Congratulations to Alan Coubray

SAFARI owner Alan Coubray wins New Zealand Helicopter Competition 
With stiff competition from experienced professional pilots in million dollar commercial helicopters, SAFARI owner and pilot Alan Coubray and his navigator Glen Maulcay walked (or flew) away as Champions at the annual New Zealand Helicopter Championship. No competitor had ever scored a perfect finish until Alan aced a complex, timed exercise of navigation skills and precision flying. Alan scored well in the remaining segments as well, which included dropping objects into a target at speed from a specific height, and a “water bucket” event requiring precise control of the helicopter. 

An interesting challenge was provided by an exercise completed with a 2′ chain attached to one skid, and a 3′ chain attached to the other Keeping only the longer chain touching the ground while maneuvering through 360° turns and backward, forward, and diagonal movements proved a true test of piloting skill. While SAFARI dealer Bruce Belfield of South Pacific Home Rotors competed in the event also, Alan and his SAFARI stole the show! More information about this event is available here: