Mountain Flying In NZ
Jul 4, 2021
While New Zealand is often appreciated for its stunning mountain ranges and pristine alpine valleys and lakes, this picturesque landscape also makes for an exciting and challenging learn-to-fly environment for prospective pilots. New Zealand’s North Island provides somewhat limited mountain flying seeing as there is only a couple of fairly standalone mountains, it’s the South… (read more)
The Basics Of Stall Recovery
Mar 28, 2021
Stalls are one of the leading causes of fatal aviation accidents not only in New Zealand but around the world. Most commonly experienced shortly after take-off or when descending to land – finding yourself caught in a stall is stressful for even the most seasoned of pilots. Making sure you understand the basics of stall… (read more)
Flying As A Career
Mar 28, 2021
Thinking about becoming a pilot and building a career in one of the most exciting industries in the world? A career in aviation is a rewarding and attractive choice for people of all ages and backgrounds. And the great thing about flying is that you can start out taking casual flying lessons at your local… (read more)
How To Get Your IFR In New Zealand
Oct 29, 2020
Getting your Instrument Flight Rating (IFR) is an important step in your career as a pilot. With an instrument rating, you are not limited to standard Visual Flight Rules (VFR) and can extend your skills and flying experiences to incorporate poor visibility conditions. Want to know how to get your IFR in New Zealand? It’s… (read more)
How To Get Your Pilot Medical In NZ
Sep 29, 2020
To become a licensed pilot or an air traffic controller in NZ, you must have a NZCAA Medical Certificate. There are three types of medical certification, each for a slightly different application. As part of this medical assessment process you will undergo a physical medical examination carried out by an approved medical examiner (AME). Read on… (read more)
Aircraft Propeller Basics
Jul 9, 2020
The purpose of the propeller is to provide a method of propulsion so the aircraft is able to move forward through the air. The propeller itself consists of two or more blades connected together by a central hub that attaches the blades to the engine shaft. The propeller blades are shaped much like a wing… (read more)
Flying In Cold Weather
Nov 6, 2019
Flying in cold weather does present its own unique set of challenges for aircraft, ground crew and pilot, however there is much more to the circumstances around cold weather operations than the obvious issues with plummeting temperatures. Read on for the answers to commonly asked questions around flying in cold weather, the effects on the aircraft… (read more)
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)