Aviation Industry Association
The Aviation Industry Association of New Zealand (AIA) represents the diverse interests of commercial aviation on issues including safety, business sustainability and industry standards and rules .
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Members can use this area to access resources and view the latest AIA Newsletter online.

Latest News

Tuvalu Opportunity

Tuvalu is a small Pacific nation of almost 12,000 people spread over nine islands, eight of which are atolls with lagoons. Currently they have no domestic air service and boats are the only method of inter-island transport. Located five degrees below the equator, the islands are hot and low lying; indeed Tuvalu will be one of the first countries that may be inundated by global warming. With only 25 sq kilometres of land area and one major airport any air service would have to be operated by an amphibian aircraft as was done successfully in the 80s. read more


NZAAA Conference

Conference Programme
Conference Information sheet
Delegate registration form
Trade Exhibitor registration form
Rydges Lakeland Resort direct booking form


AIA article in Pacific Wings magazine!

AIA - Annual Conference Report in Pacific Wings magazine <view here>
posted 24-09-2007


Congratulations to SafeAir!

http://www.safeair.co.nz/rnzaf_awards_110_million_contract_to_safe_air.php
posted 04-09-2007


Taranaki Rescue Helicopter Trust Takes Delivery Of An A119 Koala Helicopter

AgustaWestland is pleased to announce that Taranaki Rescue Helicopter Trust of New Zealand has taken delivery of its A119 Koala single turbine engine helicopter, marking the entrance of this successful helicopter in the New Zealand market.
read more
posted 28-06-2007


Air Methods signs with Eurocopter for 10 additional AS350B2 AStar helicopters

Air Methods Corporation has further boosted the number of AS350s ordered from American Eurocopter this year, adding a new batch of 10 helicopters to the 20 already purchased so far in 2007.
read more
posted 28-06-2007


Revolutionary helicopter faces funding Everest

Lack of self-belief and vision has cost Kiwi companies the chance to hitch their logos to the most advanced helicopter ever made.
That is the view of the man building the Alpine Wasp, an unmanned helicopter designed to rescue injured climbers at high altitudes in the Himalayas.
read more
posted 28-06-2007


Mr Oswald George JAMES, O.B.E, of Hamilton.

It is with deep regret we note the passing of Oswald George JAMES, O.B.E.
Ossie made a large contribution in developing aerial top-dressing in NZ over many years, starting with a Tiger Moth, to the development and use of the FU-24 Fletcher. Ossie was instrumental in building the first turbine Fletcher, the forerunner of the todays Cresco. James Aviation also operated a DC 3 applying fertilizer for a number of years and was instrumental in bringing the first helicopter into NZ. James Aviation of which Ossie was the principal was the largest aerial top-dressing operator in New Zealand for a number of years.
Ossie even in his retirement continued to scheme new ideas to develop and improve high country production in New Zealand. He is without doubt held in the highest regard by all those who have known him, of which there are a vast number.
John Funnell
President AIA

James Aviation
Ossie James was another pilot and farmer who started with a Tiger Moth salvaged from floodwaters in 1948 and progressed to owning the largest fleet of Fletchers in the country. James Aviation flew a number of DC3s and Lodestars as well as Fletchers. James was heavily involved in the New Zealand International Field Days, the Salvation Army, and Waikato Aero Club. Ossie James was made a Distinguished Companion of the New Zealand Order of Merit in 2004.

The funeral will be held at 11am on Tuesday 5th June at St Paul's Collegiate, Hokonui Rd Hamilton.

A James Aviation Tiger Moth suspended in Te Papa, National Museum of New Zealand.

Photo by Paul Moss www.rakiuraimages.com

posted 01-06-2007


Aviation specialist Steve Douglas has been appointed the next Director of Civil Aviation

Mr Douglas is currently CAA General Manager Government Relations. He takes up the new appointment as Director on Friday June 1, succeeding Russell Kilvington (former Director of the sister agency Maritime New Zealand) who has held the role for an agreed, interim six-month period.
In announcing the appointment today, Chairman Rick Bettle said the Authority had been unanimous in its decision and was delighted to be in a position to appoint someone with such a long and distinguished career in aviation, both technically, and managerially.
“Mr Douglas is a former aircraft design engineer who, for the past 12 years, has held senior management roles within the CAA. We have particularly seen the impact of his expertise in the area of aviation rules and policy development, and in the evolution of the CAA’s highly regarded international reputation,” Mr Bettle said.
The Director of Civil Aviation is the Chief Executive of the agency. The position is directly accountable to the Authority’s Board, and is responsible for day-to-day operation and running. The Director has several independent powers controlling entry into and exit from the New Zealand aviation industry.
Mr Bettle said Mr Douglas’ reputation and experience made him a stand-out candidate for the role, and the continuity and consistency made possible by an internal appointment could not be underestimated.
“The CAA has come through a period of significant internal change. It has made and continues to make excellent safety progress, delivering significant reductions in fatalities and serious accidents across most sectors. There is still, however, much work to do.
“During this time of change, both our customers in the aviation industry and our staff will be reassured that a known quantity of such a high calibre is at the helm,” Mr Bettle said.
posted 20-05-2007


Veteran NZ Flight Instructor attains 90th birthday

Report by Mike Feeney more
posted 14-05-2007


AIA Office System IT Upgrade

Progress is being made in updating the AIA IT system and membership databases including the updating of the AIA website. The membership details currently relies on several Excel spreadsheets and is difficult for AIA staff to sort from.
Here is a pdf example of what a Filemaker data base can provide for the air ambulance operators. The same or similar information will be available for other divisions once development is completed. Here is a preview of what we have in mind for the member database. We would appreciate any feed back from members who can provide us with information they believe AIA needs to gather and monitor on behalf of its members. This could be the expiry date of CAA certificates, an audit or chemical rating. We however need your thoughts and comments.
It is possible that the system will send out automatically a reminder, say three months in advance via email to the member concerned and in the case where AIA is responsible for the audit, as is the case of NZAAA and air ambulance operators, notify the auditor at the same time.
It would be appreciated if your comments could be sent to me at AIAIT@heliserv.co.nz
John Funnell
posted 02-05-2007


John Jones appointed CEO of Hamilton Pilot Training Company

Press Release by CTC Aviation Training NZ Ltd at 12:05 pm, 01 May 2007 more
posted 02-05-2007


Fit and proper person test

The criteria considered for the fit and proper person test are:more
posted 30-04-2007


AIA request explanation from Police

AIA has requested an explanation from the Police as to the process followed when determining to prosecute in the case of death in an aviation accident.more
posted 30-04-2007


Pacific Futures Conference

Growing your Pacific Island Conference

We have put together a comprehensive full day's programme on doing business in the Pacific Islands. We believe that in very recently gaining some reasonable sponsorship that we have been able to offer a really attractive rate for both the Conference itself ($199 incl GST), and the Conference Dinner in the evening ($120, or Conference & Dinner $299 incl GST ).more
posted 30-04-2007


Safety Advisory: Power Supplies to Aircraft and Aviation Workshops

Dangers Associated with New Zealand Standards NZS 6114:2006 and subsequent Amendment Notice dated 26 January 2007 issued by Standards New Zealand.
>>> Safety Advisory
>>> AIA background notes
>>> Letter to Standards Council
posted 30-04-2007


Australia/New Zealand arrangement on air safety

A joint commitment between the Australian and New Zealand governments which enables mutual recognition of aviation safety certification between the two countries takes effect today.more


New Zealand's Aviation Industry to be represented at Avalon

AIA announced that New Zealand's civil aviation industry would be participating in greater numbers at the forthcoming Avalon Air show. The last air show attracted well over 40,000 trade visitors representing 22 countries. Allied activities in 2005 were 13 conferences covering topics range from Aviation Medicine, Flight Testing, an Airport and Aviation Security Summit, Global Aerospace Business Forum and an Aviation Industry Consultative. more


MPL training commences in Australia

Airline pilots without solo flying experience a reality as Boeing Alteon's first multi-crew pilot licence course launches in Australia.

Boeing subsidiary Alteon Training has begun its Multi-Crew Pilot Licence (MPL) programme in Australia with a batch of six cadets, who are on course to be the first in the world to receive a pilot's licence without the requirement to have ever flown solo. more


Submission for NPRM 07-02 - Terrain Awareness and Warning Systems (TAWS)

The aviation industry endorses the application of new technologies to the flight deck of aircraft where there is a clear safety gain. more


Submission for NPRM 07-04 - Rule Part 135 Experience levels

Ensuring pilots and those responsible for the safe operation of an air operation is obviously a necessary requirement for the aviation industry, and we support the concept entirely. more


Lycoming engine Service Instructions for aircraft engaged in crop dusting or other chemical application

During recent CAA routine Audits, operators of aircraft fitted with Lycoming Engines have been made aware of the recommendations of Lycoming Service Instruction 1009 by CAA Airworthiness Inspectors. more


NPRM – PART 21 Submission Requests

On behalf of Aviation Industry Association:

AIA supports the proposed rule changes associated with Part 21 and the subsequent amendments to the related rules. However, we request consideration is given to the following changes:


Flawless Execution

Closing the Execution Gap

A Knowledge Gym Workout with Martin West & Mark Bragg (AUS)

For an Air Force Fighter Pilot, the ability to co-ordinate, communicate & execute tasks flawlessly is paramount. In the same way Flawless Execution aligns the Air Force, it will align your organisation. Similar factors affect business success today, such as how to manage task saturation or overload. Afterburner Fighter Pilots reveal a simple, yet highly effective model to minimise Task Saturation allowing you to execute business plans - flawlessly! more


Aerial agriculture pilots are being warned to be extra vigilant about the risksof striking powerlines while crop spraying

More information is available on the CASA website:

http://www.casa.gov.au/media/2007/07-01-05.htm


Seeking organisations to host internship students from the US and Canada

Every year AustraLearn sends over two thousand university students to Australia and New Zealand from the United States and Canada for study and work experience. AustraLearn is now at the start of an exciting new phase in New Zealand as it starts its internship program here!


A letter from one of your mates on that small island across the ditch to the west of NZ

Dear BJ


New Zealand Export Strategy - Progress Update

Much of 2006 has been spent preparing to launch New Zealand's aviation export strategy programme in time for 2007 - the official “Year of the Exporter”.

In April this year the Government made a $100,000 Sector Initiative Grant to the AIA in order to carry out a capabilities study of the aviation export market. Peet Aviation was subsequently commissioned to carry out the study and has since been engaged in seeking out the opportunities and impediments for growth in aviation exports. The Milestone 1 and Milestone 2 reports delivered by Peet Aviation detail the exciting prospects available for a wide-range of aviation businesses in the so-called ‘Aviation Value Chain'. The Value Chain represents the areas of supply necessary to meet the enormous increase in aviation – scheduled and general over the short to medium. As well as the more obvious suppliers such as flight-crew training providers, the Milestone Reports highlight the unique opportunities for other New Zealand aviation sectors –

  • Education and training in aviation support services (covering both the ‘traditional' aviation careers and also non-traditional ones such as   foreign government boarder security).
  • All aspects of Engineering and associated support services.
  • Airport and infrastructure technologies.

The researchers have also identified vast opportunities for the GA sector of the industry in nearly all facets of work presently undertaken here in New Zealand. One example of this is the huge demand in aerial agricultural required in countries such as China. Although China only has approximately 440 GA aircraft, the Chinese Civil Aviation Authority has prioritised the growth of GA and expects to have a growth of at least 10% a year bringing the total number of aircraft to 10,000 by 2020. Without the infrastructure in place to begin filling these demands, countries like China will look to export to other established GA markets such as ours in New Zealand. Click the following to view the Milestone Reports – Market Capability Working Paper and Milestone 2 Report

The AIA is exceedingly enthusiastic about these potentials that are ready and available for New Zealand to act upon. One of the main objectives of the Association is to grow the aviation industry's share of the ‘transport pie'. We are now on the brink of launching a new international brand for New Zealand's aviation industry in the world market.

In order to begin collaboration within the industry, AIA is hosting a one-day export strategy summit on 14th February 2007 at the Copthorne Hotel in Wellington. With 600 invitations extended across all sectors of aviation, we are extremely optimistic that we can begin integrated planning to chart the way forward. To give an insight to the opportunities aviation can access, we have also invited key speakers from within the industry who have successfully established their businesses as part of New Zealand's export trade. Click to download the conference agenda and registration form

Our annual AIA conference will be held in Auckland during July 2007. As an integral part of the conference we hope to have a significant number of buyers of aviation goods and services attending what will be the inaugural Pacific Aviation Development Forum. To understand the magnitude of opportunities potentially available through export and trade – don't miss out! Opportunities in excess of $200m exist through various infrastructure development programmes alone.

2007 Conference information will be available on the website early next year.

Marlborough flying high as Aviation Heritage Centre opens

New Zealand Trade and Enterprise (NZTE) chairman Phil Lough congratulated Marlborough on its vision as he opened the Omaka Aviation Heritage Centre near Blenheim.  more


ANNOUNCING the AIA's 2007 Conference 18-21 July in Auckland

Read this


For those of you who wish to fly out to floating icebergs check out this document first

Guidance instructions to pilots conducting flights to icebergs


Submission to the MoT on Confidential Incident Reporting Schemes in Aviation

The Aviation Industry Association has reviewed the paper entitled ‘Confidential Incident Reporting Schemes in Aviation' and wishes to make the following comments:

A clear distinction is required between the purposes of the reporting systems related to in the discussion document. Recommendations 578 and 581 from the Coroner refer to...


Code of Practice for Professional Pilot Training ...

click here


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