Tauranga microlight is a NZ first

A new flying company offering waterfront flying lessons of Tauranga Harbour and the surrounding area is the only one in the country offering the use of an amphibious microlite aircraft.

Pilot and instructor Derek Holmes plans to start flying from either Ferguson Park or Pilot Bay this weekend.


Derek Holmes' unique amphibious microlite. Photos: Supplied.

For people who want to watch the amphibian taking off, landing and flying over, Ferguson Park will offer the best views, says Derek.

'At Pilot Bay, I have to taxi out into the middle of the harbour to get away from the boats and the channel,” says Derek. 'But Ferguson Park is the easiest place for people to see me.”

'It totally depends on the weather, but this weekend's looking pretty good.”

Derek is a senior microlite instructor in the New Zealand system, and a private pilot flight instructor in the US.

He bought the aircraft in Florida two-years-ago and drove it across to California before shipping it to New Zealand.

'It is the only Amphibious Microlight of its type in the US that's gone through its full certification process as a light sport aircraft,” says Derek.

'It can take off on water, grass runways and at airports. The amphibious nature of the aircraft is unique.”

The distinctive aircraft is easy to spot because of the two pontoon floats – and New Zealand's two flag options on its wings.

'It is a historic time for New Zealand and it is important to recognise that,” says Derek.

'Canada went through it almost 50 years ago. It will give people a visual of both flags and it will create a talking point.”

With a four-stroke motor, the microlight can travel at a speeds of 80km/h, but people can see more at 40-50km/h says Derek.

'I love it - the freedom, the spectacular scenery and the adventure of being in the air is amazing,” he says.

The aircraft takes only 20 minutes to unpack off the trailer and ready it for flight. Introductory flights are available this weekend for those who would like to learn how to fly the unique aircraft.

'It is great to be able to share the thrill you get when you are flying an aircraft with other people,” says Derek.

For more information, call: 020 4109 5549.

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4 comments

At least..

Posted on 23-12-2015 18:01 | By maildrop

.. It may float if it lands horizontal when it crashes. I would need serious cash to go up in it.


And you think...

Posted on 24-12-2015 02:38 | By GreertonBoy

The council would let a yobbo with no credentials fly people in an unsafe manner? They would have gone thru him like a dose of the salts to make sur he and the machine are up to scratch... actually, well above scratch... Good on the guy for having the intestinal fortitude to live his dream... and fulfil other peoples dreams as well. He will know the limitations of the weather, weight of passenger, state of the water for takeoff etc, believe me. Don't bag the guy for having a go... btw, I bet you would actually like it if you tried it... I double dare you to give it a shot.... I wish him all the best and everyone a merry christmas


santa

Posted on 24-12-2015 08:12 | By The author of this comment has been removed.

actually - I know of someone who has tried this previously - its crashed literally


not a nz first at all

Posted on 24-12-2015 11:39 | By CC8

Arch Haddow and Malcolm Wright, Pioneers of Microlite aircraft in NZ ,had at least one float equipped Microlite based in Tauranga in the early 80s, which was available for training and scenic flights.


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