Helicam Pro CEO Jared Waddams, has become the first drone pilot in Canterbury to become certified to operate outside of strict new Civil Aviation Authority (CAA) rules introduced in August 2015. Waddams spent 6 months preparing his Part 102 application to CAA which included submitting comprehensive operations manuals, undergoing written […]
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A Christchurch drone operator says a proposed weight restriction on machines will cause “a lot of tears and bureaucratic process”. The Christchurch City Council is likely to take a “conservative approach” to its new drones policy to allow people to get used to the increasing presence of the hovering machines. A report from council staff […]
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Over the past couple of weeks I’ve had the privilege of working alongside the team at Martin Aircraft Company documenting unmanned and manned test flights of the Martin Jetpack. The latest Martin Jetpack has made its first maiden manned flight, tearing across a north Canterbury irrigation pond with staff members […]
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A two-time Masters champion and currently one of the top five golfers in the world, Bubba Watson is known for pushing the boundaries of golf. Three years ago, Bubba and Oakley teamed up to create the world’s first Golf Cart Hovercraft. For 2016, we wanted to make history once again by taking innovation […]
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Recent negative publicity over drone use is causing legitimate professional drone users cause for concern. A growing sense of “hysteria” about drones has led to suspicion and open hostility toward their operators. In recent months, drone users have reported verbal abuse, threats and, in one case, a machine was destroyed […]
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The Government’s tightened up the rules around drones, which are the fastest-growing sector in the aviation industry. With increasing numbers of incidents involving the craft, the Civil Aviation Authority (CAA) is introducing a sort of drone operator’s licence. As part of the tougher rules that come in to play next […]
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A new breed of drone enthusiasts are developing racing machines which give users an exhilarating out-of-body experience. The newly formed racing club, known as Rotorcross, has started a national drone racing championship and believe their hobby is the next big sport to hit New Zealand. Tiny, light-weight quadcopter drones are used […]
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It took just a matter of seconds to topple Christchurch’s former police station.The quake-damaged 13-storey building, once a landmark on the Christchurch skyline, was demolished in a controlled implosion today. The implosion was streamed live, with more than 20,000 people watching the action online. The building, which had been stripped […]
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A thunderous blast from 55 kilos of explosives, drilled into columns of the police station, toppling the building, which was several stories high. Thousands of people gathered in the city centre to watch the historic event, despite being asked to stay away by demolition company Ceres, “for safety reasons”.
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Owners Ngai Tahu Property are setting up a big cordon, hoping to keep the crowds away, but all the action will be livestreamed on Sunday.The demolition action will be recorded by four authorised drones – all others are banned from the no-fly zone.Sightseers are also being discouraged, with Ceres New […]
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