Northland pilot Peter Turnbull acknowledged by aviation industry

Northland Rescue Helicopter chief pilot Peter Turnbull recognised for his work in the New Zealand aviation industry. Photo/File

Northland rescue helicopter pilot Peter Turnbull has been recognised by the aviation industry for his outstanding contributions to the development of aviation in New Zealand.

The top accolade was announced at the 2018 Annual Aviation Awards which were presented at the Aviation Leadership Awards Dinner in Nelson recently.

"The awards recognise outstanding contributions to the development of aviation in New Zealand and are an important part of celebrating our success as an industry," Aviation NZ chief executive John Nicholson said.

The award Turnbull received is given to a member that set high standards, demonstrated dedication and commitment, inspired others and had made an outstanding contribution to the development of the aviation industry.

Officials presenting the award said Turnbull had been instrumental in the development of the rotary industry in New Zealand.

"He has a wealth of rotary experience, in New Zealand and overseas, and we all benefit from that knowledge. With recent helicopter acquisitions, Turnbull has helped Sikorsky, the manufacturer, better understand how to use some of its latest models," Nicholson said.

"The strength of that relationship in helping Sikorsky develop operational specifications has even been a surprise to our Civil Aviation Authority."

Turnbull's innovative approach was highlighted in the simulator that was built by the Northland Emergency Services Trust to help practice Search and Rescue work.

Sitting at the awards dinner Turnbull said he was unaware he had even been nominated.

"It was completely unexpected. While they were reading it out I thought they were referring to two or three other people, not thinking it was me," Turnbull said.

It was very humbling to be recognised by the industry and he loved getting young people interested in flying and helping them develop.

Turnbull was recognised in January's New Years honours when he was made an Officer of the New Zealand Order of Merit (ONZM) for his services to aviation.

After some quick maths it's easy to establish that the kilometres flown by pilot Turnbull over his career to date add up to at least 110 trips around Earth.

There had been an estimated 55,000 successful take-offs with 49,999 successful landings over nearly 50 years. His 21,000 flying hours for emergency missions make him one of New Zealand's most experienced helicopter pilots.