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Safety Hub
Safety messages and practical flying reminders from the Kapiti Aero Club safety team.
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Fuel Bowser Displays
CAA has recently highlighted a change to BP fuel bowsers that is catching some pilots out. The dollar amount is now shown large at the top of the display, with the number of litres below in a smaller font.
Ground Ops8 October 20261 min read
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28 articles in Aerodrome & Circuit
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.
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.
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.
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.
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.
Aerodrome & Circuit1 May 20261 min read
Brief Passengers for Circuit Operations
Vacate the overhead to 2 NM if unsure, and brief passengers on quiet times, a 'stop talking' signal and how to point out traffic.
Aerodrome & Circuit3 April 20261 min read
Don't Land Before the Threshold
Cross the threshold at about 50 ft AGL and touch down beyond it, ideally near the aiming point markers – resist the urge to 'duck under' on final for RWY 16.
Aerodrome & Circuit27 February 20261 min read
Parallel Operations: What Counts and What Doesn't
Parallel take-offs or landings are prohibited at NZPP, but backtracking on the sealed runway while another aircraft lands on the grass isn't a parallel operation.
Aerodrome & Circuit6 February 20262 min read
Standard Overhead Join
Where an aerodrome has both left- and right-hand circuits, always enter the overhead with the aerodrome on your left, then reposition clear of the overhead for a right-hand circuit.
Aerodrome & Circuit9 January 20261 min read
Bird Strike Prevention and Reporting
Assess bird hazards before every flight, ask Flight Service to use the bird-scaring cannons, and report any strike or near miss on MIFIS with full details.
Aerodrome & Circuit14 November 20251 min read
Keep Go-Arounds Simple in Gusty Conditions
In bumpy, gusty conditions don't hesitate to go around – do one thing at a time: power, pitch, clean up, then the radio call.
Aerodrome & Circuit30 October 20251 min read
Birds on the Aerodrome: Report and Wait
Birds of any size are a hazard – tell AFIS where they are and wait patiently (shut down if needed) while the airport vehicle clears them.
Aerodrome & Circuit24 October 20251 min read
Go Around When in Doubt
Gusty conditions are a reminder to go around whenever the approach isn't right – power, pitch, clean up, then radio once safely climbing.
Aerodrome & Circuit10 October 20251 min read
No Simultaneous Parallel Operations at NZPP
Never take off or land on the sealed runway, grass runway or FATO while another aircraft is using a parallel one; landing traffic has right of way.
Aerodrome & Circuit29 August 20251 min read
Look Both Ways Before Entering a Runway
Before lining up or crossing any runway, turn the aircraft if needed to look properly both ways, and ask AFIS at NZPP for traffic positions if unsure.