Vector Online - In category Aircraft owner and aircraft

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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Dawn of the Tāwhaki era

Unmanned aircraft crews now have a dedicated bit of New Zealand airspace in which to test their cutting-edge aircraft.

Posted in Pilot performance flying practice and professionalism, Airspace, Aircraft owner and aircraft,

Posted 4 hours ago

Out of the blue

A routine flight from Paraparaumu to Tākaka in November 2024 turns into a dramatic sea ditching.

Test flights for aircraft modifications

Lots of aircraft get modified so they can undertake new activities. The CAA has now made it more straightforward to apply for flight tests and related approvals.

Posted in Aircraft owner and aircraft, Pilot performance flying practice and professionalism,

Posted 4 months ago

Fix your seatbelt low and tight

It really is that simple. But another fatal crash shows complacency is winning.

Posted in Aircraft owner and aircraft, Pilot performance flying practice and professionalism, Rotary operations, Operators, General safety,

Posted 7 months ago

Lucky strike

It was supposed to be just another goat cull. But this pilot and his passenger narrowly escaped with their lives. Here’s their story.

It’s that time of year again folks…

We need your help, so we can help you stay safe.

Posted in Agricultural operations, Reporting, Aircraft owner and aircraft,

Posted 11 months ago

The STC approval process

It can be a long and complex job to get a New Zealand supplemental type certificate (STC) for your new bit of kit. Here’s how it goes.

Posted in Aircraft owner and aircraft, Engineering and maintenance, Operators,

Posted 15 months ago

The dangers of aircraft icing

The polar jet is beginning its northward migration, bringing weather conditions perfect for producing ice on aircraft – both in the air and on the ground.

Posted in Pilot performance flying practice and professionalism, Aircraft owner and aircraft, Preflight and postflight, Rotary operations, Adventure aviation, Agricultural operations,

Posted 19 months ago

Summer traffic busy spots

This page shows major flying events, known at the time of publishing, between mid-December 2023 and March 2024.

Posted in Agricultural operations, Pilot performance flying practice and professionalism, Aircraft owner and aircraft, Adventure aviation, Flight planning,

Posted 23 months ago

Proactive maintenance and incident reporting

Incidents are free lessons, but to get their maximum benefit, we need your reports.

Posted in Aircraft owner and aircraft, Engineering and maintenance, Operators, Reporting,

Posted 24 months ago

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