BETTER AIDS URGED FOR N.Z. AVIATION

Press, Volume CIII, Issue 30592, 7 November 1964, Page 19

BETTER AIDS URGED FOR N.Z. AVIATION

The most modern and efficient navigational aids must be installed in New Zealand, even though they may appear very costly, says the Air League of New Zealand in its fifth and final interim report on navigational aids and air traffic control.

“The aim must be to make air travel absolutely reliable so that passegners can board aircraft in the certain knowledge that irrespective of visibility conditions they will reach their chosen destinations on time and in safety,” the league says. “While certain improvements are now planned in New Zealand’s air-navigational facilities which will bring a greater degree of safety, efficiency and reliability of operation, more should be done.” In particular, the league proposes that the very high.frequency omni-directional range stations planned for Auckland, Wellington and Christchurch should be supplemented by stations for the whole of the domestic primary network of air services.

On approach and let-down aids, it says the N.D.B. facilities in use at airfields other than Auckland, Wellington, Christchurch and Dunedin, are obsolete and should be replaced. The proposed visualapproach aid facilities should be of a standard type at all airfields. I “Many new techniques and devices which will greatly simplify the control and operation of aircraft are now being developed,” the league continues. “If we wish to make progress towards the absolute reliability of our air services it is essential that a continuous positive study be made of these developments, with a view to the earliest possible adoption of those which are appropriate for use in New Zealand.”

In a foreword, the league’s president (Sir Matthew Oram) says that when the aids in New Zealand are measured alongside the current requirements of the International Civil Aviation Organisation, New Zealand could be accused of dragging the chain. “The reason for this is usually given as one of cost, but surely it is clear that we must pay in any case—either in cash for up-to-date facilities, or failing that, in inconveniences, inefficiecy and even, in extreme cases, in human lives,” Sir Matthew Oram says.

The league’s special committee was justified in having “a peep into the crystal bowl,” as it was clear that complete reliability of air services would not be possible until some of the devices and techniques now in the early stages of development came into regular use, he adds.