204B Driver Posted April 13, 2003 Report Share Posted April 13, 2003 Heli Ops I will do that because I think my son-in-law would like me to find work there. I will let you know just before I leave so we can more of an idea when I will be there. Thanks for your help. Ken Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Randy_G Posted April 14, 2003 Report Share Posted April 14, 2003 Hey Heli-ops, know anyone hiring in the Brissie area ?? Would love to move back. By the way 407, and anyone else thinking of going downunda, go with Singapore Air. The cost is a little more (cost each of us $200 CAD more than Air NZ to fly south last Oct ) but it is well worth it. They give you a menu of what choices you have for meals, and the food is incredible. Free drinks, and I ain''t talking sody pop neither !! The flight attendants are incredibly nice, and quite pleasant to the eyes. Each seat has a tv screen, with 9 choices of movies, if you''re lucky and get on one of the new 777''s, the movies are ''on demand'' too. Oh all of this is in economy class, not business or first class. Cheers Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
CTD Posted April 14, 2003 Report Share Posted April 14, 2003 There's Economy Class on airplanes?? Mr. Downwash - I have responded to your 'beer-buying' segment on the HAC thread. As for the Air Canuck thing, I don't have much of a choice! - got a squillion points. Figured a first class ticket for me and She-TD would be a nice treat. I just hope they're around long enough for me to cash them in... Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
407 Driver Posted April 14, 2003 Report Share Posted April 14, 2003 Too late Randy, We're already booked on Air Canada (the pride of Canada, Eh?) to LAX, then with Air NZ to AUK. I don't get the huge 205 fire $$$ to afford much else Heli-Ops, we'll be arriving on May 3rd, then immediately flying to the south island. We'll be driving north to be in your fair town on or about the 23rd. Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Heli Ops Posted April 14, 2003 Author Report Share Posted April 14, 2003 RandyG - talk to Johnny Mac at McDermott Aviation as he has a number of mediums working now, has just added three 214Bs from Oman to the fleet including the first ever 214B with belly tank for fire fighting. Also has few TH1Fs and some Soloy 47s. His website is www.mcdermottaviation.com Tell him I told you to call, he is a great guy to deal with and a straight shooter. Garry Mahoney from Kiwiland flies for him and he also does some work in Canada. Another one to contact is Roy Conomos at Aeropower as they always seem to be busy. Will try and find out some more around the Queensland area. Drop me a PM with your quals so I can sort out who you would be best talking to. 407Driver - Let me know when you arrive into AKL and will try and catch up. You will have to catch a bus from intl terminal to domestic terminal or its a short five min walk. Where down south are you headed, Christchurch or Queenstown. Might be able to time a couple of photo shoots around Milford Sound that you could join us on, scenery looks like mountains of BC. Heli Ops Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
407 Driver Posted April 14, 2003 Report Share Posted April 14, 2003 Heli-Ops, it looks like we''ll be in at 0715, and out at 0845 on the 3rd. We have a van rented at CHC (No, not Codfather Helicopters Corp, that''s Christchurch!) and we''ll wander the sheep paddocks of the south island for a few weeks..... Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Heli Ops Posted April 14, 2003 Author Report Share Posted April 14, 2003 Best way to see the South Island is one of two ways. If it was me I would drive from Christchurch to Mt Cook National Park and stay in the Hermitage hotel for the night, most amazing view of the mountain in the morning. Helicopter Line run AS355s on sightseeing trips up the glacier from there and around the summit of the mountain with landings etc etc. From here drive through to Queenstown and Te Anau. Both have plenty plenty helicopters and I have some good friends who I know will be able to chuck you and the missus in their back seat for a flight or two. Make sure you take a language book as many of the Chop Suey brigade live down this way. Then head up through Wanaka, through Haast Pass and up the wild and rugged West Coast. This is some of the best part of the country and the helicopter hunting from this region is the stuff legends are made of. James Scott still runs a couple of 500Ds on deer recovery out of Fox Glacier. Fox and Franz Josef both have glacier trips, either walkinmg or flying. Kelly who is the base manager for Glacier Southern Lakes helicopters is a Canadian so might be able to wangle a ride or two with him. Then carry on up the coast through Hokitika, Greymouth and then through some wilderness areas to Karamea and enjoy the beaches up there. Across to Nelson and then over to Blenheim for a long awaited sojourn through the best wine country Kiwiland has to offer. I know all the best spots there If you are keeping van then straight onto the ferry, if not then drive from Blenheim to Kaikoura and down the coast back to CHC. Hope that enlightens you. The south island of NZ is the best part. North Island is nice but not as good as south. Are you into fishing, if so will arrange a days helifishing for you when you get here to AKL. Heli Ops Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
407 Driver Posted April 15, 2003 Report Share Posted April 15, 2003 Excellent advise Heli-Ops. We will follow this routing. One exception from the good lady is....delete all helicopter activities, and place cultural, historic, and artistic activities in instead??? I''ll try and sneak away at times and look at helicopters, but probably will not have much success, as she catches on quite quickly Thanks, Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
CTD Posted April 15, 2003 Report Share Posted April 15, 2003 Good point Randy - I''ll work that angle for sure. It''s important that She-TD gets the best treatment possible, after all, she''s used to first class from me Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Randy_G Posted April 15, 2003 Report Share Posted April 15, 2003 CTD those miles are good on all Star Alliance airlines, meaning that Singapore with take em. Just so''s you know for future reference. 407 there are some things that you just have to dig deep for, and flying long distance on SA is one of those things. Flew Air NZ and they weren''t bad, but I''ll spend the extra little bit (and it''s not that much difference) to fly SA. When we looked for last fall Air NZ was $1583 rtn to Brisbane. Sing was $1750. (oh plus taxes, fees, etc.) heli-ops check your pm''s, and thanks again for the info. Cheers Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
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