Chief flight examiner wins excellence award

The School of Aviation’s chief flight examiner has won an award for excellence in general aviation instruction and his contribution to the industry.

Dr Richie de Montalk received the Captain Greg Vujcich Memorial Award for his work mentoring and inspiring young aviators. He was presented with the award at the recent New Zealand Airline Pilots’ Association conference dinner.

Since joining Massey University in 1990 the former Royal New Zealand Air Force Pilot has applied himself to academic research and has gained a Bachelor of Aviation, a Master of Aviation with honours, and a Doctor of Philosophy awarded for the thesis Developing Proficiency in Air Transport Pilots: The Case for the Introduction of Non-Technical skills in Basic Pilot Training Programmes.

He is an advocate for broadening the base of pilot training beyond the technical skills needed to fly an aircraft. His research has not only contributed to professional knowledge surrounding pilot education and training, but represents a significant advance in the methodology of instruction.

He was nominated for the award by the University’s Manager of Professional Programmes Frank Sharp who says notwithstanding his in-depth contribution, Dr de Montalk has never lost sight of the fundamentals of flying and the necessary common sense that accompanies that.

“Ritchie has a long and distinguished record in aviation, both as a flight instructor imparting knowledge and, latterly, in academic research to further the understanding of the skills and competencies that need particular attention during training of pilots preparing for careers as professional pilots,” he says.

“He has been passing on his knowledge in an enthusiastic, informative and lasting manner since he first qualified as a flying instructor in 1962.”

Greg Vujcich, for whom the award is named, was a well-respected instructor, Air New Zealand captain and association member who died suddenly in 2007.

Watch a video clip of Wings recipient Nick Jenkins who talks about his experiences at Massey’s School of Aviation click here