Plane Flying Into Sun

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)

Passenger Plane In Flight

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)

Airplane Flying Above Clouds

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)

Pilot Going Abroad

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)

Man In Solo Aircraft

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)

Airliner Taking Off

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)

Students in Cockpit

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)

Cathedral Cove, Coromandel Peninsula

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)

Drone Sunset

Drone Regulations In New Zealand

Sep 8, 2017

After a surge in the popularity of flying remotely operated miniature aircraft, commonly referred to as drones, understandably there have been concerns raised regarding privacy and safety issues surrounding their use. Controlled air spaces, large crowds of people and use over a person’s private property are of particularly concern. The increased use of drones has… (read more)