February 2008

Bombardier’s Learjet 45XR – Flight Test Report by Graeme Mollison
A comprehensive report by Pacific Wings’ Business Aviation and Airline correspondent Graeme Mollison on Bombardier’s Learjet 45XR, which he flew recently when it visited New Zealand.

NZ’s Outstanding Airman – FAI Recognises Richard Hayes
In six of the years since it was established in 1985, the FAI’s Outstanding Airmanship Award was not awarded at all when the FAI decided there were no suitably meritorious recipients. However, in 2007, as Rob Neil reports, New Zealand helicopter icon Richard “Hannibal” Hayes became the first New Zealander ever to receive the honour.

Daestra and TracPlus – Leading the Followers
If Steve Fossett had been a Daestra TracPlus customer, there would have been one less aviation “mystery” in the world. Rob Neil explains what TracPlus is and tells why New Zealand’s Daestra has become a global leader in flight following and tracking systems.

Head in the Clouds. Part 1 – First Solo to First Turboprop Job
In this first of three articles, Natalie Bos tells her story of her path to the left-hand seat of an airliner. It is typical of many who have made the journey but as the global pilot shortage continues to deepen, it is well worth telling in the hope that more young people will take up the challenge and follow her lead.

Letters From War – My Love/Hate Relationship with the Sling Wing
Veteran US military helicopter aviator and retired airline pilot Don Harward takes a light-hearted look at how helicopters work and describes helicopters’ personalities, whims and eccentricities.