Volcanic Air Safaris Ltd is seeking expressions of interest from suitably qualified helicopter pilots for the position of Chief Pilot – Rotary Wing. The position is based in Rotorua, New Zealand. The work is mainly based around tourism and charter operations using R44 and AS350 helicopters. Pilots MUST have: A minimum of 1500 hours total helicopter time with ATO experience on ...

The long-awaited RNZAF 75th Anniversary air-show at Ohakea was a major success for the Air Force, with visitors turning out in far greater numbers than expected. Held on 31 March, the show was blessed with exceptional weather with lots of sun and almost no wind—ideal air-show conditions. (Pacific Wings will be including a full photographic feature on the air-show in the ...

The world’s three leading aircraft manufacturers, EADS/Airbus, Boeing and Embraer recently signed a Memorandum of Understanding (MoU) to work together to develop  drop-in, affordable aviation biofuels. The three airframe manufacturers have agreed to seek collaborative opportunities to speak in unity to governments, biofuel producers and other key stakeholders to support, promote and accelerate the availability of sustainable new jet fuel ...

At the recent Airbus Day 2012 in Brussels, Christian Scherer, Airbus’s Head of Strategy and Future Programmes, told a high-profile gathering of over 100 members of the European Parliament, policy-makers and industry representatives that—despite the tough economic environment—Airbus will be investing nearly two billion Euros on environmental research and development this year.  In addition, he said the company will be ...

Boeing’s 787 Dreamliner has been announced as the winner of the 2011 Robert J. Collier Trophy. Boeing says that the award of the trophy places the Dreamliner in an exclusive group of pioneers that revolutionised air travel. Walter Boyne, the Chairman of the US National Aeronautic Association (NAA) and the Chairman of the Selection Committee, said, “We were very pleased with this ...

Cessna announced recently that it intends to build business jets in China in a joint venture with Aviation Industry Corp of China (AVIC) as part of a future plan to potentially build the entire Cessna line of aircraft in China. In a news release, Cessna said its agreements with China pave the way for a range of business jets, utility ...

The RNZAF has announced that aircraft from six nations will join New Zealand’s own military aircraft and a number of warbirds at its 75th Anniversary Air Show on 31 March. April 2012 is the date marking the RNZAF’s 75 years of service to New Zealand as an independent armed service. Major international air forces including the French Armed Forces of New ...

Tim Tucker, who has been Robinson Helicopters’ chief instructor since 1982, will be holding a three-day Robinson Safety Course at Wanaka on 17–19 May. Mr Tucker was awarded the Helicopter Association International (HAI) Joe Masham Safety Award in 2004 at the HAI’s “Salute to Excellence” awards ceremony. Mr Tucker previously received the HAI’s Outstanding Flight Instructor award in 2000. The 2004 Joe ...

Aspen Avionics announced at the recent Heli Expo in Dallas that its Evolution Primary Flight Display (PFD) system will be made available as a factory option on the Robinson R22, R44 and R66 series helicopters. The option is currently being evaluated and is expected to be available in late 2012. Aspen says its new Evolution Flight Displays are designed to ...

At the recent annual Heli Expo in Dalls, Texas, Bell Helicopters unveiled its latest new helicopter design, the Bell 525 “Relentless”. Bell describes its new 525 Relentless as an entirely new—“super medium”—class of helicopter, positioned at the “upper end of the medium class”. Bell worked with a representative product development panel of its customers, including PHI, to define the new helicopter. John ...