Aircraft ban likely during Chch test

Press, 7 August 1981, Page 1

Aircraft ban likely during Chch test

B.V

LES BLOXHAM,

travel editor

All aircraft are likely to be banned from flying over or near Lancaster Park during the afternoon of the first rugby test between New Zealand and South Africa on August 15. A spokesman for the Civil Aviation Division of the Ministry of Transport confirmed yesterday that the matter had been considered. A notice to pilots banning flights within a prescribed radius of the park will probably be i-eleased later next week. ,

The restriction, similar to the type imposed during a Royal visit, would not affect

scheduled aircraft movements through Christchurch Airport. Even in northwesterly conditions, aircraft positioning for their final approach to runway 29 rarely fly south-east of Cathedral Square. It is believed that the ban would be aimed at keeping the area clear so that R.N.Z.A.F. helicopters could fly observer patrols unhindered. Such a move would prevent television and newspaper photographers from obtaining aerial pictures of

the match, or any associated protest action.

Aero clubs will step up security on August 15 to , prevent a recurrence of the I incident involving a stolen ; plane which prompted the ; police to call off the Spring- ■ bok match against Waikato i at Hamilton on July 25. Any unauthorised aircraft j movements around Christ- ' church will be easily detected: Lancaster Park is in the middle of a control zone ' closely monitored by radar at Christchurch Airport. Air- ; craft cannot enter the zone, which extends from Dunsandel to Amberley, without j permission.