November 2006 Issue 6
Wow.... where did that year go to??!!!
What a year!!!!
Hi everyone, yes, what a year it has been. Apologies as this is the first newsletter this year but its been a bit busy around here, but we promise to be better next year to keep you informed and upto date about all things helicopters. We have another exciting and amazing year ahead of us in 2007 so have a look at our upcoming events, but firstly lets just recap on some of the highlights of 2006
- We had our second helicopter competition at the start of the year which was great fun, but we are going to be doing it a whole lot bigger and better next year which is going to be amazing... more on that later!!
- In March we tried to take five R22's to Hawkes Bay for the weekend but were stifled enroute by the weather and only made Matamata. However Garry and Shirley made us a great coffee with milk straight from the cow's udder!!
- In April, a few of us headed off to the Warbirds over Wanaka, which was an amazing trip especially going up Franz Joseph Glacier and around Mount Cook on a such a stunning day. Unfortunately I left the camera on the skid before flying into the airshow, so we have no pictures to show for it...bugger!!
- We have completed three Robinson Safety courses this year in Christchurch, Nelson and again in Auckland with over fifty people attending which is great and continues our drive to be a leader in aviation safety in New Zealand. Thanks to all of you for attending and all of our sponsors.
- In February our first student loans student via Quantum Aviation and Studylink started. We now have thirteen pilots on the course which is great and it makes it possible for those guys to achieve their dream to become helicopter pilots.
- We also visited Whenuapai Control Tower in September and had a look around the Sea Sprite. The guys reciprocated the gesture and flew the helicopter into North Shore for a coffee in October which was great but made our little robbies look very small.
- Throughout September and October we ran our first theory courses and are looking to expand these next year for all aviation students who wish some help to get through their exams.
- We have also had a few staff changes throughout the year. Anne is taking a bit of a back seat to concentrate on other projects but she is still around. Craig O'Brien is taking on some of her role but is also instructing for us. Dion Flower who passed his B Cat with us earlier in the year, continues to do a great job as one of our full time instructors. Lock up the women, Swissy is back for the summer! And finally, John Clements has handed the CFI role over to Roy, but is still around as our Flight Examiner and mentor.
- On top of all of that and by no means last, we have had a great year with many students both from all over the world and here in New Zealand, achieveing their flying dream which is amazing!!!!!!
With a couple of events left in a few weeks time and then 2007 promises to be an even better year and as you can see there is going to be no let up. So on behalf of us all at North Shore Helicopter Training, we would like to wish you all a very Happy Christmas and thank you for your support throughout 2006 and look forward to seeing you in 2007.
Up Coming Events
9th December 2006 - Helicopter Open Day - FLY FOR $99
Come and visit us here at our fantatsic hanger between 9.30 a.m. to 12 p.m. Mingle with our students and instructors, look around the different helicopters and look at some great videos. As a one off special on the day, for the first timers you can take a trial flight for $99 alternatively you can buy a voucher for a loved one for Christmas . Places will be limited, so call or email us today and book your slot now.
9th December 2006 - "Apocalypse Now" mass fly in - Marsden Cove Marina
Always wanted to join your fellow pilots and take part in a mass fly in...now you can! At 3.05 p.m. on Saturday the 9th up to 20 helicopters will leave Ruakaka racecourse in loose formation and fly in for the opening of Marsden Cove Marina. With over 10,000 people present, 100 boats, prestige cars and displays by a Thunder Mustang and the two Whangarei rescue helicopters it will be a fun afternoon out.
As this will be a co-ordinated fly in only, for safety reasons, call Roy (021 340 654) if you wish to take part and look forward to flying with you.
2nd - 3rd March 2007 - Cape Reinga trip
Back by popular demand, this two day trip to Cape Reinga is not one to be missed. Following on from one of the most successful trips we have ever organised, this amazing trip with a bunch of other helicopters, will give you memories that you will cherish forever!!
Starting from North Shore, we track the wild west coast to Ahipara and land at Shipwreck Bay on the beach and go quad biking dodging the waves and over the amazing sand dunes at the bottom of Ninety Mile beach.
The Kaitaia Aero Club will then lay on a gorgeous lunch before we venture north up Ninety Mile Beach and drop in at the DOC station and hear about their work and for a much needed glass of squash! We then go around the Capes where the famous lighthouse is perched on the rocks watching two oceans collide.
Then we zoom down the tranquil east coast of Great Exhibition Bay spotting dolphins playing wistfully in the surf, to land at stunning Carringtons Golf course and Vineyard on the Karikari pennisula. After a refreshing dip in the pool, we will be well looked after with a private tour around the winery and indulge in a fantastic meal.
At first light we will be off shooting some clays and a wander over the beach before heading off to the Bay of Islands and the Hole in the Rock. After a lunch stop to visit the S76 and the Northern Air Rescue base, we will complete this memorable trip back to North Shore.
Easter Weekend 2007 - NZ Helicopter Championship - Whopper Chopper Event
"A MUST FOR ALL AVIATION ENTHUSIASTS"
We are delighted to announce that the NZ Helicopter Championships that has been running locally for the last two years, has the opportunity to become New Zealand’s most exciting “chopper” event.
We are looking to include 25 teams for the event at Whitianga airfield in April 2007 to win the coveted BP Challenge Trophy. The competition will be run to the FAI world championship rules and a truly spectacular weekend is planned incorporating many side events for competitors and spectators alike.
Accuracy rather than speed is the key, as the pilot and crew person pit their skills in this four stage competition against all levels of pilot experience and choppers large and small. There will also be a chance to compete in a freestyle competition which may include items such as an attempt at opening bottles by chopper for approved pilots. Together with replay races involving bikes and axe choppers, static stands, displays by commercial helicopters and lots lots more, it is evolving to become a magical weekend that will capture the public’s imagination.
The World Championships started in Germany in 1971 and over the years competing teams and countries have varied depending on financial and social pressures. Kindly hosted by the Whitianga aeroclub, who will welcome all aircraft who wish to fly in for the weekend; the two day event will be the first time 25 helicopters have competed against each other in the southern hemisphere. The international sports rotorcraft governing body, the FAI, are kindly lending their support, as are BP and other sponsors who will be announced in due course.
The main competition is split into four events: navigation, precision flying, fender rigging and slalom. Agility and manoeuvrability are vital with points deducted for time penalties, and any inaccurate flying.
Don’t miss out. Register today
There will be several functions throughout the weekend culminating with a prize giving party on the Sunday night to round it all off after the exhilarating two days. We recommend that all helicopter teams register their place early and accommodation booked as this will be a sell out event. All in all it should be a heap of fun so bring your friends and family along to join in and enjoy spectacular Whitianga for the weekend.
CFI’s BIT - REMEMBER!
Statiscally, you are more likely to have an accident if you are a private pilot - MAKE SURE YOU'RE CURRENT!!