Helicopter Division
The majority of the 150,000 hours flown by the New Zealand helicopter industry each year are flown by the 50 members of the AIA Helicopter Division. The division collectively represents the interests of its members to further the success of their commercial helicopter operations.
Member operators conduct a broad spectrum of helicopter operations including air transport of passengers and cargo, aerial work, agricultural operations, and emergency medical services.
Key People
Chairman of the Helicopter Division is Qwilton Biel, Operations Manager of Rural Aviation (1963) Ltd, based in Auckland. Contact Qwilton Biel
Deputy Chairman is Brian McDonald, Chief Executive Officer of HelicoptersNZ, based in Nelson. Contact Brian McDonald
Regulatory Affairs
Helicopter operations in New Zealand are regulated by the Civil Aviation Authority of New Zealand through the Rotary Wing Unit of their General Aviation Group. The present CAA Manager – Rotary Wing is John Fogden.
Due to the diverse nature of helicopter operations a large number of Civil Aviation Rules are applicable to commercial operators, the main rules affecting Division members are:
- Part 91 General Operating and Flight Rules
- Part 119 Air Operator – Certification
- Part 133 Helicopter External Load Operations
- Part 135 Air Operations – Helicopters and Small Aeroplanes
- Part 137 Agricultural Aircraft Operations
The majority of AIA Helicopter Division members are certificated to conduct commercial air operations to Part 135 standards.
Current Issues
- Active support of the AIRCARE safety initiative to reduce accidents
- Marking of wirespans to reduce collision risks
- Ensuring the availability of sufficient Flight Examiners to support industry needs
- Preserving access to airspace for helicopter overflights
- Promoting the adoption of risk management principles across the industry sector
- Proposed introduction of Adventure Aviation policy and rules by CAA.
Recent achievements
• Negotiation of a workable passenger weight rule for Part 135 helicopter operations.
• Continued installation of wire markers on the most dangerous wire spans throughout the country.
• Presentations at AIA Conference by internationally recognised risk management consultant Mark Ogden.
• Forging closer links with Helicopter Association of Australasia and Helicopter Association International.