A pilot’s view.
Known as the land of the long white cloud, if you fly into New Zealand you could well encounter this scenario. Hold on to your seat.
This is the approach and descent into Queenstown, New Zealand.
Spectacular.
http://www.chonday.com/Videos/pilotnewzdalnd1 4 min 11 sec. Click for full screen.
Sound on.
Near Queenstown I was intrigued by the name of an area, The Devils Staircase. I Googled it and come up with a video of a motorcycle hill climb.
'Riding up Devils Staircase', Karapoti
https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=1Jmzx85ULrs 11 min
WOW!
Best case for instrument landings that I know. Just hope the instruments aren't faulty
Been there. Done that. We used EVS, so clouds were not an issue.
EVS = Advanced Vision System
The EVS-3000 is the latest in enhanced vision technology. Offering an uncooled solution that can detect all runway lighting, including new LED systems, the EVS-3000 lets you see through the worst conditions nature has to offer.
https://www.rockwellcollins.com/Search/Global.aspx?q=EVS-3000+Enhanced+Vision+Sy stem
http://www.flir.com/uploadedfiles/Eurasia/MMC/Tech_Notes/TN_0005_EN.pdf
My approach into Queenstown....
If you have Google Earth and are interested in the location of the airport to the city, bring up Google Earth and type in Airport, Queensland, New Zealand.
Gene