Agricultural Aviation Recognises Outstanding Performance

Agricultural Aviation Recognises Outstanding Performance

The New Zealand Agricultural Aviation Association is pleased to confirm the winners of two awards presented at the Aviation Leadership Gala Awards Dinner in Hamilton on Tuesday 25 July.

‘These awards recognise operational excellence and outstanding industry leadership in agricultural aviation,’ said Alan Beck, Chairman of the NZ Agricultural Aviation Association (NZAAA).

This year’s awards went to:

Brian Casey for his contribution to the development of the aerial top dressing industry in New Zealand. Brian is Chief Pilot of Phoenix Aviation in Gore and has 45 years flying experience. During this time, he has clocked up nearly 30,000 hours in the air and has spread around 400,000 tonnes of fertiliser. While enjoying the independence of flying, Brian has been a role model to company employees and the industry generally for his approach to safe flying, and is proud of his accident free flying record.

Jim Burtenshaw from CAA for his contribution to the Down to the Wire campaign. Jim is the Manager of the Safety Investigation Unit at the Civil Aviation Authority. Down to the Wire was developed by NZAAA to alert farmers to the risks posed to agricultural pilots by wires on farms and to encourage their removal. Jim was instrumental on the part of the regulator in encouraging the development of Down to the Wire and has worked closely with Worksafe to publish a wire safety notice.

‘Both are thoroughly deserved recipients - it is great to be a part of an industry that can honour both its own and those outside the industry who bring significant positive benefits to us,’ said Beck.

Presenting these awards was Alan Beck’s last official duty as Chairman of the NZAAA. He has completed his term as Chairman and was replaced at the NZAAA AGM by Tony Michelle, Amuri Helicopters, Hanmer Springs.

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