A helicopter pilot who ran illegal paid scenic flights around Alexandra and Clyde has been convicted after flying without the correct licence or certification. 

Since early 2020, the pilot had advertised and operated the tourist flights in the South Island without an Air Operator’s Certificate or the correct pilot licence. 

The defendant failed to appear in court in 2021 to answer charges, and was found guilty on all counts in his absence. 

The defendant was convicted in the Marton District Court on July 16 for running commercial flights without approval, obstructing officials, refusing to hand over required documents and flying an overseas-registered helicopter without the right licence. 

CAA deputy chief executive Dean Winter said CAA prosecutions were uncommon but, when necessary, pursued to protect the integrity of New Zealand’s aviation system and the public. 

“This individual repeatedly disregarded the rules that exist to keep aviation safe for everyone,” he said. 

“The vast majority of our aviation community operates responsibly and professionally, so when someone deliberately tries to game the system, we will hold them to account.” 

The CAA’s intervention prevented further unsafe flights, including instances where the public were at risk, he said. 

“In aviation tourism, passengers rightly expect that all operators are meeting the safety standards the law requires when they step onto an aircraft. 

“This case is a reminder that aviation safety rules exist to protect everyone, and ignoring those rules has consequences.”