National Competitions

The Mid-Canterbury Aero Club hosted 130 pilots and three important events at the Ashburton Airport last week.


Young Eagles
The Young Eagles had a number of events that included an Aircraft defect competition, a Pre-flight competition, and a General knowledge Exam. However, it wasn’t all work. There were a number of social events, such as a visit to the Aviation museum and flights in a number of aircraft, including a Tiger Moth.

At the presentation dinner, the Flying NZ coordinator for the Young Eagles told the young aviators how important it was to keep an open mind and stay focused on academic excellence. New Zealand needs talented young minds to develop the next step in our aviation industry. He said that we were once a world leader in aviation. He then presented a number of flight lesson vouchers and in addition for the winner, Airways NZ will arrange for him to spend time at the ChCh Control Towel and Radar room.

(Photos – Flight in a Tiger Moth, Ex-RNZAF Aermacchi at the Museum )


Jay Peters Professional Pilots Competition

During the week, there were a number of different competitions, all competing for various Trophies. On Saturday morning, it was the Jay Peters Cup. This is open to CPL and ATPL Pilots who are Aero Club members.

The briefing was at 0800hrs and pilots were given a copy of the scoring sheet. It was basically a demonstration of the standard circuit. The key points were clear and accurate cockpit checks, clear and full lookout procedures, accurate speed control, correct altitude and accurate turns, and most of all, precise control during the landing phase.

Pilots had to complete two circuits, with 25 points awarded by the onboard judge, and 25 points for the main wheels touching down in the box (10m x 20m) for each circuit. That gave you a score out of 100. Sounds straight forward.

There was a total of 14 pilots, but only about four that were over 30yrs old. Out of all the competitions, this was the one that was the most intense because there was a lot of pride at stake. To be in the running for a place, you must get those wheels to touch at just the right moment.

It was a great competition, and just about all the competitors touched the box at least on one of their two circuits, and were within 10m if they missed. The final result was a first and third place to the young instructors, with second place going to Nathan Clark, the Officer in Charge of Flying.

(Photos – Briefing at 0800hrs, The box (10m x 20m), Nelson Instructor in their C152)

　

　


Wings Trophy - Trans Tasman International

The Wings Trans Tasman International Competition is held annually on alternate years in New Zealand and Australia. There are four activities, Forced Landing, Spot Landing, Aerobatics, and Formation Flying.

On Saturday afternoon, I spent a very relaxing hour in our motel pool with one of the Australian pilots, Peter Fenton. Peter was there with his wife and his 5yrs old son, and had just returned from Queenstown to be at the Presentation dinner. Although he has a PPL, he has clocked up a lot of experience. He works as a Sales Representative for an Aviation Company in Hobart, Tasmania. As such, he gets to deliver aircraft or use aircraft to travel to remote areas in Australia. He represented his country in the Formation event and Spot landing.

And the winner for Wings – 2016. New Zealand by 4 to 1. The next Competition will be held in Queensland Australia.

Happy Flying

Stephen Morton