Aviation Industry Association Award Winners 2024

2024 SiS Training and Consulting Ltd Aviation Safety Award Winner – Pip Foster

This award recognises a professional or organisation who has made an outstanding contribution to safety.

Pip has demonstrated exceptional leadership in aviation safety, transforming safety culture across multiple organisations. Despite her non-aviation background, she brought fresh perspectives to safety management, making it more approachable and practical. Her innovative approach includes establishing regional operator groups and a safety managers’ network, fostering collaboration and knowledge sharing.

Pip’s emphasis on open communication, just culture, and mentorship has created an environment where staff feel comfortable reporting issues and learning from mistakes. Her holistic view of safety extends beyond pilots to include loader drivers and maintenance providers. Pip’s vision for scalable safety practices and her efforts to educate regulators on industry-specific challenges showcase her commitment to advancing safety across New Zealand’s aviation sector.

2024 AeroFusion Young Aviator of the Year Award Winner – Callum Ruddenklau

This award recognises a young Aviator who has demonstrated an outstanding commitment to building a successful career.

Callum Ruddenklau has demonstrated exceptional skill and dedication in his role as a young aviation engineer, making him a deserving recipient of the Young Aviator Award. Starting his career at Oceania Aviation Dunedin, Callum quickly showed promise in helicopter maintenance. He further honed his skills at Southland Helicopters, gaining valuable experience and expanding his qualifications to include Group 2 Helicopter and Group 3 engine ratings. Now serving as Chief Engineer for Heliventures Ltd in Oamaru, Callum oversees the maintenance of a diverse fleet of helicopters.

His work has been consistently praised for its meticulous attention to detail, impeccable record-keeping, and adherence to international standards. Callum’s commitment to maintaining the highest standards of safety and efficiency in aviation maintenance, despite his relatively young age, sets an inspiring example for his peers and marks him as a rising star in the New Zealand aviation industry.

2024 Eye in the Sky Leader in Aviation Award Winner – Dave Evans

This award recognises a leader in aviation who has most effectively through their leadership style, developed, strengthened, enhanced or grown an Aviation Industry business.

Dave has demonstrated exceptional leadership in aviation education, particularly in aircraft engineering training, where his unique combination of skills, experience, personality, and passion has made a significant impact. His calm and rational approach to education has earned him respect within the industry, and his unwavering professionalism has provided invaluable support to training providers, industry players, and trainees alike.

Throughout his career, Dave has been instrumental in developing the foundational structure for engineering practitioner education, often collaborating with teams to enhance the learning experience. His natural leadership qualities shine through in every endeavor, making a lasting difference to those around him. Dave’s dedication to advancing aviation education and his commitment to fostering the next generation of engineers have rightfully earned him the Leader in Aviation Award.

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2024 Fieldair Engineering Aviation Mentor Award Winner – James PG Foundation

This award recognises a mentor professional or organisation who has contributed to assisting other aviation personnel in learning or growing in their aviation careers.

The James PG Foundation, established in memory of James, a young man who lived life to the fullest, is dedicated to empowering New Zealand youth aged 17-25 to reach their full potential. Through the sales of ‘Eye In The Sky’, the foundation funds initiatives that create opportunities and open doors for enterprising young adults.

Its mission focuses on providing further education, career development, and enhancing aviation safety. The foundation seeks to honor James’ legacy by supporting individuals who demonstrate the same enthusiasm and positive attitude towards life, offering them tools and opportunities to excel in their chosen paths.

2024 AIANZ Individual Award Winner – Mike Lynskey

This award recognises the contribution an individual member has made to the development of the aviation industry in New Zealand and can demonstrate that they set high standards, show dedication and commitment, and, through their actions, that they have inspired others.

Mike Lynskey has spent 50 years in and around aviation in New Zealand and overseas, from RNZAF apprentice through aeronautical engineer appointments to senior management positions in airline maintenance and aviation assessment services.

While his military time was far from insignificant in his career progression, Mike’s role in Aviation Services Ltd (ASL) in the mid-90s came to define his contribution to the wider NZ aviation community.

Much of ASL’s (now Aspeq) development in aviation assessment occurred under Mike’s stewardship. He led the organisation as it expanded the provision of assessment services to a truly global business, winning a significant
contract in Australia and then ventures further afield.

Mike’s role has been instrumental in creating a world leading assessment business. Aspeq has always been industry owned and so its success has had a direct impact on NZ aviation.

Mike has made significant contributions to the NZ aviation and aerospace sector, through the AIANZ as a Council member, and he is currently president of the Royal Aeronautical Society.

2024 AIANZ Richard Pearse Award Winner – Cameron Baker, Envico

This award recognises the contribution a member has made through developing a new product or service that shows technical innovation, a positive market response and where substantial development has occurred in New Zealand and has enhanced the reputation of New Zealand as an innovative country.

Cameron Baker has been the guiding light behind Envico Technologies, a NZ made aerial baiting technology programme being used around the world.

The award recognises how Cameron’s drone technology has contributed to pest eradication in NZ and overseas. In addition, Envico has pioneered aerial seed pod technologies that are helping reforestation programmes here and offshore.

As well as winning Cameron’s innovation has seen Envico win other awards including the 2024 Asia-Pacific Stevie Award for Project of the Year in Nature and Biological Diversity.

2024 CAA Director’s Award Winner – Brad MacLachlan

The prestigious Civil Aviation Authority Director’s Award for 2024 has been awarded to Brad MacLachlan for his commitment to maintaining and improving aviation safety.

This award recognises MacLachlan’s commitment to aviation safety by designing an award-winning system that should save lives in helicopters.

Brad’s current boss describes him as “tenacious and a stickler for safety,” someone who challenges everyone to do things correctly and safely. His deep understanding of both the flying and operational sides of the business allows him to integrate safety into every aspect of his work.

The CAA Director’s Award celebrates individuals like Brad MacLachlan, who embody the values of safety, innovation, and resilience. His story serves as an inspiration to the entire aviation community, demonstrating that a commitment to safety is not just a professional duty but a personal mission.

(Text taken from CAA media release)

NZAAA Lifetime Achievement Award 2024 Winner – Wayne van der Laan

For your dedication, innovation and commitment to excellence in Agricultural Aviation providing a lasting legacy for future generations

Wayne van der Laan ‘s 50-year career in aviation exemplifies dedication and passion for the agricultural aviation sector. Growing up on a family dry stock farm in the Bay of Plenty, his early experiences watching topdressing pilots ignited a lifelong interest in flying. At just 16, he began his fixed-wing flight training while working on the family farm to fund his lessons. After completing a five-year aircraft engineering apprenticeship at James Aviation Ltd and Wishart Helicopters, he earned his pilot licenses and gained invaluable experience in agricultural aviation.

Throughout the 1980s, Wayne expanded his expertise by working in Australia, where he supported the mineral exploration industry as an engineer and gained ferry flying hours toward his commercial license. He later co-founded Helicopter Management Ltd in Queensland, focusing on cattle mustering and feral animal control.

In 1993, he returned to New Zealand to establish Northland Helicopters Ltd and continued to build his legacy with Helicopter Management Ltd in Te Awamutu, specializing in spraying and topdressing operations. Wayne’s unwavering commitment to the industry is evident in his passion for mentoring the next generation of aviation professionals. He has trained and supported five pilots and an aircraft engineer, contributing significantly to the agricultural aviation community.

Celebrating his remarkable journey in aviation, Wayne appreciates the friendships, mentorship, and support he has received along the way. His extensive experience and dedication to fostering talent in the industry make him a deserving recipient of the NZAAA Lifetime Achievement Award.

NZAAA Grade 2 Helicopter Pilot Award 2024 Winner – Jim Orchard

For an outstanding pilot displaying diligence, leadership and exemplary standards, with a passion for Agricultural Aviation.

Jim has demonstrated exceptional dedication and passion for agricultural aviation from a young age. His proactive approach to gaining experience and building relationships within the industry has led to a rapid progression in his career. Starting with ground crewing, Jim quickly advanced to obtain his commercial helicopter license, Ag rating, and VTA rating. His commitment to safety, positive team culture, and strong work ethic have consistently impressed colleagues and employers.

Jim’s enthusiasm for agricultural flying, combined with his leadership qualities and willingness to contribute in all aspects of operations, exemplify the values of excellence in safety culture that benefit the entire agricultural aviation community, making him a deserving recipient of the NZAAA Grade 2 Helicopter Pilot Award 2024.

Aircraft Engineering Association of New Zealand Award 2024 Winner – Neil Mathieson

Neil Mathieson, the recipient of the Aircraft Engineering Association of New Zealand annual award for 2024, has demonstrated an exceptional commitment to aviation throughout his career spanning over five decades. Beginning as an apprentice aircraft engineer in 1971, Neil’s passion for aviation led him to expand his skills beyond engineering, obtaining pilot licenses and ratings. His career has encompassed roles as Chief Engineer, pilot, and entrepreneur, culminating in the establishment of Aero Support in 1991.

Neil’s dedication to the industry is evident through his consistent participation in industry associations, mentorship of young engineers, support for aviation education programs, and contributions to the local aviation community. His unwavering enthusiasm and multifaceted contributions to New Zealand’s aviation sector make him a highly deserving recipient of this prestigious award.