NZPP last days?
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NZPP last days?
3rd December 2010
Paraparaumu Airport User Group
Paraparaumu Airport
Dear Users:
Risk mitigation at Paraparaumu Aerodrome
The Director of the CAA notified PAL on the 1st of September 2010 of his mandate for an Aerodrome Flight Information Service (AFIS) to be established at NZPP by the 1st of December 2010.
The CAA came to this conclusion after conducting their own risk assessment of Paraparaumu Aerodrome and the surrounding airspace. In making his decision to mandate AFIS the Director made it very clear to PAL that his decision was based on current complexity and movement numbers at the airport and was not linked to the planned establishment of Part 121 operations at the airport. The Director of CAA cited the following areas of concern when making his decision.
Current level of operations at Paraparaumu
Complexity of operations at Paraparaumu
Demands of terrain and weather
Instrument approach procedures and proximity of controlled airspace
Adequacy of current controls
Nature and level of present risk
Reported incidents
PAL responded to the Director’s mandate by conducting due diligence on the costs of an AFIS service at the airport. This review concluded that an AFIS service based on current movement numbers and type of operations at Paraparaumu would be financially unviable for both PAL and the users of the airport.
PAL met with the Director of CAA in early November to discuss his mandate and to present an alternative safety mitigation plan as an alternative to AFIS at the airport. The CAA responded by asking PAL to show how they would manage or eliminate the following risks identified by CAA.
Closely spaced sealed runway 16/34 and the grass runway and parallel operations
Contra-rotating circuits with the same or similar circuit heights
Crossing 12/30 grass strip
The conduct of helicopter operations in close proximity to the runways
A high number of training flights with variable levels of pilot skill and experience.
After developing a risk mitigation plan and incorporating several further changes suggested by CAA, PAL has committed to the following operational improvements to be implemented by the 10th of December 2010 in response to the above mentioned risks identified by CAA. The Director of CAA has committed to review his mandate for AFIS if these changes are implemented by the agreed date.
Therefore the following safety mitigation measures will be implemented at Paraparaumu Airport effective on the 10th of December 2010.
1. All aircraft, other than gliders and the gliding tug must use sealed runway 16/34 circuit for both the sealed runway and grass runway 16/34 (i.e. grass runway circuit 16/34 limited to gliders and tug only).
2. Grass runway 12 will be closed for all operations. Imperative landings and gliding operations only will be permitted on grass runway 30
3. No more than three aircraft conducting circuit training at the airport at any one time.
4. No more than one aircraft on first solo within any circuit at any one time.
5. Helicopters and aeroplanes will be restricted from using grass runway 16/34 when gliding is in progress during weekends or on Wednesdays.
6. On days other than weekends and Wednesdays helicopters and aeroplanes have preference over gliders for use of grass runway 16/34.
7. All helicopter training other than circuit training is prohibited at the airport (this includes autorotations, slope training, sling load training, and any activity within the airport boundaries including the centre grass area).
PAL will organise for NOTAMs to be issued prior to 10th of December concerning these changes, along with changes to the airport’s operational manual and draft amendments for the AIP which will be published first as an AIP supplement on the 10th of March 2011 and then in the AIP on the 7th of April 2011. All users based at the airport will also need to sign an MOU which PAL will draft agreeing to these operational requirements.
Other safety mitigation measures that will be, or have been, established include:
1. An increase in the frequency of user group meetings over the summer months (users have agreed to)
2. Software upgrade to AWIB to allow AWIB to broadcast which runway the wind direction favours (target date 10th of December 2010)
3. Vector article published by CAA outlining these changes (TBA)
4. Information on PAL’s website for transit pilots to help them avoid the main areas of aircraft activity within the NZPP MBZ. (TBA)
PAL acknowledges that the notice for these changes is short. However, PAL believes that these changes will increase the safety of our airport and will hopefully avoid the cost of AFIS for all users at this point in time.
Paraparaumu Airport User Group
Paraparaumu Airport
Dear Users:
Risk mitigation at Paraparaumu Aerodrome
The Director of the CAA notified PAL on the 1st of September 2010 of his mandate for an Aerodrome Flight Information Service (AFIS) to be established at NZPP by the 1st of December 2010.
The CAA came to this conclusion after conducting their own risk assessment of Paraparaumu Aerodrome and the surrounding airspace. In making his decision to mandate AFIS the Director made it very clear to PAL that his decision was based on current complexity and movement numbers at the airport and was not linked to the planned establishment of Part 121 operations at the airport. The Director of CAA cited the following areas of concern when making his decision.
Current level of operations at Paraparaumu
Complexity of operations at Paraparaumu
Demands of terrain and weather
Instrument approach procedures and proximity of controlled airspace
Adequacy of current controls
Nature and level of present risk
Reported incidents
PAL responded to the Director’s mandate by conducting due diligence on the costs of an AFIS service at the airport. This review concluded that an AFIS service based on current movement numbers and type of operations at Paraparaumu would be financially unviable for both PAL and the users of the airport.
PAL met with the Director of CAA in early November to discuss his mandate and to present an alternative safety mitigation plan as an alternative to AFIS at the airport. The CAA responded by asking PAL to show how they would manage or eliminate the following risks identified by CAA.
Closely spaced sealed runway 16/34 and the grass runway and parallel operations
Contra-rotating circuits with the same or similar circuit heights
Crossing 12/30 grass strip
The conduct of helicopter operations in close proximity to the runways
A high number of training flights with variable levels of pilot skill and experience.
After developing a risk mitigation plan and incorporating several further changes suggested by CAA, PAL has committed to the following operational improvements to be implemented by the 10th of December 2010 in response to the above mentioned risks identified by CAA. The Director of CAA has committed to review his mandate for AFIS if these changes are implemented by the agreed date.
Therefore the following safety mitigation measures will be implemented at Paraparaumu Airport effective on the 10th of December 2010.
1. All aircraft, other than gliders and the gliding tug must use sealed runway 16/34 circuit for both the sealed runway and grass runway 16/34 (i.e. grass runway circuit 16/34 limited to gliders and tug only).
2. Grass runway 12 will be closed for all operations. Imperative landings and gliding operations only will be permitted on grass runway 30
3. No more than three aircraft conducting circuit training at the airport at any one time.
4. No more than one aircraft on first solo within any circuit at any one time.
5. Helicopters and aeroplanes will be restricted from using grass runway 16/34 when gliding is in progress during weekends or on Wednesdays.
6. On days other than weekends and Wednesdays helicopters and aeroplanes have preference over gliders for use of grass runway 16/34.
7. All helicopter training other than circuit training is prohibited at the airport (this includes autorotations, slope training, sling load training, and any activity within the airport boundaries including the centre grass area).
PAL will organise for NOTAMs to be issued prior to 10th of December concerning these changes, along with changes to the airport’s operational manual and draft amendments for the AIP which will be published first as an AIP supplement on the 10th of March 2011 and then in the AIP on the 7th of April 2011. All users based at the airport will also need to sign an MOU which PAL will draft agreeing to these operational requirements.
Other safety mitigation measures that will be, or have been, established include:
1. An increase in the frequency of user group meetings over the summer months (users have agreed to)
2. Software upgrade to AWIB to allow AWIB to broadcast which runway the wind direction favours (target date 10th of December 2010)
3. Vector article published by CAA outlining these changes (TBA)
4. Information on PAL’s website for transit pilots to help them avoid the main areas of aircraft activity within the NZPP MBZ. (TBA)
PAL acknowledges that the notice for these changes is short. However, PAL believes that these changes will increase the safety of our airport and will hopefully avoid the cost of AFIS for all users at this point in time.
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7. All helicopter training other than circuit training is prohibited at the airport (this includes autorotations, slope training, sling load training, and any activity within the airport boundaries including the centre grass area).
This letter gave less then one weeks notification of a major limitation of Heli training at the airport. This activity accounts for at lest 90% of the revenue that the airport earns. Robinson will quite happily admit the airport does not make a profit so what happens when 90% of what they do make disappears?
All this just to aviod losing their certification while ANZ make up their mind if they want to come in or not. The lost profit from the Heli activity will be worth more than a re-issue audit for the certificate. None of it makes any sense when you follow their actions through despite what they are saying. The old saying; "the picture doesn't fit the soundtrack" springs to mind.
The legal action that PAL had reported they were taking on CAA was canned too.
Perhaps im just completely over it and am seeing ghosts! or perhaps not....
This letter gave less then one weeks notification of a major limitation of Heli training at the airport. This activity accounts for at lest 90% of the revenue that the airport earns. Robinson will quite happily admit the airport does not make a profit so what happens when 90% of what they do make disappears?
All this just to aviod losing their certification while ANZ make up their mind if they want to come in or not. The lost profit from the Heli activity will be worth more than a re-issue audit for the certificate. None of it makes any sense when you follow their actions through despite what they are saying. The old saying; "the picture doesn't fit the soundtrack" springs to mind.
The legal action that PAL had reported they were taking on CAA was canned too.
Perhaps im just completely over it and am seeing ghosts! or perhaps not....
Originally Posted by specialvfr
7. All helicopter training other than circuit training is prohibited at the airport (this includes autorotations, slope training, sling load training, and any activity within the airport boundaries including the centre grass area).
This letter gave less then one weeks notification of a major limitation of Heli training at the airport. This activity accounts for at lest 90% of the revenue that the airport earns. Robinson will quite happily admit the airport does not make a profit so what happens when 90% of what they do make disappears?
This letter gave less then one weeks notification of a major limitation of Heli training at the airport. This activity accounts for at lest 90% of the revenue that the airport earns. Robinson will quite happily admit the airport does not make a profit so what happens when 90% of what they do make disappears?
Me thinks you're jumping up and down over nothing really.. Have fun playing by yourself.
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Yeah, maybe your right, but to be completely blindsided like that shows just how much operators are respected by PAL.
And regardless, 5 degree approaches at 75-90kts and 60 degree approaches at 45-50kts shouldn't be in the same circuit, just as they aren't in Ardmore and Christchurch.
But one good thing i guess now is, seeing as there is no non-traffic side they can resume SOHR's.
And regardless, 5 degree approaches at 75-90kts and 60 degree approaches at 45-50kts shouldn't be in the same circuit, just as they aren't in Ardmore and Christchurch.
But one good thing i guess now is, seeing as there is no non-traffic side they can resume SOHR's.
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PARAPARAUMU (NZPP):
A2239/10 FROM: 09 DEC 2010 11:00 TO: 09 MAR 2011 11:00
CIRCUIT TRAINING LTD TO MAX 3 ACFT AT ANY TIME
A2243/10 FROM: 09 DEC 2010 11:00 TO: PERM
ALL TRAFFIC OTHER THAN GLIDERS AND TOW AIRCRAFT SHALL CIRCUIT
TO THE
WEST WHEN OPR ON RWY 16/34 AND GRASS RWY 16/34
A2241/10 FROM: 09 DEC 2010 11:00 TO: 09 MAR 2011 11:00
GRASS RWY 12 CLSD
A2242/10 FROM: 09 DEC 2010 11:00 TO: 09 MAR 2011 11:00
HELICOPTER CENTRE GRASS TRAINING AREA CLSD. HELICOPTER
TRAINING AREA
RE-ESTABLISHED NW OF WESTERN APRON
--------------------------------
All good in IMHO - can only serve to make the airfield more viable.
Whatever the short term pain, worth it to increase safety. And it certainly needed something done.
Information service would still be ideal, but who comes up with $?
A2239/10 FROM: 09 DEC 2010 11:00 TO: 09 MAR 2011 11:00
CIRCUIT TRAINING LTD TO MAX 3 ACFT AT ANY TIME
A2243/10 FROM: 09 DEC 2010 11:00 TO: PERM
ALL TRAFFIC OTHER THAN GLIDERS AND TOW AIRCRAFT SHALL CIRCUIT
TO THE
WEST WHEN OPR ON RWY 16/34 AND GRASS RWY 16/34
A2241/10 FROM: 09 DEC 2010 11:00 TO: 09 MAR 2011 11:00
GRASS RWY 12 CLSD
A2242/10 FROM: 09 DEC 2010 11:00 TO: 09 MAR 2011 11:00
HELICOPTER CENTRE GRASS TRAINING AREA CLSD. HELICOPTER
TRAINING AREA
RE-ESTABLISHED NW OF WESTERN APRON
--------------------------------
All good in IMHO - can only serve to make the airfield more viable.
Whatever the short term pain, worth it to increase safety. And it certainly needed something done.
Information service would still be ideal, but who comes up with $?
Surely Airways can foot some of the bill for the re-commissioning of Flight Service at PP, and perhaps return slightly less to the airlines each year? User pays is an acceptable policy in places, but the $50 per movement charge that I have heard thrown around is not sustainable for the users of the aerodrome. Personally I'd be happy to foot around $30 max (including landing fees, which IIRC are around $15 for a C152 at PP). The Part 121 and 125 operators can surely accept a slightly smaller refund in their airways charges to subsidise the safety of all aviation?
In fact, while re-commissioning Flight Service will have obvious safety benefits, why not do it properly and set it up as a Class D tower? (I'm sure Ardmore could use this too.) Would have even greater safety benefits, and I imagine not cost much more than FSS. Would make a great tower for trainee ATCOs to make a start too...
In fact, while re-commissioning Flight Service will have obvious safety benefits, why not do it properly and set it up as a Class D tower? (I'm sure Ardmore could use this too.) Would have even greater safety benefits, and I imagine not cost much more than FSS. Would make a great tower for trainee ATCOs to make a start too...
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Oh... so what about visiting taildraggers - I understand that they will be able to still use the grass (unless PAL wants the odd groudloop?)
There are also some other issues going on at PP. Helipro is most likely to consolidate all flight training to PN in the new year - something that students currently at Helipro are starting to hear.
Informal word from CAA is that they were never going to allow Air NZ flights at PP due to the surrounding urban environment in too close proximity. Perhaps Sir Noel Robinson is merely playing a ruse, portraying the CAA as being bastards, all the while knowing what the real story is? Then when he closes the airport as it is not economically viable and he converts completely to a big box and urban development - who will really be surprised?
As one drives past, the only development that appears to be happening is the construction of the Mitre 10 Mega and the associated roadworks to accomodate it....
There are also some other issues going on at PP. Helipro is most likely to consolidate all flight training to PN in the new year - something that students currently at Helipro are starting to hear.
Informal word from CAA is that they were never going to allow Air NZ flights at PP due to the surrounding urban environment in too close proximity. Perhaps Sir Noel Robinson is merely playing a ruse, portraying the CAA as being bastards, all the while knowing what the real story is? Then when he closes the airport as it is not economically viable and he converts completely to a big box and urban development - who will really be surprised?
As one drives past, the only development that appears to be happening is the construction of the Mitre 10 Mega and the associated roadworks to accomodate it....
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I don't see the link between the above changes and Helipro moving to Palmy - anyway, that is not what this thread is about.
It will be a shame if they do go but no doubt some other operator will step in.
The owner is obliged to continue to operate the airfield as such - it is in the terms of the sale-and-purchase agreement. He will have trouble changing them, however, it would be a lot easier for him to do that any more aircraft fall onto residents roofs.
The changes will reduce the chances of that happening.
It will be a shame if they do go but no doubt some other operator will step in.
The owner is obliged to continue to operate the airfield as such - it is in the terms of the sale-and-purchase agreement. He will have trouble changing them, however, it would be a lot easier for him to do that any more aircraft fall onto residents roofs.
The changes will reduce the chances of that happening.
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I understand that Helipro is not entirely happy with the training restrictions that have been imposed. I certainly prefer the idea of kicking out some helicopter training from the cct - anything to reduce the congestion!
WAC could potentially move up since being forced to vacate their old hangar by WIAL and (from what I understand) the current arrangements give them at best a temporary reprieve.
WAC could potentially move up since being forced to vacate their old hangar by WIAL and (from what I understand) the current arrangements give them at best a temporary reprieve.
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As a frequent user of the airport, i for one know that there a very few people happy with these new procedures. There are a few areas in the circuit where there is now a major risk of converging traffic, i don't know how much thought the CAA has put into these changes but it seems to me like there are obvious flaws. I truly hate to say it, but it has to be said that if the CAA doesn't change something soon, they'l be back out at PP investigating another major incident very shortly. Heres hoping this isn't the case. happy & safe flying to all.
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And if that happens, especially if anyone on the ground is hurt, there will be much agitating to shut down the airport. This may well be supported from sources that would prefer to remain in the background, at this time.
Where will the best return be? an aerodrome with no where near enough movements to be profitable, or a BIG NEW INDUSTRIAL ESTATE.
Where will the best return be? an aerodrome with no where near enough movements to be profitable, or a BIG NEW INDUSTRIAL ESTATE.
Interesting
So NZPP with little scheduled IFR ATO apart from air2there and a small fleet of training aircraft is unsafe without an ATC operation.
NZAP with a full schedule of B1900 operations, the largest skydive operation in the country, helicopter and SE charter base and flight training is "CAA approved safe?"
NZAR the largest GA flight school operation, plus helicopters plus warbird aircraft and ex mil jets. Part 121 DC3 operations plus corporate jet operations is safe with nothing except an airfield charging unit, oops I meant a UNICOM.
Something does not sound right.
NZAP with a full schedule of B1900 operations, the largest skydive operation in the country, helicopter and SE charter base and flight training is "CAA approved safe?"
NZAR the largest GA flight school operation, plus helicopters plus warbird aircraft and ex mil jets. Part 121 DC3 operations plus corporate jet operations is safe with nothing except an airfield charging unit, oops I meant a UNICOM.
Something does not sound right.
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Yep, I will not at all be surprised when Sir Noel successfully campains to get it shut down as a functioning airfield. Already the much vaunted airport terminal and airpark has been scaled back - hardly surprising as his greed is no doubt focussed on non aviation related revenue.
I would so love to be proved wrong, but I do think that he has pulled a rather clever and sly one here.
I would so love to be proved wrong, but I do think that he has pulled a rather clever and sly one here.
It's absolute craziness trying to stop scheduled ops out of NZPP. With the right procedures it can be done quite safely as has been pointed out with operations at other airfields. The good people of PP need to realise what they have with their airfield and not be swayed by a few NIMBY's and other "interested parties".
That area badly needs a direct to link to Auckland and Christchurch. There is an increasing population base and getting to NZWN from that area is a real pain in fact going via NZPM is probably easier for many folk in the Kapiti Coast area.
I see the owners of NZWN being the biggest losers if NZPP got scheduled operations. Perhaps they are muddying the waters behind the scenes.
That area badly needs a direct to link to Auckland and Christchurch. There is an increasing population base and getting to NZWN from that area is a real pain in fact going via NZPM is probably easier for many folk in the Kapiti Coast area.
I see the owners of NZWN being the biggest losers if NZPP got scheduled operations. Perhaps they are muddying the waters behind the scenes.
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It's all on again.........
Air NZ subsidiary adds Kapiti flights | Stuff.co.nz
.......but WTF is paying? Anyone have any information?
.......but WTF is paying? Anyone have any information?