PPRuNe Forums - Iceberg sightseeing flights

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Iceberg sightseeing flights

Just noticed this:
http://www.stuff.co.nz/stuff/0,2106,3855820a11,00.html
It states that the ATR originally planned isn`t certified for the operation and that they are now going to use a 44 Seat Pionair aircraft. I`m assuming that`ll be the Convair 580
Can anyone explain to me the regulations that apply to this sort of operation? I`m guessing it relates to the distance from land? It seems mad to disallow an ATR but allow a 50 year old CV-580. Note I have no issue with the maintenance condition either aircraft - surely there is more automation, redundancy and finer tolerance navigation gear on the newer design?
I`m a lowly student ppl so go easy on me!
Thanks
James

The flight will be considered to be an oceanic sector. Perhaps this is because it is beyond 100 NM or just that it will leave the New Zealand Domestic FIR. In this case it is not the aircraft that is at issue but the operation. The Convair will have the liferafts and the other required equipment plus the crew will have been trained in its use. The ATR and its crew will have none of this.

Hi Far Canard
That makes a lot of sense. I guess Mount Cook don`t do a lot of (if any) oceanic operations normally and Pionair, if accustomed to operating to the Chats, would.
Thanks
James