Vector Online | aviation.govt.nz

Read our special 'online' Vector stories here. Some are unique to the website, and some have featured in print issues of Vector.

Note: This archive dates back to 2015. So, the advice in some of the earlier articles may have changed.

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You can always learn something, when things go wrong

From the CAA’s From the CAA’s Safety Education and Support Team team.

Posted in When things go wrong,

Posted 16 hours ago

Near collision on take-off

An itinerant pilot learned the hard way that checking the AIP at an unfamiliar aerodrome could be a lifesaver.

Posted in Pilot performance flying practice and professionalism, When things go wrong, Aerodromes,

Posted 22 hours ago

MET changes

In a few months, major aerodromes around the country will align their METAR and TAF reporting procedures with international standards.

What could go wrong?

I learned about distraction in IMC from this. A few years ago, a Cessna I jointly owned was sold, and I bought a Cirrus G2 2004 to replace it.

Posted in Pilot performance flying practice and professionalism, When things go wrong,

Posted 15 days ago

RACAs - New Zealand’s frontline defenders against threats to aviation

How do regulated air cargo agents remain vigilant against the constantly evolving menace to New Zealand’s aviation industry?

Posted in Carriage of goods,

Posted 22 days ago

Bird strike risk at Kaikōura this summer

A pilot who’s dedicated many years protecting an endangered species of native sea bird, says they’re a massive bird strike risk during the summer months.

Posted 35 days ago

Drug and alcohol management plans – the first are due within weeks

The first batch of ‘DAMPs’ need to be with the CAA for approval by the end of the business day, 30 September 2025. Who?

Posted in General safety, Reporting,

Posted 41 days ago

Automatic NOTAMs for drones at aerodromes

As more drones populate New Zealand skies, for everyone’s safety, applying for a NOTAM has been made simpler.

Posted in Drones and model aircraft, Aerodromes,

Posted 44 days ago

Training in marginal weather

A student pilot describes his first flight in windy weather with patchy rain. What does he learn?

Posted in Pilot performance flying practice and professionalism, Weather, General safety,

Posted 2 months ago

Switched on

The RCCNZ says a lot happens behind the little red ELT switch, which you may not fully appreciate.