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 both the AS350 and R44 aircraft.
• A minimum of a ‘D’-category instructor’s rating
• And meet the requirements of CAA rule 119 (Appendix B)

Besides the above qualifications, we are looking for several key attributes, which will complement the role and the Volcanic Air Safaris team:

• Previous experience in the tourism industry
• Self-motivated, enthusiastic and the ability to motivate others and lead by example
• Pro?active innovation
• Computer literate
• High standard of personal presentation
• Excellent verbal communication skills
• Extremely strong work ethic

The position will suit a professional, well-organised and articulate person with a good sense of humour and a can-do attitude. The role is varied, with a requirement for attention to detail alongside possessing the flexibility to manage the changing day-to-day demands of the role. Remuneration and hours of work are by negotiation.

Please send CVs and direct all enquiries to Phill Barclay at phill@volcanicair.co.nz before 15th June 2012.

The long-awaited RNZAF 75^th 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 next issue.)

The show included displays by nearly all of the New Zealand’s current military aircraft types, with the exception of the C-130 Hercules and the King Air; with the C-130 fleet in the midst of major upgrades, operational requirements dictated that the serviceable C-130s not undergoing upgrade work were unavailable for display purposes.

Every other current type provided flying displays that were well up to the RNZAF’s usual standard.

Aircraft from the US, Australian and French (New Caledonia) forces attended the show, with outstanding flying displays provided by the F/A-18s from Australia and the USAF’s giant C-17 Globemaster III.

In addition to displays by current military types, many warbirds—two Spitfires, a Mustang, a P-51, a Grumman Avenger and multiple Yak 52s—also displayed. There were also flying displays by numerous civil types throughout a full day of flying that ran non-stop from around 9:30 until the show finished at around 3:45 p.m.

The only downside to the day was the chaos that ensued on the roads surrounding Ohakea. The massive number of visitors overwhelmed the limited access options, making for major traffic delays. Visitors struggling to get into the show complained of seeing almost no police manning any intersections or assisting traffic, with the result that many visitors were unable to enter the show proper until after lunch. However, once inside, most visitors reported the wait had been worthwhile.

The show was the highlight of a number of events hosted by the RNZAF this year to celebrate its 75^th year as an independent Air Force.

Airbus’s president and CEO, Tom Enders; Boeing Commercial Airplanes’ president and CEO, Jim Albaugh; and Embraer’s commercial aviation president, Paulo César Silva, signed the agreement at the Air Transport Action Group (ATAG) Aviation and Environment Summit in Geneva.

“We’ve achieved a lot in the last ten years in reducing our industry’s CO₂ footprint—a 45% traffic growth with only 3% more fuel consumption,” said Tom Enders. The production and use of sustainable quantities of aviation biofuel is key to meeting our industry’s ambitious CO₂ reduction targets, and we are helping to do this through research and technolgy, our expanding network of worldwide value chains and supporting the EU commission towards its target of 4% of biofuel for aviation by 2020.”

Boeing’s Jim Albaugh said innovation, technology and competition pushed everyone’s respective products to the highest levels of performance. “Through our common vision of lessening aviation’s environmental impacts, and our collective efforts to develop sustainable fuels, we can accelerate their availability and do the right thing for the planet we share,” he said.

“We are all committed to tak[ing] a leading role in developing technology programmes that will facilitate aviation biofuel development and actual application faster than if we were doing it independently,” said Paulo César Silva of Embraer. “Few people know that Brazil’s well-known automotive biofuel programme started within our aeronautical research community, back in the seventies, and we will keep on making history.”

The collaboration agreement supports the aviation industry’s multi-pronged approach to continuously reducing its carbon emissions. Continuous innovation, spurred by competitive market dynamics that push each manufacturer to continuously improve product performance, and air traffic modernisation are other critical elements to achieving carbon-neutral growth beyond 2020 and halving industry emissions by 2050 (based on 2005 levels).

ATAG’s Executive Director, Paul Steele, said that having these three aviation leaders set their competitive differences aside and work together to support biofuel development underscores the importance and focus the industry is placing on sustainable practices. “Through these types of broad industry collaboration agreements, aviation is doing all it can to drive measurable reductions in carbon emissions, while continuing to provide strong global economic and social value.”

EADS/Airbus, Boeing and Embraer are all affiliate members of the Sustainable Aviation Fuel Users Group (www.safug.org), which includes 23 leading airlines responsible for approximately 25% of annual aviation fuel use.

“Value chains” is the term used to describe the bringing together of all those involved with the shared goal of commercialising aviation biofuel as efficiently as possible: farmers, refiners, airlines and lawmakers. So far, Airbus has established value chains in Brazil, Qatar, Romania, Spain and Australia, and its aim is to have one in every continent. Because aviation has limited alternatives to biofuel, Airbus believes that energy types should be prioritised according to transport use.

Airbus, Boeing and Embraer are all active around the globe in helping to establish regional supply chains, while the three manufacturers have all supported numerous biofuel flights since global fuel standards bodies granted their approval for commercial use in 2011.

Rainer Ohler, Airbus’s Head of Public Affairs and Communications, pointed out that during the last decade, aviation had achieved 45% growth for only 3% more fuel. “That is the best evidence for our industry’s long track record of going green. The EU and national governments should support this commitment by making progress with the Single European Sky and the modernisation of Europe’s outdated air traffic management technology. This could reduce Europe’s CO₂ emissions from aviation by 10%.”

Airbus’s research and development efforts are focused on reducing gaseous and noise emissions. Airbus says it is fully committed to meeting the global aviation industry targets: to improve fuel efficiency by an average of 1.5% per year to 2020, to cap net carbon emissions from 2020 and to work towards the ambitious goal of a 50% reduction by 2050 (compared to 2005 levels).

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 year’s slate of nominations. All of them were impressive, inspirational and innovative, and certainly represent the future of aviation and aerospace. We congratulate Boeing on their great accomplishment with the 787.”

The 787 Dreamliner, which is the first “mid-size” commercial aeroplane capable of flying long-range routes, completed a rigorous flight-testing effort to earn certification in 2011. The 787 was then delivered to Japan’s ANA airline and put into service on daily routes. The Dreamliner ended 2011 by setting two world records in its class—one for speed and one for distance.

Jim Albaugh, the president and CEO of Boeing Commercial Airplanes, said, “It’s not often in a career that we have the chance to make history—to do something big and bold that will change the world in untold ways and endure long after we are gone.

“The men and women of Boeing, working with our partners around the world, poured their hearts into designing, building and delivering the 787 Dreamliner. It was a long and sometimes difficult journey.  We’re deeply honoured to receive this award.”

The largely composite 787 Dreamliner is 20% more fuel-efficient than similarly-sized aeroplanes and it allows airlines to open new, non-stop routes. The aeroplane is also designed to be much easier for airlines to maintain. So far, 60 customers have ordered a total of 868 Dreamliners, making it the fastest-selling widebody aeroplane in commercial aviation history.

The Collier Trophy is an annual aviation award administered by the NAA and presented to those who have made what the NAA considers to have been “the greatest achievement in aeronautics or astronautics in America, with respect to improving the performance, efficiency and safety of air or space vehicles, the value of which has been thoroughly demonstrated by actual use during the preceding year.”

Robert J. Collier was an air sports pioneer and president of the Aero Club of America. He commissioned and first awarded the trophy (originally named the Aero Club of America Trophy) in 1911.

The trophy is designed to encourage innovation in aerospace by emphasising improved performance, efficiency and safety. Past winners include Orville Wright; the Neil Armstrong and Apollo 11 Moon mission team; Boeing, for several aeroplanes, including the 747 and the 777; Boeing and its partners for the F/A-18E/F; the International Space Station; and Bell Boeing for the V-22 Osprey Tiltrotor.

Cessna signed agreements in China to negotiate a joint venture to build existing models of the company’s business jets and possibly, in future, develop new models in China. Cessna has also said it will be negotiating with Chinese partners to develop an aircraft service network in China and other needed aviation infrastructure. According to Cessna’s CEO, Scott Ernest, China recognises that general aviation offers the foundation to support its national air transportation needs for the future. “These agreements will help take the industry to the next level,” he said.

It is still not clear what kind of impact the Chinese agreements will have on Cessna’s Kansas operations. Cessna already has a presence in China, with its 162 “Skycatcher” being built there (but assembled in Kansas).

Cessna is one of many aviation businesses announcing joint ventures with Chinese companies, with the global aviation industry realising its dependence on emerging markets like China for growth.

The RNZAF has announced that aircraft from six nations will join New Zealand’s own military aircraft and a number of warbirds at its 75^th 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 Caledonia, the Republic of Singapore Air Force, the Royal Air Force, the Royal Australian Air Force, the United States Air Force and the United States Marine Corps will join the RNZAF to present both flying and ground displays at Ohakea and help celebrate the RNZAF’s 75^th birthday.

The Royal Australian Air Force’s presence will include some of its F/A-18s as well as a C-130J Hercules and a Wedgetail airborne early warning and control aircraft. The F/A-18s are expected to provide some spectacular flying displays.

The United States Air Force will bring a C-17 Globemaster III, the Republic of Singapore Air Force will display one of its C-130s and the French Armed Forces of New Caledonia will showcase one of their CN-235 twin-engine transport aircraft. In addition, the US Marine Corps will display a KC-130 Hercules air-to-air refuelling aircraft. The Royal Air Force has confirmed its involvement but has not yet identified which aircraft type/s will take part.

The RNZAF will be displaying New Zealand’s military aircraft of the past, present and near future, and there is expected to be a large turnout of civilian and vintage aircraft, including Spitfires and a Mustang, to mark 75 years of the RNZAF.

Air Commodore Steve Moore said the RNZAF would showcase its new A109 and NH90 helicopters, and the upgraded C-130 Hercules and P-3 Orions alongside its other aircraft, and the Red Checkers would be providing their always popular display.

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 Masham Safety Award was in recognition of Mr Tucker’s success with his safety courses, which are specifically designed to assist owners and operators of Robinson helicopters, focussing on the main causes of fatal helicopter accidents.

In addition to providing his Robinson Safety Course, Mr Tucker also frequently donates his time to give free lectures at helicopter safety seminars around the USA conducted by pilot organisations and the FAA.

Mr Tucker has written numerous articles for aviation publications and was responsible for the Robinson R22 Flight Training Guide, which has become the foundation for R22 flight training around the world.

The Wanaka course’s organisers invite anyone wishing to attend Tim Tucker’s Robinson Safety Course to contact either Sylvia Sanders at Heliflite Pacific (sylvia@heliflitepacific.com, or phone: 09 299 9442 or 021 748 885) or Carolyn Spencer-Bower at Wanaka Helicopters (carolyn@wanakahelicopters.co.nz or phone 03 443 1085).

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 meet the rigours of helicopter operations. Standard features of the Evolution PFD system for helicopters include:

• solid-state AHRS technology;
• built-in 30-minute backup battery;
• built-in emergency GPS;
• digital HSI with moving map, GPS flight plan overlay, ARC and 360 viewing modes;
• easy to read airspeed and altitude tapes; and
• integration with primary navigation system, ADF, DME, VOR and autopilot.

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 Garrison, Bell’s president and CEO, said, “Having PHI and our other customers engage with us on this unprecedented new aircraft validates our product development strategies—placing our customers at the centre of everything we do. We appreciate the collaborative spirit we share with all of our customers who have participated in this innovative process.”

With a completely flat cabin floor, the Bell 525 will be capable of carrying up to 16 passengers and will be available in numerous configurations to suit a wide variety of missions. Initially optimised for offshore oil and gas support, the 525 will also be suitable for search and rescue, emergency medical services and VIP/corporate transport.

The helicopter is expected to have a maximum weight of 8,160 kg, a useful load of 1,800 kg, a range of more than 400 nm and a maximum speed of more than 140 knots. Bell says the 525 will offer “best-in-class payload-range capability to meet customers’ future mission requirements.”

The new helicopter will utilise two General Electric CT7-2F1 (FADEC) engines and will incorporate advanced materials, primarily in the turbine section. GE says the CT7 is designed for low fuel consumption and low cost of operation, and says it meets the requirements for aircraft flying long-range, high payload missions. The power from the CT7 engines will be delivered via a five-blade main rotor—for the first time in a Bell helicopter. Bell says its new “lift assist” tail boom design will increase overall efficiency by reducing the amount of power required for the tail rotor.

In addition to being the first in a new class of helicopter, the 525 will incorporate a number of other “firsts” for Bell. For example, it will be the first commercial helicopter to incorporate fly-by-wire. Combined with a first in any commercial helicopter application—the touch-screen Garmin G5000H avionics—this will produce what Bell calls its ARC (awareness, reactive and control) Horizon cockpit design.

The 525’s first flight is expected to take place in 2013/2014, with certification expected in 2015.