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Last Updated on Thursday, 21 January 2010 15:53
Overview
Pauanui Beach Airfield - NZUN
Pauanui airfield (NZUN) splits the coastal township of Pauanui Beach. It is a grass strip of 850 x 60 metres and has an area for taxiing on the southern side. Signposted aircraft parking areas are located at either end of the airfield and a passenger pick-up and drop-off area is located on the western end at the airfield hut.
Terrain
There is high terrain to the south of the aerodrome and rising terrain to the West toward the Hikuai valley and Corromandel ranges.
Significant Weather
Weather conditions are generally favourable throughout the year.
In conditions where light south-westerly winds prevail, mid afternoon sea-breeze conditions can create a situation where tail winds occur at both ends of the runway. Awareness of the windsocks on final approach is recommended.
Prevailing easterly or south easterly winds produce low cloud and drizzle which may remain for 2-3 days.
Moderate northerly or southerly winds flowing over buildings and through the trees to the north/south of the runway will produce mechanical turbulence and wind-shear on final approach to both runway 05 and 23.
At any time of the year however, but particularly between June and October, in airflows from North through East to South East, low cloud and poor visibility is common inland of the coast.
Operational Threats
Bird Hazard
Pauanui Beach with its coastal location is subject to a significant number of birds throughout the year. Pilots should exercise caution at all times.
Aircraft congestion
The high density and variety of fixed wing, helicopter, parachute and glider operations during the summer season requires increased awareness and special care when operating at this airfield.
Many aircraft transit between Whitianga and Tauranga passing Pauanui Beach via the coast or overhead and all transmit on 124.5 MHz. Be disciplined on the radio and never assume that other aircraft in the area have you in sight.
A particularly good lookout and listen out is required as with a high density of traffic and a busy radio a significant threat of midair collision or near miss exists.
Terrain and Mechanical Turbulence
Pauanui is surrounded by high terrain from North through West to the South. Mount Pauanui dominates, rising to over 1200 feet within 1 nm to the South of the airfield.
In light Westerly conditions, it is not uncommon to encounter tailwinds on both ends of the runway when the afternoon sea breeze takes effect. A Southerly airflow will create moderate to severe turbulence and unpredictable wind directions at the airfield. High terrain rises to nearly 1200 feet to the North West and nearly 3000 feet to the West and South West.
CAUTION: In prevailing West or North-West winds, there are often significant downdrafts at the Eastern (beach) end of the runway. Northerly winds often produce turbulence on short finals for 05 caused by large trees and buildings.
Ground Threats
Pedestrians/Golfers
While every attempt is made to keep pedestrian traffic from crossing or walking out onto the airfield, inevitably people tend to take the "short cut" to get to the other side. Golfers from the golf course on the northern side of the airfield often stray on to the airfield to retrieve golf balls. Keep a good look out for pedestrians at all times but particularly over summer holiday periods. Visibility in the early morning or late evening makes identification of pedestrians on the airfield very difficult.
Underground Irrigation System
Recently an underground irrigation system was put under the grass runway that incorporates a network of drip lines that are fed by valve heads. These valve heads are located on the northern edge of the runway and sit proud of the ground.
Valve Heads
Whilst they are low to the ground, they can be taxied into or landed on if too close to the northern edge of the airstrip. All taxiing is to be conducted on the southern side of the strip where possible.
Skate Park
There is a skateboard park located directly west of the threshold of Runway 05. There are large numbers of children in this area, particularly during holiday periods. Consideration should be given to insetting your touchdown point to ensure adequate clearance over the fence in this area.
Environment Waikato
Environment Waikato are required to take waste water samples in Pauanui and may cross the airfield from South to North to gain access to several testing points on the edges of the airfield. They operate in a truck that has an orange rotating hazard light on top and they maintain a good lookout for aircraft before crossing the runway.
Airfield Mowing
At reasonably regular intervals, mowing of the lawns will be undertaken. The tractor has an an orange rotating hazard light on top and maintains a listening watch on 119.1 MHz and also maintains a good lookout for aircraft.
General Operations – Fixed and Rotary Wing
From time to time NOTAMS will be issued for Pauanui Beach mainly in regard to parachute dropping and gliding during holiday periods. AVGAS or JET A-1 is not available in Pauanui.
I the unlikely event of a short notice airfield closure, a list of close alternates are listed below:
|
|
Hdg (°M) |
Dist (nm) |
Freq |
Atis |
Elev (ft) |
Rwy (°M) |
Rwy (m) |
Fuel |
|
Tauranga |
138 |
42 |
118.3 |
126.6 |
13 |
07/25 |
1825 |
BP |
|
Thames |
222 |
17 |
124.5 |
|
5 |
05/23 |
607 |
Shell |
|
14/32 |
1012 |
|||||||
|
Waihi |
150 |
25 |
124.5 |
|
4 |
13/31 |
640 |
None |
|
Whitianga |
302 |
15 |
124.5 |
|
12 |
04/22 |
1165 |
Shell |
Local Airspace
Pauanui Beach (NZUN) is surrounded by uncontrolled airspace from SFC to 9500ft. Seasonally within that airspace there can be many aircraft movements and a variety of different operations including gliding, parachute dropping, NORDO aircraft, aerobatics and formation flying.
It is busy airspace and demands a high standard of lookout and radio discipline.
Radio Procedures
The unattended frequency for NZUN is 124.5 MHz.
It is requested that aircraft make all radio calls standard, brief and to the point. Maintain a good lookout and listen out at all times.
Aerodrome and Weather Information Broadcast (AWIB)
NZUN has an AWIB that transmits on 130.6 MHz. To initiate the AWIB, depress the transmit button 4 times in quick succession. The information currently transmitted consists of the following: Surface wind (speed and direction), temperature, QNH and dew point.
Transiting aircraft
Significant numbers of aircraft transit the coastline adjacent Pauanui Beach travelling to NZWT or south toward NZTG. It is recommended that transiting aircraft maintain a good listen-out and broadcast position, altitude and intentions clearly. To help with traffic flow, where possible southbound aircraft should stay seaward of the coast and transit at 1500 feet and northbound aircraft should transit on or inland of the coast at 2000 feet.
Joining Procedures
Joining traffic is to give way to established circuit traffic at all times. If traffic density is high, a standard overhead rejoin is recommended. All NORDO aircraft are to join via a standard overhead rejoin. All formations joining via a Buzz and Break should do so in a level break not below 1000 feet.
Traffic Priority
Emergency aircraft, gliders, parachutes, others – CAR 91 …
Noise Abatement
The unique location of the aerodrome in the middle of the township and seasonal high population of non-residents demands a “FLY FRIENDLY” approach at all times. Aircraft operators should give every consideration to minimising the effects of noise on residents and sensitive areas shown below. The main noise sensitive areas are Tairua township to the north, Paku Hill, Puka Park Resort and residential areas of Pauanui Beach. Where possible over-flying these areas should be avoided.
During the summer months the ground is very dry and dust is a constant problem. Avoid blowing dust and wash from propeller or rotors when starting up, running up or manoeuvring aircraft near to residential housing adjacent the aerodrome.
Circuit Procedures
Established circuit traffic always has priority over aircraft transiting the area or joining the circuit. The runway 23 circuit is right hand. All circuits are flown to the north side of the airfield.
Taxiing
After landing, clear to the south side of the runway. Taxiing aircraft should give way to aircraft vacating the runway into the taxi area.
Aircraft and Helicopter Parking Areas
Parking of aircraft is available on the south side of the taxiing areas [see above]. Do not park on private sections or property except with prior approval from the owner. To avoid damage from dust and stones, avoid parking near the East and West run-up areas. Parking can be a premium during the summer months so please park efficiently. When parking, be careful not to block resident hangar/house owners access.
Passenger Pick-up and Drop-off
From time to time, particularly in the holiday period, passengers will be picked up and dropped off at Pauanui Airfield. The designated pick-up and drop-off area is on the south side of the runway [see below]. Due to the proximity of other aircraft which can be starting and/or taxiing, extreme caution should be exercised to ensure safety is preserved.
At all times exercise extreme caution when escorting passengers to or from aircraft in the parking area.
Vehicles are to be parked in the areas designated below and baggage/people transported to aircraft. Vehicles are not to be driven through private property to gain direct access to aircraft in the parking area. This risks damage to parked aircraft from vehicles and is hazardous to passengers when aircraft are starting and taxiing around them.
Helicopters are not to land and shutdown, or land for the purpose of pick up or drop off of passengers on the northern side of the runway. They are blocking the operational area of the grass runway. They are to use the designated pick-up and drop-off area.
Landing Fees
Landing fees are payable at the airfield shed by the passenger pick up and drop off point.
Fees are currently set as follows: Private - $10.00 and Commercial - $20.00. A video camera recording system is due to be installed that will monitor aircraft movements into and out of Pauanui Beach. If landing fees are not paid and have to be invoiced, the landing fee will incur a 300% loading.
For details see Landing Fees
Security
Due consideration should be given for security of your aircraft. Do not leave valuables in the cockpit areas particularly in the busy holiday period. Pauanui is subject to strong windy conditions at times and picketing of aircraft and fitting control locks when unattended is recommended.
Flight Planning Facilities
There are limited resources for flight planning at Pauanui. The small operations hut will be available to registered PAUG members. A cell phone will be required to lodge or terminate flight plans.
Curfew
To minimise noise, a curfew is imposed between the hours of 1930 and 0800 hours local time. Emergency aircraft can operate at any time.
Engine Run-Up
Engine run-ups are to be conducted at the designated run up areas. There are two designated run up areas adjacent to either end of the airfield; the West run up area and the East run up area. In keeping with the NZCAA ‘FLY FRIENDLY’ policy, all aircraft should be positioned for the engine run up in such a way that propeller blast will have a minimal effect on private residential housing adjacent the runway.
CAUTION: Aircraft with low propeller clearance are advised to exercise extreme caution when taxiing to and into the take off position short of the threshold of runway 05 as the ground is uneven.
Take-off Considerations
After take-off, conducting an early turn rather than continuing flight over water is recommended, particularly in adverse weather conditions. The wearing of a life preserver is highly recommended.
CAUTION: The take off flight path on runway 23 is very close to a skateboard bowl on the right of the extended centreline. There are large numbers of children in this area during holiday periods.
Specific Operations
Formation Flying
Formation flying is a regular summer feature of aviation at Pauanui Beach. All formation flying is to be conducted in accordance with established formation procedures as approved by the Operator.
Aerobatics
There are three main areas that are used for aerobatics. Shoe and Slipper Island are used primarily when there is circuit traffic at NZUN or aircraft transiting up and down the coast.
From time to time, aerobatics may be conducted down to 500ft off the coastline of Pauanui Beach when there is no traffic in the circuit or transiting aircraft. In all cases, lateral clearance from built up areas and minimum heights commensurate with low-level aerobatic approvals will be observed.
Aerobatic Areas: Off the Coast of NZUN
Gliding
All gliding operations are to be conducted in accordance with established procedures and are to be approved in writing by AizA Ltd.
Parachute Jumping
All parachute jump operations at NZUN are to be conducted in accordance with established parachute jump procedures. Operations are to be approved in writing by Aiza Ltd and will be notified by NOTAM.
Parachute Jumping DZ
Flying Training
Intensive flying, particularly circuit training will result in significant and repetitive noise which makes Pauanui Beach unsuitable for flying training.
In all cases any flying training will be treated as a commercial venture subject to commercial landing fees and is only to be conducted subject to the approval in writing from Aiza Ltd.
Fixed Wing (Powered Aircraft)
On simulated forced landings, glide approaches and simulated engine failure after take off manoeuvres, keep the flight path away from buildings.
Rotary Wing
Helicopters with noisy characteristics should use take off techniques consistent with safety to achieve 400 feet AGL prior to crossing the airport boundary.
Helicopter pilots are to observe the following:
- Houses should not be used as reference points for training or other manoeuvres.
- Hover training is not permitted.
- Helicopters arriving or departing the airfield are to remain aligned with the extended centreline.
- In dry conditions, be aware of creating nuisance dust problems with adjacent housing.
Emergency Procedures
Rescue Fire
Call 111 in the event of any emergency. A comprehensive Emergency plan is being formulated and will be promulgated on the Airfield website soon.
Incident and Accident Procedure
In the event of an accident or incident at Pauanui Beach Aerodrome all media requests for information or comment should be referred to the affected organisation, the Operator or to the CAA without further comment.
A Pauanui Airfield Emergency Plan is being produced for immediate response information in case of accident or emergency.
Report an accident - 0508 ACCIDENT (0508 222 433)
Report other safety concerns - 0508 4SAFETY (0508 472 338)