Musings from the Flight Deck Old Timer.
FLYING THE HARRIER - Part One. By Arthur Gatland.
Here is Part 1 of Arthur J Gatland’s story of flying Harrier jets as part of his Military career with the RAF. Seat gripping stuff!
A Lifetime in Aviation - Arthur J Gatland
Here is the first article written by Captain Arthur J Gatland about his career in aviation. Later posts will go into detail about certain parts of it. Nonetheless, even this ‘overview’ will leave you exhausted at what he has achieved - and needing a nap afterwards as you try to work out how he was able to fit all this into a career - that is still going strong, BTW!
Women’s work - Air New Zealand champions women in aviation.
To celebrate Women in Aviation week, Air New Zealand flew several all female flights - where both pilots and flight attendants were women. Here’s the story that featured in their Kia Ora inflight magazine in May.
A Bush Pilot’s Story
Renee Brewer is a kiwi lass flying where others fear to tread. Flying for the Mission Aviation Fellowship she now lives in Papua New Guinea, having spent time flying in Uganda.
Here, she writes about her journey and what her role is.
Soaring Above Limitations: United Airlines Pilot Defines What’s Possible
Here is the wonderful story of Eric, a United Airlines pilot who only has one hand. Read how he controls the plane in his unique way. this is truly an inspiring story!
The Role of the Regulator
Just as the police govern the road rules, so too, does air traffic need regulation. Here, David Harrison from CAA gives us an overview of their role.
A Typical Long Haul Pilot Duty
Being a Long Haul pilot isn’t all about looking AMAZING in uniform - it is quite physically challenging as well as requiring excellent fatigue management. Here, John takes you through what a Long haul duty looks like.
Our Inaugural Winner has Graduated!
From believing that a pilot career was not a pathway available to someone in his position, Wen Seng has now graduated from the International Aviation Academy of New Zealand and is setting his sights on his first job, come what may.
Now is the perfect time to become a pilot
When the chips seemed well and truly down for the aviation industry during the Pandemic one student pilot decided this was the perfect time to push through with his studies. He has been rewarded by quickly becoming an aeromedical pilot, a job with endless variety.
Air Traffic Control … another voice in your headset!
Ever wondered what an Air Traffic Controller does? Karl Taylor, Team Leader, Auckland Terminal (Approach), tells us about the job, working conditions and responsibilities. Fascinating stuff!
The Importance of Customer Service Skills for Commercial Pilots
A pilot's job may be technical, but it is a people business, so customer service skills are essential.
Teamwork makes for safe landings
When a flight turns tricky, using all the crew resources around you and working as a team can make all the difference to the outcome.
Some excellent words of advice to all new pilots.
“Opportunity Grows You, Temptation Destroys You” - Advice from one wise man (Capt Ross Sparks, CFI, IAANZ) to other wise people who wish to keep learning who to be the best pilot.
An A380 Captain shares his journey in the world of aviation.
Morris Tull went from being a farm boy to being a Captain on the A380. Here, he shares his journey to that position and gives us insight on flying the A380 - as crew and as passenger. He also fills us in on his aerobatic interests too. Thankfully not in the A380, though!
The Pauwels Flying Scholarship Assessment Phase – from our successful candidates point of view
Nixon Sion, Gemma, Beni, and Ben have volunteered to give their thoughts on their experiences going through the assessment phases and this makes good reading for anyone who is about to go through pilot interview assessments – not just the Pauwels Flying Scholarship assessment process.
Timeline from School Student to Airline Pilot in New Zealand
In just 10 years, Josh Back went from High School Student to First Officer with Air New Zealand. How did he do it?
How do you win the Pauwels Flying Scholarship?
Of all the Flying Scholarships available in New Zealand , none is so generous as the Pauwels Flying Scholarship. Just what do you need to prepare for if you are nominated for consideration? Or are shortlisted via the Hillmorton pathway?
Remote Controlled Space Vehicles Right Here in NZ!
Today, we interview Tim Dutton from Dawn Aerospace about the programme and vehicle they are developing to have remote controlled space vehicles come and go from current civilian airports to retrieve space debris and aid satellites in orbit.
Qualified pilots should not be expected to fly for free
There has been a long standing expectation that newly qualified pilots should work for no pay in their first roles - often as Flight Instructors. The theory being that the young pilots are desperately trying to gain flight hours so they can get into an airline position as soon as possible.
I’d like to introduce guest commentator Gavin Weir, CFI for the Auckland Aero Club
Where are all the female pilots?
For this blog, I welcome my partner, Melissa Heath as guest commentator. Feminism and social equality are close to her heart, and I feel it is only appropriate that she write this essential post.