Inquiries & Recommendations

Ngā ketuketutanga me ngā tūtohunga

On 26 February 2025, the Commission recommended to the Director of Civil Aviation at the Civil Aviation Authority of New Zealand that they promote, through the appropriate International Civil Aviation Organization (ICAO) forum, the need for additional information to be included in all rotorcraft flight manuals, to assist pilots in avoiding Vortex Ring State.

Develop and follow a routine maintenance programme to ensure that all existing fencing is kept in sound condition to optimise the safety potential of the structures.

More attention be paid to cardiovascular risk factors in asymptomatic individuals, in order to identify individuals with significant vascular disease, before the risk of pilot incapacitation becomes excessive.

Implements a system of regular structured meetings of all pilots and tug masters operating in the port, to foster good communication and a shared concept of operational requirements. Such a system should supplement, rather than replace, the informal communication which exists between pilots and tug masters.

They place a large dark board behind the flashing lights of the crossing alarms on the eastern side of the crossing in order to improve the visibility of the lights when the sun is setting.

Introduce the following directions into the harbour bylaws covering their ports, to emphasise the intent and principles of STCW and SOLAS: • all vessels, whether under pilotage or pilot exempt, shall have an agreed passage plan for transits within harbour limits • the number of crew members on the bridge shall be sufficient to safely carry out the agreed passage plan

Implement a requirement for Recognised Surveyors to record in their survey report the servicing and expiry details for life-saving appliances onboard the vessel, to reduce the risk of appliances that are not fit for purpose remaining in service.

Advise flight training organisations that they should actively teach pilots to recognise when they should decline an Air Traffic Control clearance, and how to request an alternative clearance.

implement additional training for all Masters and officers who serve on board the company's vessels to ensure that they understand the full capabilities and limitations of bridge equipment, especially equipment that may have been retro-fitted, and its best use to enhance the navigation and safety of the company's vessels.

include in the 12-monthly C-check an additional test to establish that adequate cooling has been achieved within all areas of the generator enclosure with all covers in place after the generator has run under load continuously for about 45 minutes.

On 27 March 2025, the Commission recommended that the CAA issue guidance to promote suitable methods to increase conspicuity for aircraft flying at night.

formulate an employment policy for the vetting of applicants for permanent or temporary positions to ensure that the individual has documented proof of the qualifications appropriate to the position applied for.