Sustaining the Kiwi aerospace industry The theme for the 2020 RAeS (NZ Division) Symposium held at Wellington on From his work office and using the power partners for technology transfers. 30 October was Sustaining Aviation – Economics, Technology, People. While of Zoom, Scott Smith of Beca looked at We have established a world-leading the basic theme was aviation, the scope of discussion as allowed by the what sustainability actually means, and who space regulatory system, making access to organising committee expanded to include subjects that are more aerospace is responsible for its delivery where it affects space launches easier for customers. Already in nature. The format followed the previous year with four sessions comprising buildings. payload permits and approvals to launch in New Zealand have been issued to businesses short presentations by several speakers and then a panel discussion. To explain sustainability in understand- able language, he used the example of the in 10 overseas countries, mainly in the USA. Paul Harrison reviews the day’s proceedings. humble coffee cup, starting with its con- In the future it will be one of the largest Air New Zealand update now relying heavily on government funding. struction—ceramics, paper, Styrofoam—is economic sectors in our country, with down- The opening address from Capt David Public safety and security of aviation are it reusable or suitable for recycling and how stream opportunities creating jobs across Morgan, Air New Zealand’s chief opera- paramount for the CAA, which has adopted much waste was generated in its manufac- numerous sectors. tional integrity and safety officer, outlined a collegiate approach involving all aviation ture? From a socially acceptable position, The current operations of Airways NZ the events of 2020 that severely impacted industry participants. Regulations should be who manufactured the cup, was it a good and its future directions were described the current and future operations and shape practical and implemented with the support employer using accepted production prac- by Mark Blanchard, head of Policy and of our national airline. The major impact on of those who need to apply them. The CAA tices? A cultural consideration is required Standards, who said the vision of Airways Air NZ operations from Covid-19 occurred focus is now intelligence and risk-based for the coffee experience: do people want was to create the aviation environment of only over the past nine months and has been technology assessments for the formulation coffee that is kept hot, therefore needing a the future that will ensure safe aerospace dramatic. The first long-haul route to be of or changes to regulations. metal cup? operations within the country. cancelled was to Shanghai in late January. For example, an operation might not be All these principles have to be applied to “Is it going to return to normal? The totally compliant, but if there is no risk, why sustainable building design and construc- answer is no, but the reality is that change compel it to change the rules? If there is risk tion, including carbon emissions and the must be made to pivot towards the new nor- then the organisation will be consulted to re- wellbeing of those working in it for the life mality.” He told the audience that globally duce the risk. An inspection and monitoring of the building. air passenger traffic was down 60 percent team has been established within the CAA to One of the projects using these principles and tourism across the world was down follow up on areas of concern, with the team that Beca has been involved with was the $1.2bn. Air NZ has parked up many of its visiting industry on a more regular basis. Christchurch Airport upgrade, requiring larger leased aircraft such as the B777-200 The CAA has encouraged staff to adopt a the incorporation of sustainable features in- and some B777-300s. “curious nature” strategy, following the fu- cluding access to the aquifer for the building Air cargo was now its highest priority, a ture of aviation technology so it can become cooling, positioning of taxiways and gates to complete flip from the standard airline busi- more agile in advising and communicating reduce aircraft movement, and passenger ness model’s hierarchal order: scheduled on these changes. flow within the terminals. Renovation work air transport, non-scheduled air transport, The CAA response to Covid-19 included also took into consideration benefits that Photographs: Paul Harrison scheduled air freight, non-scheduled air a relief package covering a wide range of re- could be given to the construction workers, quirements for operators, such as required and in the new accommodation how occu- freight, charter. Mark Blanchard One of the more interesting outcomes of overseas simulator training for commercial pants would feel comfortable. the Covid-19 impact on business within New operators, giving them extensions where A holistic review of airport construction Covid-19 has been financially devastating Zealand has been the remote operations by possible to current clearances. was needed because of the many activities for Airways in terms of revenue generated, many using Zoom, video conferencing and Closely working with companies devel- occurring at the site—from aircraft opera- but this has not detracted from the require- other technologies. This has resulted in less oping UAV platforms in New Zealand is tions, passenger movement, cargo handling ment of providing customers the safety internal business air travel as face-to-face another important field. Drones are a future and support services, all requiring a sustain- levels they need. Income has plummeted meetings can now be carried out remotely. transport system that the government is able outcome. Beca uses carbon emissions as by 50 percent and is expected to remain Government policy intervention is neces- keenly interested in, and the CAA is mon- the base for working out how to reduce the at that level until mid-2021, and current sary to ensure sustainability of air transport. itoring and working with industry as they impact of these emissions, to meet reduction predictions do not see Airways returning a For example, emission restriction intentions are introduced worldwide. initiatives required by government. profit until 2023. and the requirement to replace existing air- One of the entertaining presentations Since Covid-19 struck, Airways has craft with thos e achieving more stringent of the day came from MOD senior analyst Session Two: Economics focused on several strategic objects such emission standards and therefore reduced Stuart Boag who described how in rela- Covering the opportunities offered by as the safety culture programme, airspace carbon footprints will have an impact on air- tive terms defence spending, both in New New Zealand in the space arena, Dr Peter optimisation, ATS systems transformation lines. Such policies must include assistance Zealand and the western world, has steadily Crabtree, GM Science, Innovation and and creating digital solutions for ATC. to airlines to accommodate these new direc- declined over the past few decades. National International of MBIE, reviewed some of the The transition of Airways’ operations tions, and Air NZ is asking the government to defence resources now have to make hard projects currently underway in our country. to two new buildings at Auckland and realise that aviation is unique, and the airline choices between capability, availability, sus- Christchurch is well underway, with initial supports the establishment of a special task tainability or currency, or have governments commissioning due in early 2022 and full force in New Zealand to look after all the make the choice for them. completion of these changes by 2024. aviation industry as it moves towards better Shaun Johnson, CEO of the recently sustainability. formed (17 August 2020) company Apollo The relatively short domestic routes in Flight Research NZ, based at Nelson and New Zealand put the country in a good po- a trading company of Merlin Labs USA, sition to use new generation hybrid/electric presented an overview of the current ac- powered aircraft, and Air NZ is working with tivities of the company which concentrates several overseas aviation companies to see on installing hardware and software to where this can be progressed. existing airframes for autonomous freight Capt Morgan also acknowledged that operations. staffing reductions were still ongoing with Working with Hawk Eye, the joint ven- the announcement on 29 October that a ture will receive $3m from the New Zealand further 380 airline staff had been made government to further develop software to redundant. enable unmanned airfreight operations with Peter Crabtree existing aircraft types, with an operation run Session One: Setting the Scene out of Nelson and initial flights to Westport David Harrison, CAA manager Licensing Stuart Boag Christchurch-based Dawn Aerospace and Christchurch. The Apollo Aviation pro- and Standards, opened the first session with launched UAV Aurora II a few months ject will take place over at least two years, a description of the role of the CAA as regu- From 1989 until 2020 the percentage of ago with a 50km range with repeated daily carrying an onboard safety pilot in all the lator in the current environment. The CAA defence spending as part of the New Zealand flights. It is working on the concept of a early phases and will create up to 10 jobs has recently undergone a significant cultural GDP reduced from 4.5 percent to under 3 larger vehicle to fly up to 100km and go to in the short term and between 25 and 40 and organisational review, important to its percent. The cost of military hardware, es- altitudes where it could launch vehicles into permanent jobs as the project develops. sustainability in the future and its relation- pecially aircraft, has increased dramatically space orbit. Merlin Labs is currently operating five ship with industry. The effects of Covid-19 over the last 70 years. In air force terms a This type of innovation is being worked types of aircraft, from the Long-EZ up to have reduced the CAA’s income and it is 1945 P-51 Mustang cost $US51,000 or about on by several start-up companies. the Twin Otter and the Cessna Caravan. In $US675,000 today, whereas the F-35 of Dr Crabtree explained that the aerospace the case of the latter type, the new system 2019 costs $US140m. industry has a high GDP return from invest- will permit it to be certified to Part 135 To explain the reasons why military ment, there is a global market to be tapped operations. hardware is outlandishly expensive, Mr Boag into, and R&D for aerospace is intensive, Merlin is working with the FAA and said there is no one reason, but factors may productive and profitable. New Zealand CAANZ for certification. In addition to include: small production runs; high devel- is already a world leader in some niche providing scope for New Zealand entrepre- opment costs; lack of commercial discipline; aerospace areas, with strong government neurs on the software and hardware, there captive customers; and higher inherent capa- support for the space challenges. In 2019 is also opportunity for companies to become bility requirement for each hardware item. New Zealand exported $230m of aircraft involved with additive and composite man- Faced with many demands on the national and spacecraft parts. ufacturing, complex avionics design and wealth, governments often make the decision Our advantage in this sector includes manufacturing—although there is currently to reduce military spending in light of the lack such factors as being well placed to support no New Zealand company able to develop of direct threats to the nation. The challenge the Covid-19 recovery, having emerging and certify software for aviation use. for military planners is to work smarter and companies and capabilities in the sector more efficiently within these shrinking budg- and a will to resolve testing and regulatory Session Three: Technology ets. The MOD has accepted the challenge problems. Our reputation as a country of The sustainability of satellites was the and actively pursues ways of getting a better business integrity encourages high-trust subject of the address by Prof Guglielmo David Harrison outcome for the shrinking funding. relationships with overseas investors and Aglietti, Professor of Space Engineering, 24 Aviation News www.aviationnews.co.nz December 2020 / January 2021 and ATM. While the current programme within New Zealand aviation such as GCH team will stand down mid-2021, the overall Aviation, Sounds Air’s Andrew Crawford implementation of the new Southern Sky deciding to invest in electric aircraft, Duane components will continue until 2023, but Emeny of Air Chathams and the number of who will be responsible for the coordination, new regional routes opened recently, Eye collaboration and improvements to new in the Sky by Louisa Patterson and several Southern Skies beyond that has yet to be others. determined. He said as a nation we tend to forget that ADS-B is already operating above FL245. many of our sporting role models have also In supporting the introduction of ADS-B to gone on to be outstanding high-class people the New Zealand aircraft fleet, more than in business and politics. 840 applications have been received by There is a perception among many people CAA for grants to install ADS-B into indi- that aviation training is too expensive for vidual aircraft. There have been 520 claims individuals, but as Aviation NZ points out, received and 485 were approved at the end very little can be done to reduce training of September 2020 with over $1.48m paid costs. out. More claims are steadily arriving for He suggested that all in the audience approval. have the ability to lead and promote positive attitudes to their businesses, for the benefit By the end of 2021 there will be 45 per- Gordon Alexander of the sustainability of New Zealand’s avia- Guglielmo Aglietti cent coverage of ADS-B IN over mandated airspace. Covid-19 has delayed delivery of Earlier this year, prior to Covid-19, tion industry. University of Auckland. The reliance on aircraft kits worldwide, which may require a aircraft manufacturers and bodies such as The final presenter of the day was AVM satellite operations for a host of human review of the mandated schedule. Currently ICAO and IATA were projecting a world- Andrew Clark, CAF RNZAF. Historically activities and the multitude of satellite there are 1100 aircraft equipped in New wide requirement for some 600,000 pilots the RNZAF has been faced with a shortage of systems in orbit have resulted in the need Zealand. over the new 20 years, with the Asia-Pacific flying instructors as the attraction of airline for management of the space debris being PBN, which is working at Queenstown region being identified as the fastest growing careers has enticed them away. However, created in the primary region of space where and has proved beneficial to operations for pilot consumption. in March 2020 the impact of Covid-19 saw satellites are orbiting. Recent research has into that area, will be mandated by 2023 In the last 30 years women have been several current airline pilots with previous identified more than 34,000 objects greater for all controlled aerodromes. Planning is successful in their aviation careers with the RNZAF careers applying to rejoin the ser- than 10cm in length, 900,000 objects from underway should there be a failure of the removal of restrictions placed upon them. vice, and a number have been returned to 1cm to 10cm and 128m objects from 1mm to space-based GPS system essential for ADS-B Up until the 1970s in New Zealand the RN- the RNZAF. 1cm currently in the space belt. operations. A number of ground-based navi- ZAF was the primary source of pilots for do- Prof Aglietti was previously employed at gation aids such as VOR/DME will remain in mestic-based airlines, but in the late 1980s the Surrey Space Centre in the UK where a service for the foreseeable future to provide flying schools and air academies emerged major project to capture space junk using alternate support to ADS-B in the event of a as the primary source of new commercial a capturing satellite had its first successful failure. pilots. experimental operation in October 2018. Recent demands for more airline pilots The Remove Debris platform utilises the Session Four: People have seen a reduction of instructors at next generation of low Earth orbit spacecraft Opening this session was Simon Crad- flying training institutions as they take the avionics systems and structural designs dock, a director of Airwork. Over the past opportunity to further their aviation career. being developed at SSTL, the X50 series two years the company has expanded and, The consequence is a lower flying instructor which, with its modular architecture and having been purchased in 2017 by Chinese experience at flight training schools, with a expandable philosophy, utilises common conglomerate RIFA, is now a global aviation lowering of competency and consolidation modules. operation, the third largest airline/freight- of C and B category instructors, resulting in The satellite uses optics to identify space er lessor in the world and the fifth largest more failures of students when sitting pilot debris and deploys a net or lance to capture freighter dry-lease operator. The fleet has examinations. the debris which is then turned around to changed over the last two years with 35 fixed Since Covid-19 struck in March with enter the upper atmosphere where it burns wing aircraft now on the books—five B737- the closure of borders there has been great up. 300Fs, 17 B737-400Fs, 12 B757-200Fs and uncertainty on the future of pilot training Jude Rushmere, programme manager two A321-220s. The first B757 conversion with regard to international students. Will Andrew Clark for Nova Systems NZ, looked at how the from passenger to freight started in 2017. the number of local students increase as company is supporting the advanced devel- The economics of operating freighter vacancies become available? Will redundant The attrition rate for personnel in the opment of aviation in this country. Nova is aircraft is different to passenger operations commercial pilots return to the instructor RNZAF is at an all-time low of 4.5 percent. a global organisation working across a wide as they have much lower flying hours than ranks to continue their flying career? There This raises a dilemma for the air force as it range of industries providing innovation and passenger operations. While Airwork is are many unanswered questions on the fu- must see some older personnel leaving so ingenuity to assist companies or government essentially a New Zealand based company, ture of pilot training, not only globally but that new recruits can enter the force to avoid agencies in developing and delivering new it has representatives and facilities around within New Zealand. a bubble of personnel not moving through the world. People in aviation was the subject of the their career pattern. presentation by John Nicholson, chief Conversation among various air chiefs executive of Aviation New Zealand. He around the world in March revealed that started off by looking at role models, raising major problems being faced were the loss questions on what role models encourage or of external contractors and suppliers which discourage. Where country leaders, states- had closed down during Covid-19. This men, and leaders of communities as indi- included air forces with contractors at the viduals have placed the country first, they front line of operations, where new work- have improved their respective countries, arounds had to be developed to ensure economically and socially. essential operations continued. There was little impact from this on the RNZAF, with the exception of difficulties with some of the logistic supply lines from overseas. The main impact was from smaller component manufacturers ceasing opera- tions. A main challenge for the RNZAF was the lack of simulator training opportunities Jude Rushmere Simon Craddock overseas, with one solution being to take a or upgraded systems to high standards. In the Covid-19 era, the freight compo- B757 to the USA for crew re-certification Nova is following government desires to nent of Airwork is doing well, although the training, thus avoiding the problems of raise R&D research to 2 percent of GDP by company is watching for possible compe- civil air travel. Strict arrangements for sep- 2027. The aviation sector is suited to these tition as other airlines convert passenger aration of shift workers at squadron level aims as it has the highest return to GDP aircraft to freight in light of the global to maintain “bubbles” became the modus per hour worked and is R&D intensive with downward trends for passenger flying. The operandi. Repatriation flights using PPE productive and profitable outcomes. The in- company has instigated a strict trace-and- for all involved and restricted movement at dustry embraces new innovative approaches track function for all aircrew and takes foreign airports have been employed. to technology and has resilience to Covid-19 such measures as restricting the crews on An unusual departure for many air force challenges. freighters operating across the Tasman to personnel is their employment in managed Nova has been involved with Wisk with remaining in the cockpit during turnaround John Nicholson isolation facilities and assisting with border its testing of revolutionary air taxi tech- in Australia. Mental health and resilience of control of incoming flights of returning New nology, specifically with the Cora air taxi, its people reacting to Covid-19 is an area that The impact of social media and the in- Zealanders at ports, and working with other now undergoing flying trials in the South the company monitors closely. ternet has made scamming prominent even government agencies fighting Covid-19. Island. Wisk is on board as the first industry Gordon Alexander, aviation manager within New Zealand. Bad role models in a The future is still uncertain for the partner in a new airspace integration trials ASPEQ, based his presentation on looking world trying to survive Covid-19 include the RNZAF in its traditional roles, but basic programme to facilitate the safe testing, at people, one of aviation’s basic needs for actions of scammers who distract from all operations continue with projects involving development and market validation of ad- sustainability. The human factor in aviation the efforts being undertaken to get around replacement of the C-130 and P-3 fleets, vanced unmanned aircraft, and accelerating and aerospace revolves around the training the virus and are an indictment on how some being ready to provide aid to the Pacific and their integration into our aviation system. needed at the initial levels and throughout people can adversely affect the daily lives of other disaster relief operations. The New Southern Skies programme an aviation career. While flying training many. “In this complex environment there is an that has been running for several years was does apply to all facets of flight crew train- He said what Airwork is achieving is an element of risk in all decisions, but unless the subject of Steve Smyth of the CAA. ing, the current environment for fixed wing example of a good role model. He offered these are made in a timely fashion, not mak- The programme embraces ADS-B, PBN pilot training is being reviewed. other examples of positive role models ing a decision may have a worse outcome.” December 2020 / January 2021 www.aviationnews.co.nz Aviation News 25 in Aviation rally which he has been invited to attend for the last 10-plus years. RAeS 2020 Awards During Covid-19 Carlton devoted endless telephone hours to supporting industry op- Presented at the Royal Aeronautical Society (NZ Division) erators who were among the worst impact- ed. This is a stressful time for the aviation annual dinner and awards in Wellington on 30 October industry and Carlton has dedicated his time to help those in need. Paul Harrison photographs Wings Over New Zealand (WONZ) Aviation Christopher John Lamain received George Watt Award: This is presented to Forum in 2005. This diversely themed his award for a long career in aviation. His RNZAF personnel to recognise outstanding interactive webpage now has 19 separate 45 years of service to New Zealand aviation technical merit enhancing the efficiency of boards, which Dave manages as webmaster. spanned two careers: 20 years with the RN- the service. This year the award went joint- Currently 277,377 posts across 19 boards ZAF and a further 24 years with the CAA. As ly to Sgt Brett Groves and Cpl Tarras have been made by 6370 registered users well as having a reputation as a dedicated, Glover who overcame a complex mainte- from all over the world. consummate professional with a passion nance procedure with fuel filters at bulk fuel for getting the job done and getting it done installations. Douglas Patterson Award: The award well, Chris is more fondly remembered as a was established to encourage persons mak- very capable leader, coach and mentor who ing or intending to make a career in aviation was always there to support his team. in South Pacific countries. The council took Sqn Ldr Todd Meredith (left) and Flt Lt Bruce the unique step of making the 2020 award Carter receive the Kestrel Trophy from CAF to Netava Waqa of Fiji, recognising his AVM Andrew Clark. valuable aviation service over 40 years to performance in the past year. This year it not only Fiji but also all nations within the went to the NH90 Fleet Support Team South Pacific, including New Zealand. (FST) at RNZAF Base Ohakea. This team Beginning his career as an apprentice is a collaboration between engineering aircraft engineer in Nausori with Air Pacific and logistic commands including technical (later Fiji Airways), Netava went on to hold Sgt Brett Groves (left), Air Cdre Ian Mower and support, supply chain, fleet planning, busi- the most senior position within Fiji aviation, Cpl Tarras Glover. ness performance and European resident the CEO of the Civil Aviation Administra- Inspection of the filters requires re- teams. From the outset, the NH90 FST has tion Fiji (CAAF) and board member of the moving them without incurring damage. been the leading example for the provision Fiji Air Transport Licensing Board. In this Together they conceptualised and developed of fleet support, fostering an effective and position Netava had very close contact with a device to safely remove and hold the filter innovative environment to provide excellent the CAANZ and worked tirelessly to uphold elements for inspection, with the added support to NH90 operations. high standards within aviation in the South benefit of the maintainer no longer coming The support provided by the FST has Pacific. into contact with the fuel. been one of the key factors in enabling the Netava’s early qualifications were aircraft Christopher Lamain and Des Ashton. It was not until it was noted in an Air RNZAF to sustain a world-leading NH90 maintenance licences type rated on several He joined the RNZAF in 1974 as a radio BP audit that command was made aware availability rate. The trophy was received aircraft and engine types. During his career mechanic and in 1980 he was commissioned of the device. The Air BP auditors were so from CAF by Sqn Ldr Todd Meredith and he took time out to undertake a degree at as an engineer, then serving in several lead- impressed with the innovation that they Flt Lt Bruce Carter. the Northrop Rice Institute of Technology ership and engineering roles throughout the suggested it should be shared across the USA and graduated with a BSc in Aircraft RNZAF. Most notably, in 1991 Chris was industry. Duncan Campbell Award: Presented Maintenance Technology in 1993. He also awarded the OBE for work on the RNZAF to an individual in acknowledgement of undertook extension training in aviation Skyhawk modernisation programme, Pro- Ian J Diamond Award: This is made excellence in aviation journalism. The award and leadership at Singapore’s National Uni- ject Kahu. to a young member of the RNZAF wishing went to Dave Homewood, a passionate versity, the USA’s Harvard Business School After retiring from the RNZAF in 1994 to embark on a course of higher academic digital media specialist and current editor of and Singapore’s Asia Competitive Institute. he joined the CAA as an airworthiness en- study. This year’s award went to Cpl Mar- New Zealand Sport Flying magazine. Dave’s After retiring from CAAF, Netava took a gineer. As a regulatory professional, Chris tin Van Woerden who has excelled in media repertoire as an aviation reporter and leadership position with the Pacific Aviation once again forged a reputation as someone every aspect of his career. He finished top historian has grown into a popular inter- Safety Office in Vanuatu, responsible for -co who could simply “get stuff done”, yet his of his class in Aeronautical Engineering at net-based forum for the aviation community ordinating aviation technical services for 10 greatest contributions to the CAA are uni- NMIT and then went on to graduate top of in New Zealand and internationally. independent South Pacific States, including versally recognised as his professionalism, his Avionics Technicians course at RNZAF New Zealand. dedication, relentless drive for aviation Base Woodbourne in 2014. safety and leadership qualities. The RAeS Meritorious Service The Meritorious Service Award to Awards: These awards are recognition by 93-year-old Rhona Fraser was met with the society of company or individual con- great appreciation by herself and the guests tributions to the New Zealand Aerospace at the awards. She is credited with starting industry over a long period. For 2020 six NZAWA (New Zealand Association of Wom- awards were presented. en in Aviation) under its former name of NZ The first went to Carlton Campbell. Airwomen’s Association 61 years ago. Carlton’s leadership in mountain flying Rhona was the prime mover in organising began with his passion for flying amongst the inaugural meeting of the NZAWA, having the contours of New Zealand and his com- spent 15 months contacting women all over mitment to providing flight training to a New Zealand to set up the initial meeting, high level of excellence with his experience and was its first president. The certificate flying around Queenstown and Fiordland. of incorporation was issued on 7 December Cpl Martin Van Woerden is congratulated by Dave Homewood and RAeS NZ Division CAF AVM Andrew Clark. president Des Ashton. Selected for the Degree Training Scheme After a career with the RNZAF, Dave to study for a BE at Auckland University completed media studies at the University of Technology, he completed this degree of Waikato, where he developed his passion achieving an A+ across all papers over the for the history of the RNZAF and the wider two-year period. He has a strong desire to aviation world through an internet presence. continue learning. The Wings over Cambridge website was launched in 2004 to record the history of The Kestrel Award: This goes to the local Cambridge airmen who had served in RNZAF unit judged the most excellent in the RNZAF. This developed into the on-line 0274939975 Carlton Campbell and Des Ashton. Carlton joined the CAA in 2004 as a training standards development officer, working with the licensing unit. On gain- ing his A category instructor’s rating he Rhona Fraser accepts her award from Des undertook flight tests, and in a change in Ashton. role to aviation safety advisor for South 1959, and the first rally was held in 1963 at Island coverage in 2015, he returned to his Timaru and these annual events have been home in Queenstown, his favourite flying held all over the country since then. Rhona playground. Working alongside Rose Wood was appointed patroness of the association at the CAA, Carlton became one of two key in 1999, serving for 17 years. The organisa- presenters for the AvKiwi presentations tion currently has over 200 members. given throughout New Zealand. Rhona was the first woman to fly solo His favourite GA locations include the postwar from the Wellington Aero Club, Walsh Memorial Scout Flying School, where having joined in 1952 and trained in Tiger he is a fully dedicated instructor and mentor Moths. She gained her PPL in 1955 and at to students; the other end of the spectrum the age of 28 she wanted to attend a com- with the annual Healthy Bastards Bush mercial flying school but was dissuaded by Pilot Champs; and also the annual Women her father. However, on a visit to Australia 16 Aviation News www.aviationnews.co.nz February 2021 in 1958, she was so impressed by the Aus- the soaring version of the Walsh Memorial As a non-pilot, albeit with some lessons He initiated and led a 17-year project to tralian Women Pilots Association it inspired Scout Flying School. Roger was also one of in her logbook, Rose was an astute and ded- erect permanent memorials honouring the her to develop a similar organisation here the primary instigators of Youth Glide NZ. icated editor of the AIP, including managing 73 New Zealanders killed in early airliner ac- in New Zealand. It is more than 10 years since Roger started the planning and visual navigation charting cidents from the 1930s to the 1960s. Richard The award to Roger Read recognised Youth Glide Canterbury, under the umbrella process, a challenging role balancing the pastorally contacted families, raised finance, his long aviation career in the RNZAF and of the Canterbury Gliding Club, and he went objectives of the CAA, Airways, MetService, wrote newspaper articles, conducted the commercial aviation. Roger has been an on to help create a national model under industry and ICAO. Her mantra was that if services and was the media spokesperson RNZAF pilot, instructor and member of the Gliding New Zealand (GNZ). she could understand the AIP material, then for the nine memorial projects. Red Checkers Display team, followed by a Roger and Kim not only pull together the it should be OK for pilots. In his capacity as a voluntary aviation long career with Air New Zealand, having complex logistics of a camp of this size but As team leader for the Safety Promo- historian, Richard has researched, authored just retired from the Boeing 777 fleet. they also track down aircraft and instruc- tion Unit, Rose welcomed team ideas and and co-authored 13 books on many aspects He is an exemplary pilot, but it is what tors, negotiate deals for fuel, food, landing suggestions for improvement, while over- of New Zealand civil aviation history, both he does in his down time that shows an and camp fees and organise the myriad of seeing production of CAA safety products nationally and internationally with New extraordinary commitment to pilots of the other small details needed to make the camp with clarity and vision. Rose gained huge Zealand’s involvement in the Southwest future. A glider pilot, Roger, in partnership a success. They then go on to work tirelessly respect from colleagues and industry alike, Pacific. The books provide a lasting record through the camp itself, with Kim in charge which was evident through the enthusiastic of history, written and visual—many books of the kitchen and Roger as camp CFI. greetings from the audience at the safety including photographs from private collec- As well as flight instructional training, he promotion displays that she has fronted. tions, many not published before, making gives aviation medical lectures on hypoxia She related to people and their specific a significant contribution to New Zealand and high-altitude flying, both at Omarama circumstances and built a trust which en- transport and social history. and to clubs on request. He has personally couraged people to tell their stories for use More recently, Richard worked tirelessly gained a 1000km diploma, a feat glider pi- in AvKiwi presentations, knowing that Rose from early 2016 to advocate for a national lots seldom achieve. He is also a NZ gliding would handle the tale respectfully and in the memorial for the 257 victims of the Erebus record holder for gain of height. best interests of pilots learning from their tragedy, the worst aviation accident in the It was with some sadness that the award mistakes and lessons. southern hemisphere. Richard’s work was to Rose Wood had to be made posthu- Unfortunately, illness prevented the last done out of pastoral concern that there was mously. Rose passed away early in October awardee from being present. However, the no public venue where all the victims’ names but was aware that she was to receive the Meritorious Service Gold Award to Rev Dr could be displayed and respected. This work Meritorious Service Award this year. Best Richard Waugh QSM recognised that his is still ongoing. known for her leadership of the CAA safety contribution to New Zealand civil aviation has Since 1998, Richard has worked as Hon- programme and AvKiwi, Rose led a team been considerable and has had direct benefit orary Chaplain to the Honourable Company that included industry and CAA representa- to several aspects of the industry. He is one of Air Pilots (NZ Region). As the only civil Roger Read and Des Ashton. tion which always sought to improve the of New Zealand’s foremost civil aviation his- aviation chaplain in New Zealand, he has with his wife Kim, is the powerhouse behind product. AvKiwi was clearly the pride and torians, undertaking extensive research and conducted and organised a wide range of the Youth Soaring Development Camps, joy of her inexhaustible efforts. publishing New Zealand aviation books. aviation related services and events.

Big development at Ohakea Peter Owens reports n 15 December the new Minister of bombers never came, having been offered, Defence, Peeni Henare, was on hand along with their crews, by the New Zealand Owhen the first phase of the mul- government to the British government on ti-million-dollar upgrade of RNZAF Base the outbreak of WWII in 1939. Ohakea was begun. Government funding of The hangars were among the first air the operation will be in three tranches over defence structures to be purpose-built for five years, with cabinet approval necessary the RNZAF to improve New Zealand’s air for the final project and funding arrange- defences. They were enormous according ments for each phase. to the standards of the day—94.5m by This upgrade will address critical compli- 64m—and their reinforced-arch concrete ance and safety issues as well as improve- construction was unique. Built between ments to fuelling and logistics facilities, 1938 and 1940 by McMillan Brothers for taxiways and aprons, accommodation and £105,000, they were designed by Public fresh, storm and waste water reticulation. Works Department chief design engineer Much of this work, particularly the accom- William Turner, who came up with an inno- modation, has been overdue for many years vative plan to use reinforced concrete arches as the base has increasingly become the because structural steel was not readily main operational base for the RNZAF. available. While the strike wing no longer operates While the Wellington bombers never Peter Burke from Ohakea, having been disbanded in came, the big hangars were a godsend to 2001, the base continues to be the home the air force both during and after the war. BAC Strikemaster NZ6366 of 14 Squadron is readied for a training sortie on the concrete apron in of key elements of the RNZAF. Demands However, the RNZAF is changing rapidly front of one of the two original hangars constructed for the new RNZAF Base Ohakea in 1939. First flown in New Zealand in December 1972, it was withdrawn from service inApril 1993 and converted on Base Ohakea are increasing with four and is also upgrading its aircraft. The big to Instructional airframe NZ6366/G at 4 TTS Woodbourne. busy fleets of aircraft—the NH90 and A109 hangars are not suitable for the arrival of 5 helicopters, the T-6 Texan II pilot trainers Squadron’s four new P-8A Poseidons, which modern equipment.” Finding construction workers could and the Super King Air small transport and has led to the construction of Te Whare To- Manawatu mayor Helen Worboys visited prove difficult due to the number of large training aircraft. roa—two hangars spanning 180m by 60m, the incoming squadron at Base Auckland, projects in the region competing for talent, In the near future the base will need to be two storeys high. The name was inspired by Whenuapai, to allay fears members may but now was the time to grab a hard hat and ready to accept the P-8A Poseidon maritime the albatross on the squadron’s crest. have of the move away from the big smoke. upskill, she said. “They rely on local employ- patrol aircraft fleet. New Zealand signed “Today marks a significant milestone, “It was very well-received and we intend to ment and local talent, so this is an awesome contracts for the purchase of the submarine one that has been hard fought, but one that bring those personnel down next year [to] opportunity. For a young person or even hunters in 2018, with the first scheduled is long overdue,” said Peeni Henare. “The Ohakea to show them around. It’s fantastic someone looking for a career change, this to arrive in 2022, replacing the current six building works for the P-8 aircraft will be news for our community.” is the place to come.” P-3K2 Orions of 5 Squadron based at RN- one of the largest and most complex this ZAF Base Auckland since the 1960s. country and indeed the Defence Force have The previous Defence Minister, Ron ever seen.” Mark, was well aware of the urgency to up- The building of Te Whare Toroa, awarded grade Ohakea in line with the expansion of to Hawkins Construction, will come at a cost civil aviation in New Zealand and new roles of $250m and, at the peak of construction, for the air force. will employ 400 workers on site. Mr Mark said on a number of occasions The Poseidon fleet will support New that while the upgrades at Ohakea focused Zealand’s maritime surveillance, resource on infrastructure, there was a direct cor- protection and humanitarian and disaster relation to the wellbeing of personnel. Im- responses. They will also be able to engage provements to health, safety and compliance in warfare as they are armed with torpe- enabled the defence force to meet the needs does, Harpoon anti-ship missiles and other of a modern workforce. weapons, and are able to drop and monitor The Royal New Zealand Air Force was sonobuoys and hunt submarines. established in 1937 and the first Labour gov- The whole revamp must be completed by ernment appointed Gp Capt Ralph Cochrane 2023 when 5 Squadron starts its operational of the RAF as the first Chief of Air Staff. He life at Ohakea. According to the minister, was directed to undertake the formation of about 250 air force personnel will be based the new service, its equipment and location. there, and they and their families will have Gp Capt Cochrane advised the govern- a major impact in the region. ment to build a massive base at Ohakea to Mr Henare says he has been engaged with serve two squadrons of 12 Wellington bomb- some of these people and “they’re looking ers. This included building what is now the forward to bringing their families down third longest runway in this country and two here, integrating into the community, being massive hangars to house the aircraft. The supported by not just the airbase but also hangars were completed in 1939, but the the wider community, and working with February 2021 www.aviationnews.co.nz Aviation News 17