G650 to NZAP (Taupo, NZ)
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G650 to NZAP (Taupo, NZ)
Hello to all,
Just assigned a trip to NZAP and just looking for operational intel from those who know it best. In particular, I see some fairly lightweight PCN values and am interested in whether anyone has personal knowledge of recent Gulfstream operations there, or other aircraft with higher wheel loading. Also, any local "gotcha's" would be well appreciated!
Thanks,
Just assigned a trip to NZAP and just looking for operational intel from those who know it best. In particular, I see some fairly lightweight PCN values and am interested in whether anyone has personal knowledge of recent Gulfstream operations there, or other aircraft with higher wheel loading. Also, any local "gotcha's" would be well appreciated!
Thanks,
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Hello to all,
Just assigned a trip to NZAP and just looking for operational intel from those who know it best. In particular, I see some fairly lightweight PCN values and am interested in whether anyone has personal knowledge of recent Gulfstream operations there, or other aircraft with higher wheel loading. Also, any local "gotcha's" would be well appreciated!
Thanks,
Just assigned a trip to NZAP and just looking for operational intel from those who know it best. In particular, I see some fairly lightweight PCN values and am interested in whether anyone has personal knowledge of recent Gulfstream operations there, or other aircraft with higher wheel loading. Also, any local "gotcha's" would be well appreciated!
Thanks,
Fuel is limited and only overwing unless one of the chopper operators have got a truck now. Normal BP card doesn't work you have to have Kiwi special one but the helicopter operators will usually sell you some on their account if you turn up with beer and a credit card.
Another option is Rotorua, it has more space and facilities plus pressure refuelling. No need for handling in either just call the airport manager they will help you out. about an hour scenic drive from Rotorua to huka lodge if that's where you are heading.
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been there a bit... Parking is tight but achievable, you might struggle on the taxi way and there is heavy skydiving traffic so maybe give those guys a call when you are about to take off. there is no tower so maybe research to non controlled airport procedures for NZ.
Fuel is limited and only overwing unless one of the chopper operators have got a truck now. Normal BP card doesn't work you have to have Kiwi special one but the helicopter operators will usually sell you some on their account if you turn up with beer and a credit card.
Another option is Rotorua, it has more space and facilities plus pressure refuelling. No need for handling in either just call the airport manager they will help you out. about an hour scenic drive from Rotorua to huka lodge if that's where you are heading.
Fuel is limited and only overwing unless one of the chopper operators have got a truck now. Normal BP card doesn't work you have to have Kiwi special one but the helicopter operators will usually sell you some on their account if you turn up with beer and a credit card.
Another option is Rotorua, it has more space and facilities plus pressure refuelling. No need for handling in either just call the airport manager they will help you out. about an hour scenic drive from Rotorua to huka lodge if that's where you are heading.
I have been reading quite a bit about the skydiving traffic so we'll be vigilant arriving and departing. I finally heard back from the airport and they mentioned that they have handled a 650 in the past so as of now our concerns are a little under control. Thanks again!
Depending on how much you'll have there, rent a car and do some trips in the area. The "top attraction" in the region is definitely the "Tongariro Crossing" (https://www.tongarirocrossing.org.nz/ ). You'll need a full day for this and it'll be best to look for a place to sleep in a hotel/BB near Tongariro. They usually offer transport to the Mangatepopo carpark where you'll begin your trek - in the afternoon they will collect you at the other end of the crossing at Ketetahi carpark. If you choose to perform the "little" side ascent to Mt Ngauruhoe (it's worth it!), you'll need about 7 to 9 hours from start to finish. Bring proper shoes, sun screen, a hat, a warm sweater/light rain-stopper, just in case. I have done the crossing twice already, always enjoyed it. Nowadays it can be really busy, but depending on the month and time of day it may be less crowded, less clueless Chinese tourists who cannot walk up and down the slopes in their flip-flops.
Otherwise a nice trip to do is "Waitomo Caves", about 2 hours by car from Taupo. There are several caves, I have done the one with a 100 metre abseil into the abyss. It's a bit pricey, but how often do you get to NZ!?
The Rotorua area has some nice places to visit, too. There is a thermal area with geysers, although I find the entrance fee quite high. It has become a tourist rip-off. If you have seen geysers in other places, no need to go there and support the rip-off. Not far from is an impressive Redwoods reserve, great for a walk, all open to the public! In the city center you'll find Kuirau Park, there are some bubbling mud pools and hot water lakes, open to the public for free as well. When you park your car in Rotorua, don't leave any valuables openly visible, there's a small chance that they'll be gone when you return, although this is true for many places in NZ.
If you have more questions, shoot.
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We only have three nights in Taupo before we head to Napier so I'll try to squeeze in as much sightseeing as I can!
Also, we'll have to spray during preflight and top-of-descent and luckily I have some cans for this trip but I've been trying to track down extra cans for future trips. Our handler wasn't very helpful and I sent an email to Callington Haven trying to possibly purchase some but I have yet to hear from them. Does anyone know where I can buy this stuff?
Also, we'll have to spray during preflight and top-of-descent and luckily I have some cans for this trip but I've been trying to track down extra cans for future trips. Our handler wasn't very helpful and I sent an email to Callington Haven trying to possibly purchase some but I have yet to hear from them. Does anyone know where I can buy this stuff?
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Hey send me a PM and I'll add you to the Facebook "Kiwi Pilots" group, post your questions in there and there are lots of Taupo / Rotorua based skydive and bizjet pilots who will be glad to help and / or show you a good time.
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Hi there.
Have seen quite a few large jets at Taupo before. The runway length isn't a problem really and the strength is more than Nelson which gets in large biz jets much more often that Taupo. The Apron is going to be Extended soon so park will be no problem.
Did you land here in February 2020 in a G650? I came out and saw it!
Would you come back if that was you? 😂
Have seen quite a few large jets at Taupo before. The runway length isn't a problem really and the strength is more than Nelson which gets in large biz jets much more often that Taupo. The Apron is going to be Extended soon so park will be no problem.
Did you land here in February 2020 in a G650? I came out and saw it!
Would you come back if that was you? 😂
