38 Rotorua - Auckland

18 March 2007

2 days later I left ”The Sulphur City”, where a smell of rotten egg is ever present due to the thermal activity in the area.

However, just out of Rotorua I realised, that I could not maintain VMC due to mist. I called Wellington to file an IFR plan to get into Auckland international airport instead. I got he clearance to go to 6000 feet and via the NDB beacons Tourango and Miranda, to runway 23L by ILS.
 

Just after Miranda I passed a large area with no clouds, so I decided to cancel IFR and try once more to make my way to Ardmore. But again I faced mist as soon I came in over land, and again I had to ask for an IFR clearance to resume the approach to Auckland International airport.
 

Some GA pilots fear a big international airports, but compared to approaching a GA airport like Ardmore flying VFR (Visual Flight Rules - witch means maintaining visual reference with the ground, and to stay clear of clouds at all time and have a minimum of 3 miles visibility ahead) IFR (Instrument Flight rules – you fly by your instruments only, and are given direction by an approach control and you are kept separated from other traffic)) is in a way a lot easier and safer. Flying VFR, you got to make sure that you look out for other traffic.
 

On an IFR approach you are given compass headings, until you can intercept the localiser and the glide scope leading the plane to the runway. I have an autopilot that captures the localiser and the glidescope automatically, so I really only have to keep a check on the instruments until about a mile out. I got to be able to see runway typically about half a mile out and 300 feet above the ground. Then I disconnect the autopilot and land.
 

Auckland has a very small area for GA aircraft, where I parked. Another good thing about landing in Auckland airport is the fact, that it is designated as an international airport, where customs can be cleared on departure.