Safety Hub · Kapiti Aero Club

Airmanship11 September 20261 min read

Crosswind Landings: Know Your Limits

Crosswind skills fade – be honest about your limits, watch for changing winds at NZPP, use rudder and aileron correctly, and go around if it doesn't look right.

Aerodrome & Circuit4 September 20261 min read

Helicopters and Rotor Wash

Rotor wash can cause strong turbulence, outflow and FOD – give hovering or low helicopters plenty of space and time, and delay your approach if needed.

Procedures & SOPs28 August 20261 min read

Know When Your BFR Is Due

Your BFR falls due two years from your flight test date, not your licence issue date – check your logbook; renewing within 60 days keeps the original anniversary.

Aircraft & Engine22 August 20261 min read

Fuel Contamination: Drain, Settle, Inspect

Around 40% of engine failures involve fuel problems – drain after refuelling and every pre-flight, let fuel settle and check it's blue and clean.

Airspace & Radio14 August 20261 min read

Avoid Airspace Infringements

Prevent airspace infringements with thorough planning, a current VNC plus EFB backup, early departure and arrival briefs, and constant position checks.

Aerodrome & Circuit8 August 20261 min read

How to Change Circuit Direction

Joining doesn't commit you to landing – after one or two go-arounds consider another runway or diverting; change direction by extending downwind and turning 180° outwards.

Airmanship1 August 20261 min read

Flying After a Break

After winter or any break, skills can be rusty even if you're current – consider a refresher with an instructor, plan more thoroughly and slow things down.

Aircraft & Engine24 July 20261 min read

Carb Icing Refresher for Cold, Damp Days

Carb icing is most common on cold, damp days but possible from -10°C to +25°C – use carb heat below the green arc and watch for it in SCADIE checks.

Aircraft & Engine17 July 20261 min read

Check Oil Quality and Quantity Every Pre-Flight

Check oil quality and quantity every pre-flight, then close the oil cap finger-tight only so the next pilot can open it.

Procedures & SOPs10 July 20261 min read

Take Time Over Checks on Cold Mornings

Don't rush checks to catch a weather window – complete each item properly, and on cold mornings wait for the oil temperature to reach the green before run-ups.

Aerodrome & Circuit26 June 20261 min read

Turn the Aircraft to Clear the Runway Approach

Turning your head isn't enough – position the aircraft so you can see both ways before entering or crossing a runway, and ask AFIS if unsure of traffic.

Procedures & SOPs19 June 20261 min read

Check the Tech Log Before Every Flight

Check every item in the tech log before flight – not just the next 100-hour check – including both hours remaining and calendar due dates.

Aerodrome & Circuit12 June 20261 min read

Northbound Departures From Runway 16

Use NZPP's preferred VFR routes; when departing north off RWY 16, depart via downwind and cross the threshold at 1,000 ft or preferably higher.

Emergencies29 May 20261 min read

Managing an Alternator Failure

If the alternator fails and can't be reset per the POH, shed electrical load, land as soon as practicable, and use radio-failure procedures or a phone if needed.

Aerodrome & Circuit22 May 20261 min read

Avoid Weekend Ground Traffic Jams

Busy weekends at NZPP mean more ground traffic – brief your taxi route, vacate promptly and consider Hotel or Foxtrot then Golf instead of Alpha.

Fuel Bowser Displays

Browse articles