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Kiwi Helicopter Pilot Fined For Rescue Flight

By Russ Niles

A New Zealand helicopter pilot who flew a successful rescue mission while his medical was suspended has been fined $5,800 NZD in court in Christchurch for three violations of the country's aviation regulations. In April of 2014, Dave Armstrong flew into rough terrain to help rescue an injured hunter dangling from a cliff near the Clinton River. Although it was well known by those involved in the rescue that Armstrong was not legally allowed to fly the mission, there was agreement that he was the best pilot for the job because of his knowledge of the area. Armstrong was able to locate the hunter, who had a broken femur, and land a rescue team to stabilize and stay with him the night.Stuff reported that although the judge couldn't find fault with the reasoning that went into the rescue, he did note that it wasn't the first time Armstrong had ignored the rules and gone flying. Judge Tony Couch noted there had been at least two previous flights, false log book entries and other transgressions to create "a pattern of unlawful behavior." Armstrong said he'd think twice before flying another rescue and was hopeful a "Good Samaritan" law being proposed to the country's legislature will clear up the ambiguity of existing regulations and encourage pilots to "step up and not step back." Scott Lee, the man who broke his leg on the mountain offered his perspective to reporters. "He made a decision to save my life. Dave is that type of Kiwi bloke who puts others before himself. I might have died up there and Dave was the most experienced pilot up there. Rules have to be broken sometimes and there's got to be something in the law to cover that. "I just want to thank Dave. I really could have died up there and my partner with me. He is my true hero and always will be. So thanks Dave. I wouldn't be here without you." A fundraising campaign has accumulated almost enough to cover Armstrong's fines.