19 April 2005
Flying by Night
Up to six Air Force Iroquois Helicopters and one hundred NZDF personnel will be taking part in a night flying exercise
base in Tekapo at the Balmoral Army Camp next week.
Exercise Pekapeka – the Maori name for a native New Zealand Bat, a nocturnal mammal that operates in the dark, will be
held from 23-29 April.
The aircrew will fly six to eight missions a night, using night vision goggles. The aircraft will be operating from
8.00pm through to 5.00am each night
Flying operations will take the helicopters over Christchurch, South Canterbury, MacKenzie Country and the Waitaki
Basin.
ENDS