Airport charges have been a talking point recently, with debate around how much airports charge users and what that means for the bottom line for all stakeholders. It is an important discussion that deserves a clear explanation from the airport’s perspective. Airports understand the pressure on airlines, flight schools, and other users to keep costs down. But it is also important to understand what airport fees are used for. Why they are essential for keeping our aviation sys

Wildlife hazard management remains one of aviation’s most overlooked challenges. Whether you are managing an airport or a heliport, having an effective wildlife management plan isn’t just a box-ticking exercise, it is a vital layer of protection that keeps aircraft, passengers, and operations safe. This is particularly important for New Zealand operators as we move from spring into summer, a season when New Zealand’s wildlife becomes especially active. For many native bird sp

An aerodrome  is a term used to describe any location intended for aircraft flight operations to take place. This could be any Heliport,...

New Zealand’s aviation landscape is constantly evolving, and comprehensive training is key to maintaining safe and efficient aerodrome operations. Are you confident that your team is equipped with the latest knowledge on regulatory and operational best practices? Our half‐day Foundations of Aerodrome Management training session —available in person or via MS Teams—addresses this need. This course not only covers Civil Aviation Rule Part 139 requirements but also dives into sp

As a result of the new Civil Aviation Act coming into force all references to the old act need to be removed on aerodrome signage before the 5th of April 2025. The obsolete wording has been highlighted in yellow on the sign to the right. The “Director of Civil Aviation” wording is mandatory and must remain. It is acceptable to simply cover/remove the out-of-date wording.   It is also acceptable to update the wording to reference the current act which has the benefit of acting

Returning to the cockpit after an extended break can be one of the most exciting yet challenging experiences a pilot can face. Whether you've been away due to career changes, family responsibilities or medical reasons, getting back in the air comes with a unique set of challenges. Here, we explore some of these hurdles and how pilots can overcome them to regain their confidence and proficiency. 1. Skill Decay T-6 Texan II - the last fixed wing aircraft flown by the author Fly

Operating a heliport, whether it's for commercial, medical, or private use, comes with important legal responsibilities. Compliance with the Civil Aviation Authority (CAA) regulations is not just a matter of safety—it's a legal requirement that protects operators, pilots, and passengers alike. However, many heliport operators are unaware of the specific obligations they must meet to remain compliant. In this post, we explore the key areas of heliport compliance and how Lockie

What is Rotor Wash? Rotor wash is comprised of downwash, which is the vertical component produced by the main rotor blades that supports the helicopter in flight, and sidewash, which is the horizontal component of rotor wash. The key factors that determine the strength of rotor wash include: • weight of the helicopter – a heavier helicopter generally produces higher downwash speeds • main rotor size – a larger rotor disc area will lower the downwash speed, but a larger rotor