Fly More, Fly Smart: CAA urges pilots not to ‘wing it’

Wellington, New Zealand  - The thrill of free flight is unparalleled—the wind, the lift, the pure freedom. But even the most experienced pilots know that every flight demands smart decision-making. Following a recent rise in hang gliding, paragliding, and speed wing incidents—including a recent speed wing fatality—the Civil Aviation Authority (CAA) is urging pilots to sharpen their situational awareness and decision-making before, during, and after each flight.

The CAA, in partnership with the New Zealand Hang Gliding and Paragliding Association (NZHGPA), is reaffirming its commitment to ensuring that free flight remains safe and sustainable. The CAA’s goal is not to restrict adventure, but to empower pilots to continue flying with reduced risk.

“Great pilots aren’t just risk-takers—they’re risk managers,” says Nick Taber, CEO of NZHGPA. “The best flights are the result of smart preparation and solid decision-making. Our aim is to help pilots fly more and fly longer by making safety second nature.”

“Every successful flight starts with thoughtful planning,” says NZHGPA CEO Nick Taber. “Be the bird but also be the pilot. Use the NZHGPA checklist— ‘My Environment, My Plan, Myself’—before you take off. Whether soaring coastal cliffs or carving through mountains, your last flight is only as good as the decisions you make in the moment.”

Think first, fly longer

The New Zealand Hang Gliding and Paragliding Association (NZHGPA) has launched a National Safety Campaign ‘Don’t Wing it” that highlights how smart choices on the ground lead to safer, more enjoyable flying days.

The Civil Aviation Authority (CAA) is supporting the initiative, encouraging pilots to view safety as an essential part of extending their flying careers, not as a limitation.

Key safety takeaways from the campaign include:

• Pre-flight readiness: Ensure your gear is appropriate for your skill level and thoroughly check that all equipment—glider, harness, lines—is in top condition. A small issue on the ground can become a major problem in the air.
• Weather mastery: Stay ahead of changing conditions by understanding the sky. Familiarize yourself with valley winds, mountain rotors, and shifting sea breezes. If conditions take you by surprise, don’t push your limits—set up for a safe landing.
• Know your limits (and respect them): Free flight is about progression, not proving a point. If you're a newer pilot, acknowledge what you have yet to learn. Experienced pilots should avoid letting overconfidence override good judgment.
• Terrain awareness: The air may be invisible, but it’s shaped by the landscape. Stay clear of leeside turbulence, rotor zones, and confined spaces. Flying too close to terrain in strong conditions is a risk not worth taking.
• The buddy system: Flying solo doesn’t mean going it alone. Always communicate your flight plan to someone, fly with others when possible, and don’t hesitate to call out unsafe situations. A good pilot looks out for others, not just themselves.

More safe flights, fewer close calls

“Avoidable accidents take pilots out of the sky,” says CAA Deputy Chief Executive Dean Winter, “If you love flying, protecting yourself means protecting your ability to keep doing what you love. The best pilots aren’t just skilled—they’re smart about their choices.”

The CAA and NZHGPA are working together to support safety initiatives, ensuring that free flight remains a safe, accessible, and sustainable pursuit for all.

For more information on safety resources, visit our website section on Safety.

Or click to see the campaign material: Fly like a Bird, Think like a Pilot(external link) 

Media contact:

New Zealand Civil Aviation Authority

Phone: +64 027 763 000

Email: media@caa.govt.nz