A flight over New Zealand’s Northern Peninsula reveals hidden coves, wild horses running the dunes and a peek into the after world

By Gates L. Scott

It’s been said that it isn’t the folks in the back of the aircraft that are impressive, it’s those in the front. It is the pilots that are revered and admired for their talents and the folks in the back are simply simulating their potential “coolness.” However, if there is ever an exception to the rule for pilots, regardless of where you sit, it is Salt Air’s operation in the Bay of Islands, New Zealand.

Founded by Grant Harnish in 1992, Salt Air is the North Island of New Zealand’s answer to adventure flying. They offer scenic flights over Whangoroa and Rangaunu Harbours, Doubtless Bay and the infamous Ninety-Mile Beach, to the northern tip of New Zealand. Harnish’s business grew steadily in its first season, while operating a Grumman Super Widgeon, and established a base along the beautiful beaches and waterfront town of Paihia, gateway to some of the most stunning spots in the Northlands.

Based on a 2006 study, the northern peninsula of New Zealand has the second bluest skies in the world, next to Rio de Janiero. All the more reason for Salt Air to host full- and half-day flights to Cape Reinga. In 2007, Salt Air introduced a brand new Cessna Caravan 208B—which was flown four separate legs from Santa Maria, Calif.—to their fleet of aircraft that also includes some Cessna 207’s, a Bell Jet Ranger and R44.

The adventure begins on a grass strip in Paihia. A Cessna 207 races down with ease and lifts off for a low-level tour over Copper’s Beach Ninety-Mile Beach, which, in fact, is only 55 miles long. (Due to the never ending competition that New Zealand shares with Australia, who also has a Ninety-Mile Beach in the south-eastern region of Victoria, locals felt that they needed one too). As the group buzzes at 500 feet, they can look to the desolate and beautiful shore and see fishermen on the beach or, more impressively, wild horses scampering through the brush spread across the sandy dunes.
Visit Salt Air at: http://www.saltair.co.nz

Subscribe to PilotMag and get the rest of the story.

By Gates L. Scott

It was June 2007 and, as is customary in the Rocky Mountains, the weather was totally unpredictable. On the eve of what was to be an incredible flying adventure, the mountains of Wyoming received about six inches of fresh snow and my hopes of flying the Continental Divide seemed to diminish with every flake that fell.

I got a call from Dave Sturm, managing outfitter of Silver Spur Ranch in Encampment, Wyo. “We got some snow up here, do you think you’ll still make it?” Dave asked with some hesitation. “Why don’t we see what the evening brings, and make the call in the morning,” I replied with a steadfastness, hoping that nothing would get in the way of my fly-fishing adventure. As morning broke, seven of us walked out onto the ramp at the Steamboat Springs Airport (KSBS). The snow and clouds had pushed east and we were amazed by the crisp, clear, cool day that was upon us.

Two of our helicopters stood on the ramp as eager as we were to get going. I was flying a 1980 Enstrom 280C. The other—a Bell Long Ranger B-3—was to be piloted by John Witte, who operates Zephyr Helicopters, a flight training and charter operation in Steamboat and the northwestern region of Colorado. John is my primary instructor for mountain flying and, with just over 300 hours to my name, has always been a kind of mentor in the mountains for me. The Enstrom is a two seat, turbo-charged piston engine helicopter very capable in the mountains. What makes the Enstrom a great helicopter is the combination of certain items. First, being turbo-charged, the aircraft performs extremely well in high, hot conditions. Second, with a rotor head and blade system that weighs more than 300 pounds, the Enstrom has very slow and gentle glide and hover capabilities. With the ability to fly up to three passengers, 60 pounds of fishing gear and speeds of 100 miles per hour, these are very popular helicopters to own and train in. As for the Long Ranger...well, it’s a Long Ranger, what more do I have to say?
Visit Silver Spur Ranch at: http://www.silverspurranches.com

Subscribe to PilotMag and get the rest of the story.