Nzone managing director Lindsay Williams told the Environment Court yesterday there were more occasions when the cap was exceeded, but poor weather cancelled the entire day's operation.
Mr Williams was cross-examined by counsels of parties which opposed on aircraft noise and amenity value grounds the company's bid to to operate a commercial parachute and associated transport operation at Remarkables Station, State Highway 6. The bid involved an increase in the number of flights permitted to an average of 50 flights a day, with a caveat of no more than 75 flights each day.
Mr Williams said Cessna 185 or 206 aircraft were last routinely used by Nzone in 2002 and in maybe one or two incidents since. A Cresco 750 and a Cessna Supervan 900 were larger, faster and quieter and had since been introduced.
Neighbours gave approval for Nzone's application in 1996 and Mr Williams said at the time 35 flights per day was all the company would ever need. However, the caveat of how weather-dependent the operation was, was not recorded in 1996, the court heard.
Former Queenstown Lakes mayor Clive Geddes, of Jacks Point, asked Mr Williams to describe the area of the drop zone. Mr Williams said it was a three-nautical-mile cylinder with helicopter movements accommodated and included Jacks Point.
Mr Williams said Nzone offered three skydive heights and dropped at the end of the runway, depending on wind strength, not so much directly over Jacks Point residences as Mr Geddes suggested.
Mr Williams said a sound barrier, or bund could be built to mitigate noise, depending on resource consent, in response to commissioner John Mills' questions. The company had no need to buy a third aircraft, even if its new increased consent was granted, Mr Williams said.
The hearing continues this week.
