Tourist Flight Operators
Tourist Flight Operators (New Zealand) (TFO) is an operating division of the Aviation Industry Association (AIA). The TFO consists of operators who believe that New Zealand's unique scenery and wildlife is best appreciated from the air. Flying amongst New Zealand's rugged terrain allows a large number of people to view some of the world’s best scenery, regardless of their age, physical ability or time constraints.

Maximisation of safety and quality remain the group’s prime objectives; it seeks to achieve these in the following ways:
  • Operators receive monthly updates containing safety information, environmental initiatives and other applicable articles.
  • Regular updates regarding group direction and initiatives are sent electronically to operators
  • Strong professional partnerships are being forged with the Department of Conservation (DoC) and the Civil Aviation Authority (CAA)
  • Operators meet once a year in conjunction with the AIA conference to discuss issues of specific relevance
  • "Above the minimum" safety, environmental and service standards have been agreed upon by the group.
Qualmark has been chosen to set and audit these standards. Getting a Qualmark brand is about raising the quality of the product and making sure that quality is maintained. Operators who have been assessed will display the Qualmark-endorsed visitor activity logo.
The Green Globe has been chosen to set and audit the environmental standards.
 
To join the Tourist Flight Operators division of the Aviation Industry Association (AIA) Click here

Current issues of relevance to the group are:

  • Development of a strategic and operational framework for working with the Department of Conservation. This is a significant project and involves several of the member divisions of the AIA
  • New overhaul and maintenance provisions for taxation purposes
  • Rule Part 135.505 compliance – this rule, introduced in the last 18 months, is causing significant extra costs in some sectors of the industry
  • Mountain flying safety training
  • Fitting of terrain avoidance systems to helicopters and smaller GA aircraft
  • Further development of the Qualmark for tourist flight operators.
  • Compliance costs – it is estimated that compliance costs for small operators are now 40 cents in every revenue dollar.

The Division has over 30 members of which half are Qualmark accredited.
 

Chair

Richard Rayward
e: richard@airsafaris.co.nz
t: +64 3 680 6880 or +64 3 680 6832