Helicopter safety has been a simmering debate in New Zealand for years.  

It’s one that’s returned to the spotlight after several accidents and close calls over summer, including a horror crash on Australia’s Gold Coast.  

This comes at a time when helipads are spreading across the country as wealthy New Zealanders look to skip the traffic by taking to the sky. 

So as we see more helicopters taking to our skies, are we confident that we have the right regulations and training programmes in place? And should we be limiting the number of helicopters permitted to occupy our skies? 

Today, Damien is joined by aviation commentator Peter Clark to get his thoughts on the growing prominence of choppers around New Zealand.    

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Host: Damien Venuto
Producer: Shaun D Wilson and Paddy Fox
Executive Producer: Ethan Sills

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