Strong opposition stalls expansion plans 

Plans to expand the Queenstown Airport noise boundaries have been put on ice, reports Stuff.  

Queenstown Airport Corporation (QAC) received strong opposition to its proposal to increase aircraft noise limits, which would provide for planned growth of up to 5.1 million passengers a year. 

Out of the approximately 1500 responses, 90 percent were opposed to the idea of expanding noise boundaries. Local residents, businesses and schools opposed the proposal, stating it would have a negative effect on the environment, and potential commercial and residential developments in the area. 

QAC Chief Executive Colin Keel said it would complete its Wanaka Airport master plan and await the outcome of other long-term planning for Wanaka and Frankton before continuing with the proposal.  

For the full article see HERE. 

Air taxi service on the cards for Air New Zealand 

National carrier Air New Zealand has signed an agreement with Zephyr Airworks to bring the world’s first autonomous electric air taxi service to New Zealand. 

The agreement signals that electric air travel could be a reality for New Zealand in the near future, reports Stuff. 

The air taxis are self-piloted using software, so passengers do not need a pilot’s licence. Runways are also not needed, as they take off and land like a helicopter. The current air taxi model has a range of about 100 kilometres and can travel approximately 150km/h. 

Air New Zealand Chief Executive Christopher Luxton said the airline was embracing the new technology, and thinks the proposal could present a cleaner alternative for travel. 

"Both companies see the potential for our airspace to free people from the constraints of traffic and its associated social, economic and environmental impacts. 

"Through the development of their autonomous electric air taxi Cora, the possibility of getting from A to B quickly and safely, and also relieving the impact of polluting emissions, is very real indeed," said Mr Luxton. 

For more please read HERE. 

Wanaka crash claims second Wallis son 

The Wallis family of Wanaka lost a second son in just three months following a helicopter crash near the town’s airport on 18 October. 

Nick Wallis, aged 38, died when his Hughes 369D helicopter (a variation of the Hughes 500) crashed killing all aboard. His two passengers were Department of Conservation staff, on their way to Haast to begin a tahr cull. Nick was a director and general manager of Alpine Helicopters. He had more than 3000 flying hours and was also a licenced helicopter engineer.

Newshub reported the crash follows a fatal helicopter crash in July which killed Nick’s brother Matt, aged 39.  

Matt was the sole occupant of a Robinson 44 at the time it crashed into Lake Wanaka. 

The Transport Accident Investigation Commission is investigating both crashes. 

Nick and Matt Wallis are sons of the aviation pioneer Sir Tim Wallis and his wife Prue. Sir Tim is the renowned New Zealand businessman and aviation entrepreneur who founded the Alpine Fighter Collection (a collection of vintage aircraft) and the biennial Warbirds Over Wanaka air show. Sir Tim was seriously injured in a 1996 crash of the Spitfire Mk XIV he was flying. 

For the full story please see HERE.