How To Avoid ‘Get There Itis’ In Aviation
Aug 5, 2019
Rushing to get in the air, make your destination on time or beat the limits of daylight hours can be a deadly mix for pilots of any age or level of experience. This determination to continue with the original plan in spite of a change in circumstances, constraints or flying conditions is what is commonly… (read more)
Flying Through Clouds – Why Are They So Dangerous?
May 28, 2019
Weather conditions are a huge factor in aviation safety, and learning about cloud formations and their potential dangers when flying is a vital part of pilot training in New Zealand. Sometimes flying through clouds is just like driving through fog – you really can’t see much but nothing bad happens – but sometimes they can… (read more)
Aerodynamic Forces In Climbs And Descents
Feb 27, 2019
What makes an aeroplane climb? During flight there are four main forces at play on an aircraft, lift, weight, thrust, and drag. These forces constantly impact the movement and orientation of the aircraft in the air, but are particularly important when an aircraft climbs or descends. To understand the forces at play when an aircraft climbs… (read more)
The Effects Of Wind On Aircraft
Nov 23, 2018
It no surprise one of the biggest factors affecting an aircraft’s movements during flight is the wind. Seeing as aircraft very rarely travel in exactly the same direction as the wind, in order for an aircraft to maintain the desired course during flight, it is necessary to continually compensate for both wind direction and wind… (read more)
Getting A Commercial Pilot Licence
Sep 5, 2018
Thinking about becoming a commercial pilot and need to know what’s involved? Find out how to get your commercial pilots licence in New Zealand, just how much it’s going to cost, where to train and what sort of job opportunities you can expect to find. What Is A Commercial Pilot? In order to be able… (read more)
Why Learn To Fly In NZ?
Jul 23, 2018
Well because it’s the most beautiful country to learn to fly in of course! With rugged snow-capped mountains, deep valleys smothered in untouched rainforest, sparkling glacier fed Lakes, wild wind swept hills and some of the most stunning beaches found anywhere in the world – who wouldn’t want a front row seat above all that?… (read more)
First Solo Flight – What To Expect
May 31, 2018
One of the defining moments in most pilots’ lives, one they will never forget is their first solo flight. No matter what type of aircraft you are training in the very first solo is a rewarding and exhilarating experience. Learning to fly might be a weekend hobby, intended career path or just something you have… (read more)
How To Make A Crosswind Landing
Feb 20, 2018
Most pilots would agree landing in a crosswind can be challenging at the best of times. For new pilots or trainee pilots however is it often one of the biggest challenges to master when learning to fly. Most pilots prefer to land into a head wind as this gives greater control over the aircraft, however… (read more)
7 Common Mistakes Made On A Practical Flying Test
Dec 12, 2017
Practical flight testing is used within the aviation industry to establish competency in the skills required for aircraft pilot’s certification and additional endorsements. These in flight tests are carried out by certified examiners in applicable aircraft and conditions. The examiner acts as an observer during the duration of the flight, only taking control of the aircraft… (read more)
Top 3 Scenic Flights In Auckland
Oct 24, 2017
Enjoy spectacular scenic flights over Auckland City, around the sparkling waters of the Hauraki Gulf, over the famous West Coast beaches at Piha, high above the stunning picturesque shores of Waiheke and Rangitoto Islands or further afield to the beautiful Coromandel Peninsula. The professional flight team at Southern Wings offer the opportunity to take in… (read more)