There are still some things you can be certain about: Flyinn continues to provide unparalleled flying vacations – the holday of a lifetime – for pilots and their partners.

Visit us at the upcoming airshows:

• AeroExpo Europe at Bitburg Germany. May 27 – 29th – that’s THIS WEEKEND! (Booth 39)
• AeroExpo UK, at Sywell England. June 17 – 19
• EAA Airventure, USA. July 25 – 31

Check out this season’s adventures and Join us for one of your own…

Spring….

at Geordie Hill saw lambs aplenty as we readied the 180 hp 172′s for action. Flyinn Guests were surrounded by hills tinged with the fresh growth of spring, mountains with the last whisps of snow, and clean clear air ascending into breathtaking depths of blue. The 172′s perform well in this crisp clean air as we begin our next season of Flyinn.

Mid November Flyinn Guests totally enjoyed the North, from KeriKeri, Great Barrier Island and the steaming hot pools of Rotorua. Then a Flyinn first – an excursion on the Whanganui River and the Bridge to Nowhere. This beautiful sanctuary holds a slice of NZ’s history and the bridge is now an iconic symbol for the area. From here our adventurers continued southwards to encounter golden beaches, untamed mountains and glacial rivers. Then to more open country arriving at Geordie Hill Station – Flyinn’s base – and their home away from home. From here guests enjoy packing only what they need for each day’s excursion to destinations around the majestic south. Completing this tour our guests joined us by wearing very fitting 30′s attire, for an evenings celebration in Pete’s Tiger Moth hangar. A total aviation adventure, immersed in real kiwi life …. unreal.

Summer…

was magic: rain at night, sunshine all day, and the grass kept growing. It has been an exceptional season and this summer, Flyinn Guests enjoyed it all : as well as completing the Flyinn itineraries some took extra time for gliding at nearby Omarama (World reknown for gliding), and some simply enoyed a superbly interesting vacation where everything was thought of and they were able to relax and revive at the same time as joining in each days activities. Some were intensly interested in farming and had many good questions for the Geordie Hill Station managers, some broadened their mountain flying skills, and some took particular care with their photography with excellent results. Some were on their second visit which is special for us both, and some wrote a blog (which we can post on our website soon). Some made it all the way to south west Fiordland, and others came together with a group of friends and gained memories to share forever. A very full and successful summer.

Autumn…

guests enjoy a change in hue; shadows lengthen and evening sunsets glow on the mountains. Flying takes them over countryside bright with autumn colour – the last show before trees relinquish their leaves. They learn about autumn mustering work on the station, and watch the sheep dogs at work. The days are warm, but some nights we’ll light the fire.

And so it is that another Flyinn Season ends. Special thanks to our guests this year and to our team who work happily to make it the best. And thanks also to you for your continued interest.

Winter…

and we come to see you! See the Flyinn Booth at:

AeroExpo Europe in Bitburg, Germany May 27-29

Aero Expo UK, in Sywell, England, June 17 – 19

EAA Airventure, Oshkosh, USA, July 25 – 31

We hope to see you! Alternately please check our website, or email for current itinerary details, prices and other inquiries.

Contact us…

We wish you safe and happy flying always.

Best Regards,
Jo and Matt McCaughan.

www.flyinn.co.nz
E: info@flyinn.co.nz
P: +64 3 445 2852

We left from Connecticut and flew, after visiting my family in Chicago, to Rockford, Illinois to meet up with Elliott Schiffman, Wayne Collins and all the other pilots flying from Rockford to Oshkosh. The next morning after another briefing about safety and landing instructions, we boarded our Bonanzas, and flew in 23 elements of 3 in formation to Oshkosh. This was something I was apprehensive about at first, but as soon as they said “element 9 roll” the adrenalin and anticipation made this one of the most exciting and fun things we had ever done. It was awesome. Camping in tents under our plane wings with the other Bonanzas made this a more than memorable experience.

Bob and I are also sailors and knew we were going to New Zealand for the Americas Cup in 2003. We had been looking forward to this for three years, since the Cup was won again by New Zealand in 2000. However, since we only had two weeks there, we figured we would not be able to see as much of New Zealand as we would have liked, especially the South Island. We resigned ourselves to this fact and it was ok, because we were just happy to be going.

This is where going to Oshkosh in 2002 as part of the Bonanza formation group became twofold for us. One being the wonderful experience we had with the other bonanzas and spending time with wonderful people who have since become our friends (That is a story for another show!) The other was while Bob was checking out exciting engines, radios, etc, I found the booth entitled: “Flyinn New Zealand Adventure for Pilots”. That is as far as I got. There is where Bob and I met Matt and his wife Jo and this is where the second part of the story really begins.

New Zealand is the most beautiful place I have traveled. By car or bus it would take a long time to get from place to place and around the country. You would drive, then pull over at the “look out spots”, say “wow”, take some photos, get back in your vehicle, and travel some more. However, many of us fly so that we don’t have to do this. The New Zealand Adventure for Pilots allowed us to have our own plane and pilot guide for 9 days of vacation. The base of operations was at Geordie Hill Station (near Wanaka), in the south-central part of the South Island. Each morning we would get in our Cessna 206 and were able to fly around Mount Cook (not view it from a lookout), land on a beautiful beach, fly into Milford Sound, fly to Christchurch, Queenstown, Wanaka, Denedin, and through the mountain passes where you would see the fiords, waterfalls, glaciers and breathtaking scenery. Geordie Hill Station is where Matt and Jo and their two children live; a beautiful sheep farm where you can see the Southern Cross on a clear night. After flying, sightseeing and touring all day we would then go back to their home and share an evening of the best dinners that Jo would prepare, in the most wonderful atmosphere and have fun going over what we saw that day and what the plan was for the next day. (If my adjectives are in abundance, it is really hard to contain my enthusiasm for this experience.)

There were four of us in our group. Bob (pilot, we have an A36 Bonanza N777HG), me (wife, knowing enough to be dangerous), and our friends Pete and Ruth Connal (just along for the ride). We were not sure whether Pete and Ruth would be as receptive for this type of vacation. It turns out that they also thought it was the best way to see New Zealand and would do it again this way in a heartbeat.

The flying was truly spectacular, but the flying alone is not what makes New Zealand Adventure for Pilots so successful. It is the people, Matt, Jo, Heather, James, Kelvin, Janine and everyone involved with Geordie Hill Station.

So, if you go to Oshkosh and do not stop to see Matt in the Flyinn tours New Zealand Adventure for Pilots booth, you will risk missing out on an adventure of a lifetime. If you are not going to Oshkosh, his website is www.flyinn.co.nz.

Bob and I cannot wait for Oshkosh this year and the fun of flying in formation again and of course going back to the New Zealand Adventure for Pilots booth to see our now good friends, Matt and Jo.

Roz Weinstein
Deep River, Connecticut

Some examples of this are:

Prior to Christmas we were inspired to become more active when a guest arrived with his bicycle. He and his wife had toured’ a good part of NZ by bike, and he ventured out from Geordie Hill often during his stay. We were able to help choose his routes and related distances. Another couple were Cardiologiests, and tutors at their local US Medical School. On the Dunedin visit day, we arranged for them to meet with the Assistant Medical Director of the Dunedin Medical School. This is NZ’s oldest Medical Schools and has a good reuptation. We also had non-pilot guests following special interests, and this year some were able to visit local gardens, wineries and the patchwork gallery, on their respective days off. Also, two pilots from different countries enjoyed meeting for their rour. They shared the Flyinn adventure and made a new aviation friend. Another couple had the framework for their time in New Zealand arranged, and asked us to help them fill in ‘the gaps’. The result had them doing a popular cycle trail in Central Otago, followed by a personalsed list of destinations for the remainder of their stay in NZ.
This is an added bonus to the fantastic flying and overwhelming scenic display guests get to experience every day.

After a couple of days lost for weather, we arrived at Wanaka.   We parked our Cherokees and met up with Matt and Luke.   I climbed into Wax, a Cessna 172 and the others into the Cessna 206 and we departed for Dingle Burn, a sheep station North of Wanaka.

Some things in flying are a bit tricky and some are hard work.   Some are both and some require knowledge, experience and a cynical eye for the traps awaiting you.   Mountain strip flying is one of these, and for a pilot used to a mile-and-a-half of concrete to land on, ‘St Bathan International,’ Ryan’s Creek and Big Bay were quite an eye-opening experience. The hazards of localised turbulence, changing terrain and strong winds were all pointed out to us by Matt and Luke as they provided their invaluable guiding service around the beautiful scenery that surrounds Central Otago.

By the end of our trip with Flyinn, all four of our pilots had logged several hours in control of the three aircraft, but more importantly had learnt something new about light aircraft flying and also aviation in general.   The dangerous and challenging environment of New Zealand’s mountains was tamed by the experience passed on to us by our guides, allowing all of our group to enjoy a breathtaking and safe few days

Flight Lieutenant Nick de Candole
111 (Fighter) Squadron, Royal Air Force
Flyinn, November 2003

On January 15 2003 we set off for New Zealand planning to stay for six weeks – a bonus for being retired! Luggage was one suitcase, some hand luggage and, in order to cover June’s other flying interest, her paraglider and associated equipment. Paragliding in New Zealand is very popular, amongst all their other outdoor sports, and June considered this was an opportunity not to be missed.

We arrived in Auckland (North Island) and spent a week travelling south to Wellington. Our major impression of the country was the amazing changes in scenery, lots of open space, empty roads, friendly people and surprise at the volcanic nature of the landscape. At Wellington we took a commercial flight to Queenstown in the South Island with a change of planes at Christchurch. Queenstown, which lies in the Southern Alps, is surrounded by mountains up to 7000 feet with spectacular aquamarine coloured finger lakes lying below.

The following morning Matt McCaughan who runs Flyinn collected us from our very comfortable lakeside hotel and we made our way through the mountains to Geordie Hill, the sheep station where we were to stay for the next three weeks. On the way out of Queenstown the extent of the mountain ranges became apparent, particularly to the west. As we discovered later the mountain ranges run the whole length of the South Island from Fiordland through the Southern Alps to the north coast. In fact mountains cover over half of all New Zealand and were to provide some magnificent flying for us. Climbing out on the road from Queenstown we stopped at “Bungy Bridge”, one of the several bungy jumps in the area using an old road bridge over a very deep gorge. Bungy Bridge is a VRP for Queenstown which we were to use a number of times over the following three weeks.

In the CAA handbook “In, Out and Around Queenstown” there is a nice note on Bungy Bridge which reads “report prior to reaching the bridge (you should now be 4500 feet or below) to allow time for receiving arrival instructions before entering the zone – and don’t get distracted from the job by watching the bungy jumpers.” As if!

Our destination was Geordie Hill, a 7000 merino sheep station of 5200 acres set in a wide valley off the Lindis Pass and 12nm to the east of Wanaka Airport. Matt manages the station but also finds time with his wife Jo for plenty of flying. The valley is surrounded by ground rising to over 4000 feet with a 1000 metre grass runway running down its centre, with two smart yellow 180hp C172s waiting for our use (ZK WAX and ZK TAR).

At the station main house we met Jo, who made us most welcome and in the evenings provided absolutely delicious food and hand picked New Zealand wines, many produced locally. We also met Kelvin Wright the CFI from the Otago Flying Club at Taieri Dunedin who had flown in to test us for our New Zealand pilots licences.

Mid-afternoon we flew out with Kelvin in TAR and found the 180hp performance a noticeable difference compared to the 160hp Cessna we both fly in the UK and useful to get cleanly out of the Geordie Hill valley. On the wide Otago plain we flew to an isolated strip and after we had both carried out forced landings, stalls, steep turns and other exercises flew on to Taieri where we left Kelvin and picked up Luke who was to be our flying guide – very necessary for the mountain flying in the Southern Alps and Fiordland. We flew back to Geordie Hill from Dunedin (about an hours flight) across the Otago plain, through the Dunstan Mountains (5500 feet) at Thomsons Gap, down the Lindis Valley and back into Geordie Hill. We were welcomed with drinks by Matt and Jo and met Glenn and Barbara from the US who were to fly in WAX, the other C172. This was followed by a magnificent evening meal with excellent local wines. Later we walked the short distance back to the cottage where we were staying and marvelled at the clarity of the night sky. The visibility in New Zealand is exceptional, due to the clean unpolluted air, but suffers from particularly high ultraviolet radiation, not helped by the hole in the ozone layer over nearby Antarctica. A sun hat and good sunglasses are vital kit.

Next morning we flew over to Wanaka airfield, not difficult to find as it lies at the end of a beautiful aquamarine coloured finger lake 22nm long. This is where they house the Fighter Pilots Museum and hold the biennial “Warbirds Over Wanaka” airshow. We spent an interesting few hours in the Fighter Pilots Museum viewing the many aircraft and other well presented displays. While at Wanaka a number of differences to UK aviation became apparent such as the price of petrol (about 1/3 of the UK) obtained from free standing pumps using a credit card, with landing fees only 2 or 3 UK pounds. Despite the general aviation activity in and around Wanaka, including parachuting and paragliding, there was no ATC, at least not on the many occasions we subsequently visited. This was the same for nearly all the airfields we visitedt, the exception being the majors such as Dunedin and Christchurch. However RT position and intention calls were in constant use on predetermined area frequencies, being particularly useful in the mountains and other busy aviation areas. QFE’s were a complete mystery to the locals. A standard joining procedure was used for all airfields without ATC, which was across the airfield centre at 500 feet above circuit height, determine wind direction, select runway then descend to join downwind at circuit height, reporting all designated positions and intentions. Since most of the airfields do not put numbers on their runways some extra care is required! The GA charts in New Zealand are configured to make maximum use of the printed sheet area and the half million versions of the South Island have as a consequence lines of latitude running at a steep angle across the page. This is due of course to the way the island bears to the east. A slight surprise on the first flight planning exercise!

After refuelling we took off for Oamaru on the east coast, flying across the Otago plain through the Kakanui mountains. Oamaru was a major trading port in the late 19th century, but only over a relatively short period. However during its heyday it was obviously very wealthy and still possesses some magnificent Victorian carved stone buildings. From Oamaru we flew up the blue Waitaki River to Omarama (famous for its international gliding activities) with wire launches up to 3000 feet AGL. This first touring day was very much getting used to the 180hp 172s, local terrain, airfields, navigation and some basic mountain flying. On the way back to Geordie Hill we had our first experience of the strong north westerly that can give rise to some severe turbulence, particularly in the mountains. However the turbulence on this trip was fairly moderate to what we experienced on a subsequent flight through the Marlborough Sounds, south of the Cook Strait. We completed our day with another good dinner at Geordie Hill and a real feeling of being part of the McCaughan family. The weather tended to dictate flying plans for the following day and tomorrow we were to head west into the Southern Alps and visit Mounts Aspiring and Cook, then fly up the west coast around the north part of the South Island, down the east coast, crossing the Canterbury and Otago plains and back to Geordie Hill. It was planned to stay for two nights near the Abel Tasman National Park.

The following morning we flew to the Southern Alps. Our route was via the south end of Wanaka Lake and into the mountains flying up what seemed a very narrow valley with the river Matukituki below. The mountains on either side were up to 7000 feet and looked very very close, but getting a good perspective of distances in the mountains needs practice. We were glad to have Luke with us and I was reminded of some mountain flying advice “never fly up a valley you have not previously flown down”. At the river branch we turned into another valley leaving Mount Edward (8485 feet) on our left and a 8550 foot mountain on our right. Mount Aspiring was then ahead of us at 9940 feet. We climbed to 10,000 feet and flew round the mountain which was awesome, particularly with all the snow capped Southern Alps spread out beneath us and Mount Cook (12315 feet) clearly visible at 70 nm across this vast mountain range. From Mount Aspiring we flew over the mountains to Glentanner an airfield at the side of Lake Pukaki fed by the melt waters of the Tasman Glacier. Mount Cook was visible from the airfield, at a distance of 20 nm. The surrounding scenery was spectacular.

After coffee and a snack we flew up the Tasman River, with the mountains rising rapidly on either side. Reaching 11500 feet we flew round Mount Cook and over the Tasman Glacier which is 18 miles long, an average width of just over a mile and 2000 feet thick. You just run out of words to adequately describe the scenery!! From Mount Cook we flew to Franz Joseph, the site of two other famous glaciers Fox and Franz Joseph. After landing for a short stay at the local field we flew to the west coast which has a rain forest climate compared with the dryer eastern side of the mountains. This is due to an average annual rainfall of 250 inches in the west, while on the eastern side just 11 inches with very marked temperature differences; the Foehn effect. We then flew north for about two hours with the snow capped mountain range always there on our right, and reached Cape Farewell in brilliant weather. Turning east we flew along the coast of the Abel Tasman national park with its long empty yellow sandy beaches and turquoise water and landed at Motueka, quite a busy training airfield but still no ATC! We did the usual 500 feet above circuit height across the centre of the field to confirm the wind direction and after announcing our selected runway we descended on the active side. That night we stayed in a very pleasant motel (which are very good value in New Zealand) and in the evening had an excellent meal in Motueka at a converted Methodist Chapel! The following day we took advantage of a coastal walk along the Abel Tasman Park, glorious beaches, beautiful weather and a warm sparkling sea. In the evening another good meal just across the bay from Nelson and a relatively short night since we had a very early start next morning due to a strong northwest wind forecast.

We took off from Motueka extremely early and met the north westerly flying through the islands of the Marlborough Sounds. The turbulence was severe and quite uncomfortable. However, we were tightly strapped in and I was impressed with the way the Cessna airframe stood up to its treatment. Incidentally the weather during our stay was mainly perfect with lots of sunshine and no rain; the high winds were infrequent.

Down the east coast of the south island we stopped at Kaikoura, which is famous for whale watching. Just after we had landed the other Cessna (WAX) arrived and reported that they had sighted some whales which had just dived and should be up in about fifteen minutes. We rapidly got airborne again and saw their spouts about a mile offshore. We circled over them for a while and were struck by their large size. We had a great view of their tails rising above the surface as they eventually dived down into the deep. After a short stay at Kaikoura airfield we set off for Geordie Hill crossing the Canterbury Plain with still some uncomfortable turbulence due to that north westerly. Arriving back at Geordie Hill we had a great meal, plenty of wine and of course plenty of flying talk covering the past two days. The weather forecast looked good for tomorrow and it was planned to fly down to Fiordland and navigate into the famous Milford Sound!

Fiordland is a national park covering some 4633 square miles in the southwest corner of the South Island with 200 named mountains. It is a rugged wilderness with dramatic coastal fiords created during the Ice Age, allowing the Tasman Sea to penetrate deep into the bush clad mountains, Large glacial lakes such as Te Anau and Manapouri along with many smaller ones adds to its majestic scenery. Flight plans are a must.

Milford Sound is one of the more accessible fiords and a popular site for visitors. However the New Zealand Visual Flight Guide gives some idea of the care needed when flying into Milford. “The Milford Sound aerodrome approach and departure routes are constrained by surrounding precipitous terrain and often experience unusual micro-climate conditions” and “Pilots who have not operated into Milford Sound in the last six months shall arrange a briefing from a pilot currently experienced with operations to/from the aerodrome” Milford is also one of a number of places where Special VFR Procedures are in operation.

From Geordie Hill we flew through the mountains to the south of Mount Aspiring and landed on the beach of Big Bay which is about 15nm up the coast from Milford Sound. After a short stop we made our way south to enter the Sound from the sea. We went through what seemed a particularly narrow opening between the very steep mountains going straight down into the water and rising to over 5000 feet, quite dramatic. With the Sound narrowing to about 800 metres at one point we hugged the cliff face to starboard and proceeded down the Sound at 1000 feet for a dramatic 9nm flight. We eventually spotted the 800 metre Milford runway at the far end of the Sound and were give landing clearance by ATC, another memorable flight. The high mountains surrounding Milford Sound are to say the least awesome, with impressive waterfalls coming down from their high inland lakes. After taking off we had another magnificent view of the surrounding mountains as we climbed out over them and headed for the sea.

Our next landing was at Mussel Point, further up the coast, at a completely deserted strip that we flew over a few times to inspect its condition. Apparently it was a collection point used by the deer hunters (cullers) who were licensed to keep down the thousands of deer that multiplied and migrated across the Otago plane into the Southern Alps. During the height of the culling, around 12000 deer per year were taken out of the Haast back country area alone (just north of Mussel Point) by a variety of transportation. At one time Austers, Piper Cubs, Cessnas and even a Moth were used to bring out the culled deer from the surrounding back country. A Tiger was apparently in use for a short while but its lack of brakes were a major disadvantage on the short and rough bush strips. New Zealand developed a major venison export business to Europe and the USA during this period.

After Mussel Point we flew north and turned inland following the famous Haast River, bordered on either side by 6000 ft mountains. Following a southerly branch of the Haast, which flows into Lake Wanaka, we continued through the mountains to Makarora, landing at a single grass strip next to the river. Our way back was down through Lake Wanaka through a small mountain gap into Lake Hawea and across the Hawea Flat to Tarras and home.

The great experience of this holiday was to fly in the mountains but at the same time to be aware of the challenges presented in this new environment. For example the very rapid changes in the mountain weather, giving poor visibility, severe turbulence. In one valley we encountered a particularly strong updraft, with the VSI needle firmly on the stop at 2000ft/minute and lasting longer than expected. It also gave us increasing airspeed! WAX was ahead of us at the time and much higher. Next we were looking down on him!

Particular terrain and wind direction can form rotors and needs avoiding if in doubt. Also keep clear of lenticulars. Flying in valleys on the downwind side (preferably on the right hand side) is strongly recommended in order to enable tighter turns if required and to be in less turbulence and improved lift. Checking the entry into valleys from the compass and map is also a good safety measure. Snow in the mountains can easily create false horizons, especially in a turn. However bush lines, if present, are of considerable help with this problem. The correct crossing of ridges with a shallow escape angle in mind also needs to be carried out. These are just a few of the many skills to be acquired as well as a good appreciation of your aircraft capabilities. However, a highly recommended flying experience!

The following day we flew up Lake Hawea and landed at a small strip called Dingleburn. This was an interesting landing since it was necessary to carry out a downwind leg very close to the mountainside with an extremely tight right hand turn (no base leg) and straight in to land. Take-off was also of interest, a running start from the side of the grass strip, onto the strip, then a sharp left hand turn on getting airborne and through a gap between high rock faces and then out over the lake. From Dingleburn we flew back to Wanaka for fuel and then through Queenstown airspace and up Lake Wakatipu past Pigeon and Pig Islands to Glenorchy Airfield. After lunch we took a jet boat ride up the River Dart. Quite a lot of filming took place here for Lord Of The Rings. The wilderness scenery was quite breathtaking, with large waterfalls cascading down from the surrounding mountains. The trip back to Geordie was a very relaxed 30nm flight down Lake Wakatipu to Queenstown past the Bungy Bridge VRP, over to Cromwell and up Lake Dunstan to the Lindis Valley and Geordie Hill. In the evening June decided to try some paragliding from the hills surrounding the valley and had a short evening flight back to the farmstead.

The following day we set off for Stewart Island which is situated about 15 nm off the southeast coast of the South Island. Our first stop was at Mandeville Airfield about 80nm south of Geordie Hill. Here we spent a pleasant few hours touring the Croydon Aircraft Company works where they rebuild vintage aircraft. A number of Tigers were under restoration plus other De Havilland types and a Percival Proctor. A superb looking Dragonfly based at Mandeville was much admired. After Glenn had taken a Tiger flight, June had practiced some circuits and Matt and myself relaxed in the Moth Restaurant with coffee and cakes, we took off for Stewart Island. Crossing through Invercargill airspace we flew out over the sea to Ryan’s Creek the only single strip on the island and quite deserted. The island population is around 400.

On our arrival we were taken down to the harbour and boarded a small fishing boat skippered by John a local fisherman and headed for a small Island called Ulva. The only mammals in New Zealand before man’s arrival were two species of bats. Man introduced many mammals including pigs, rats, rabbits, stoats, possums and deer which have caused considerable ecological damage. The stoats were supposed to keep the rabbits down but unfortunately went for the flightless birds such as the Kiwi. Ulva Island has been cleared of all these intruders and the experience of walking around this semi-tropical island with unusual birdcalls and tame ones waddling around your feet was a unique experience. Back at the boat John had prepared a blue cod lunch and a good mug of tea and after this we set out to try our hand at fishing, it was all too easy. A line, two hooks and some bait and the blue cod just jumped onboard! In a very short time we had enough fish to take back to Geordie Hill for our dinner the next day. On this trip we saw quite a few penguins and some extremely large sea birds anxious to get any fish leftovers. We stayed at a very pleasant apartment overlooking Half Moon Bay and in the evening went for another great dinner!

In the morning we took off from Ryan’s Creek and made our way to Balclutha where we stopped for lunch. The influence of the Scots in the South Island is very marked and was much in evidence at Balclutha, where it seemed all the streets bore Scottish names. However Balclutha, which is near the mouth of the Clutha River, appeared to be an exception to this influence. It wasn’t. I found out later that Clutha is gaelic for Clyde since there is another river called the Clyde further north!

While we were at Balclutha airfield we watched a Zlin going through its paces for the press. The Zlin was used for top dressing and its performance was impressive. Apparently without loading its stall speed, according to the pilot was 29knots.

June and self flew back to Balclutha later in our stay. When we arrived at the airfield it was covered with sheep and we carried out a go-around ready to do a diversion. A friendly voice came on the R/T asking if we wanted the sheep removed. Yes we replied and on our downwind leg a car came onto the field and drove the sheep to the side, with the exception of one animal who persisted in running round in circles. However by the time we were on finals he had joined his flock and we were able to land.

Our next stop was the Taieri airfield which lies within the Dunedin CTR. It was here that we left Luke who had been such a helpful guide. We then flew back across the Otago plain through the now familiar Thomsons Gap into the Lindis Pass and Geordie Hill. Glenn and Barbara, the US couple had flown onto Christchurch parting company with us at Balclutha. Fortunately there was spare accommodation at Flyinn for the next ten days and we decided to take it. During this period we did some flying with Matt in the Fiordland to the remote Doubtful Sound, another memorable flight and bush landings up the Hunter River at a delightful spot called Wind Pudding! We flew again to Balclutha, Wanaka, Mandeville, Dunedin and once to Te Anau and Alexandra. June managed a number of paragliding flights during this period including a three-day SIV (Simulation d’Incident de Vol) course over Lake Wanaka carrying out recovery exercises such as wing collapses! Lake Wanaka being used to retrieve and soften any non-recoveries!

We eventually said goodbye to Matt and his family and flew WAX back to Taieri. At the Dunedin VRP we were asked to carry out a three sixty by the Dunedin controller until a group of parachutists had landed in their CTR and could we report when we had them in sight, all very relaxed and GA friendly. A fitting end to a truly exceptional holiday.
Thanks to Matt, Jo and Luke at Flyinn

As New Zealand becomes immersed in winter (and the FIFA world cup), the northern summer is advancing upon most Flyinn supporters. This encourages extending of flying horizons… and why not all the way to New Zealand ?

AeroExpo UK is on this weekend (25-27 June) at Wycombe Air Park. We invite you to visit the Flyinn booth in hangar A6, and talk with Heather our daughter, to find out more about your fantastic flying adventure in New Zealand.

Start planning now. Make it happen!

2010 Flyinn Flightpath…

The Flyinn Season is exciting, rewarding and full of variety. Guests for 2009/2010 have included families, returning guests, groups of friends, partners where both are pilots, and single pilots introduced through Flyinn to share the adventure. Pilot flying hours ranged from 200 to 5500. Guest occupations and interests cover a huge variety. Within our itineraries we strive to creat a Flyinn experience to suit you.

Some examples of this are:

Prior to Christmas we were inspired to become more active when a guest arrived with his bicycle. He and his wife had toured’ a good part of NZ by bike, and he ventured out from Geordie Hill often during his stay. We were able to help choose his routes and related distances. Another couple were Cardiologiests, and tutors at their local US Medical School. On the Dunedin visit day, we arranged for them to meet with the Assistant Medical Director of the Dunedin Medical School. This is NZ’s oldest Medical Schools and has a good reuptation. We also had non-pilot guests following special interests, and this year some were able to visit local gardens, wineries and the patchwork gallery, on their respective days off. Also, two pilots from different countries enjoyed meeting for their rour. They shared the Flyinn adventure and made a new aviation friend. Another couple had the framework for their time in New Zealand arranged, and asked us to help them fill in ‘the gaps’. The result had them doing a popular cycle trail in Central Otago, followed by a personalsed list of destinations for the remainder of their stay in NZ.
This is an added bonus to the fantastic flying and overwhelming scenic display guests get to experience every day.

Warbirds over Wanaka…

This biennial, world reknowned Air Show was again a popular destination during Easter. Flyinn secured a hangar near to the flight line where we had shelter as well as one of the best views of the Show. The program enthralled viewers with an impressive line-up of vintage and beautifully restored WWII Warbirds, along with a current military display and breathtaking aerobatic and wing-walking acts. There was something for everyone, and guests particularly enjoyed being able to view the aircraft up close. This years selection included a Japanese Mitsubishi Zero, Lavochkin La-9, Catalina, Yak-52, P-51D Mustang, Supermarine Mk IX Spitfire, P-40 Kittyhawk, a Hurricane and FG-1D Corsair. The final display had all these aircraft and more, performing a symphony in the sky. It really was something special to watch.

Your hosts and guides…

Along with Matt and Jo, we again have Pete, Sue and Megan who have enjoyed their continued contact with guests. And also this year we welcome Mel and Naama who joined Flyinn for some tours. We are thrilled to have such a great depth of flying skills and expertise. This along wtih good local knowledge and a large measure of enthusiasm enhances guest adventure and enjoyment.

The kitchen garden…

This year has brought changes to the garden landscape, with new areas being created for future vegetable and herb gardens, plus a greenhouse and berry cage. These will enhance the current vegetable plot and provide fresh produce daily for guest meals. This season guests enjoyed the first significant crop of seasonal vegetables, and more is planned for next year. One idea being developed, is an evening with each group where guests may partake in collecting and preparing a selection of fresh produce for the evening meal – over a glass of chilled Pinot Gris of course! Watch this space …

On the farming front…

Remember Cheif – the mischievous puppy? Here he is doing what comes naturally. It’s true there’s still alot of training required to perfect his technique, but it’s also true that enthusiasm and an innate sense what to do goes a long way to getting the job done. Little Chief was 50% of the dog power I had last week to shift the merino ewes closer to home, and onto the sunny side of the hill where the snow had melted. We managed well, and the sheep are enjoying the change. They will come closer to home again shortly where we will feed them some alfalfa silage. By then (late July/August) they will be requiring extra food so they and their unborn lambs, remain healthy.

If you are unable to meet us at an Airshow this year, please feel free to contact us anytime on the email below. Also please access our information document which has the 2010/2011 itinerary dates and prices.

We thank you for your continued support and wish you many happy hours flying.

Best Regards,
Jo and Matt McCaughan.

www.flyinn.co.nz
E: info@flyinn.co.nz
P: +64 3 445 2852

Packaged travel, run by large corporates, mass tourism, OR Flyinn, It’s a simple choice. Fly Yourself and see New Zealand with us…

Flyinn is about Mountain flying and adventure. Meeting and knowing the locals. Stunning scenery, wildlife, and flying with friends. Relaxation and the best New Zealand wine and food. High country sheep station life. Landing in mountain sheep pastures, back country strips, and on beaches. Fun to the max!! No ordinary traveller will experience the mix of amazing pleasures and stimulating experiences that a Flyinn guest will.

Experience New Zealand with us

Vacation with us and you will see and experience a real New Zealand, that remains still somewhat an island of innocence in our turbulent world. Clean air, pure water and real food. Flyinn has recently passed a milestone – the completion of our 10th season of operation. We are proud of the pleasure and enjoyment we have given to our pilot (and non-pilot) guests from all over the world. They come from all kinds of aviation backgrounds.

Ultimate Pilots Vacation

New PPL’s, keen private flyers, military pilots and airline captains. They enjoy being part of our high country home and they leave us as friends. We take care to ensure are itineraries are equally interesting for pilots friends and non-flying partners. We cannot convey 10 years of travel and adventure in this newsletter, you have to come, meet the locals, and see for yourself!!

Personal Service and Hospitality

Our guests over the last two seasons have consistently rated Flyinn outstanding for personal service and value for money.

Website, www.flyinn.co.nz. (Check out the slideshow on the homepage.)

You can also email us any time info@flyinn.co.nz

Contact us and book now

Some months are already fully booked, so contact us now before the airshows to ensure your place for this season. We would look forward to hosting you and will do our best to make your New Zealand adventure the best it possibly can be. Planning is part of the fun, if you need ideas or help with any part of your NZ travel just email us.
Those in the U.K. and Europe can visit Flyinn this weekend at AeroExpo at Wycombe – in booth A7.

P.S. A story of one day last season…

14th March 2009 … Guides Megan and Matt, with guests Roger, Lee, Chrissie and David. We leave Stewart Island early and fly around the remote south coast of New Zealand’s South Island. A still morning and a breathtaking low level flight west along the beaches. Coming into southern Fiordland it is low tide at Spit Island in Preservation inlet. A perfect day in this very remote wilderness and we decide to land on the beach.

Southern Fiordland – Morning Low Tide

It’s a curving approach landing from the north onto a beach with which turns to cliffs at the northern end and runs out into a creek to the south. But enough room in between for a 172. We make a low level beach inspection first then a low level circuit and land. We park as high up the beach as possible. Soon some members of the Cessna 180/185 club arrive and land. They are on a club cross country outing. We swap tales and they are a bit surprised to find overseas pilots in C172′s on this remote beach.

Rare Simmonds Spartan Biplane

The tide is coming in quite quickly and we gather our crew to depart before the runway is covered. Departure is out over the creek and between two rock outcrops. We fly up Preservation inlet to Te Anau for fuel. Lying on the grass in the warm sunshine we enjoy a late morning tea break and plan the next leg. We talk to a few more 185 club members and also spend some time with Rod Hall-Jones, longtime helicopter pilot for the Cousteau society and the owner of a very rare vintage Simmonds Sparten biplane that has come out to fly on this perfect day. It is the only airworthy example in the world.

Sutherland Falls, Highest in Southern Hemisphere

Departing TeAnau we fly via Lake Manapouri to Doubtful sound. Named by Captain Cook as he sailed past the entrance and saw many rocks and obstacles causing him to think it was doubtful to be a safe anchorage. Mid way down the sound we see dolphins playing and jumping out of the water. We turn north and head for Milford Sound. We arrive via Lake Quill and the Sutherland falls. These are the highest water falls in the southern hemisphere, surrounded by spectacular vertical terrain and hanging valley’s – they fall 1904 feet.

On to Land at Milford Sound

We fly down the Arthur and into Milford Sound itself. An amazing place for an airport at sea level which is closely surrounded by vertical rock faces going to 7000 feet. Definitely some terrain issues here and no place to be on a windy day !! I notice that the tide is going out and think that if we don’t hurry we should be able to have another beach landing at Big Bay on the way home.

Afternoon low tide… Big Bay

We stop for a walk and take time for a late lunch at Milford. Taking off from Milford Sound we track north up the coast to Big Bay and arrive on the afternoon low tide. This is a huge beach and we could put a 737 down here. The tide is still going out so the runway is getting bigger all the time. We take a walk, gather a few shells and check out the local whitebaiters camp, known as Big Bay Hilton.

Mt Aspiring – Materhorn of the South

Time to head for home and we are treated to a spectacular array of clouds with the sun low on the western horizon lighting up Mt Aspiring. Magnificent scenery with the mix of peaks, glaciers, cloud and huge braided river valleys. We circle Mt Aspiring (Known as the “Matterhorn of the South”) at 9000 feet then decend direct for base at Geordie Hill.

Home to Geordie Hill

Before we have the planes tied down our thoughts have turned to the homestead and the great food and hospitality that Jo will have waiting for us this evening. Perhaps some of the fresh Blue Cod that we caught at Stewart Island or roast Geordie Hill Merino lamb. And a bottle of Central Otago Pinot Noir.

Best Regards,
Jo and Matt McCaughan.

www.flyinn.co.nz
E: info@flyinn.co.nz
P: +64 3 445 2852