Civil Aviation Authority of New Zealand
7 September 2006
MEDIA RELEASE
For further information contact Manager Communications:
Bill Sommer
Tel: 0-4-560 9411 or 0-27-546 8216
Safety Around Helicopters DVD Released
The Minister for Transport Safety, Harry Duynhoven, launched a new aviation safety DVD, Safety Around Helicopters, today. It is aimed at members of the public whose activities may involve helicopters. The DVD is jointly produced by the Civil Aviation Authority (CAA) and Video New Zealand.
The DVD is divided into modules so people can view the information relevant to their activity. The Introduction is designed to be viewed by everyone - it gives information on safely approaching a helicopter, and using the doors and seat belts.
The specific modules are:
- Going Bush
- The Mountains
- Industry
- All at Sea
- Corporate & Tourism
- Rescue on the Land
There is also a module on helicopter identification.
In launching the DVD, Mr Duynhoven said that New Zealand had more helicopters per head of population than any other country. He congratulated the CAA and Video New Zealand for recognising the need to educate the public about helicopters.
He said that it will be of benefit:
- to trampers and hunters who are going bush;
- to those industries that may have to prepare a site for the operation of a helicopter undertaking lifting operations;
- to the tourists and corporate clients who may use a helicopter for transport, sightseeing or other recreational activities;
- to the growing numbers of skiers and snowboarders who use helicopters to access our mountains;
- to the many boaties who at some time may require assistance in an emergency; and
- to the many people who live, work, or operate in remote parts of our country that are difficult-to-access, and who may require emergency assistance at short notice by day or by night.
"With the increasing number and use of helicopters in New Zealand, I am confident that this DVD has the potential to improve safety standards for all people who come into contact with helicopters. This will flow on into safety benefits to those in the rotary sector of the aviation community," said Mr Duynhoven.
The Director of Civil Aviation, John Jones, thanked all the people and organisations who had contributed to the production of the DVD, "the contribution of the helicopter operators around the country who put in their time, expertise, and resources was essential - without that commitment, this project would not have been possible."
"The level of cooperation demonstrated in making this project a success is an excellent illustration of how the aviation community, and those who interact with it, can work together to make aviation in New Zealand even safer," said John Jones.
Copies of the DVD can be loaned from the CAA library for free, and purchased directly from Video New Zealand for $23 plus p&p.