealand general aviation scene in 2001 are the first French built Robin aircraft. Two models are being promoted - the Robin 2160 aerobatic trainer and the DR500/200i, a luxurious cross country cruiser.
The aircraft are currently being demonstrated throughout New Zealand.
Read our initial appraisal.