Safety fears have sparked a product recall for a batch of popular helicopter blades, though no operators in the South Island have been affected.
The safety directive, issued yesterday, meant the Civil Aviation authority could ground some of the eight Bell Long Ranger helicopters registered in New Zealand.
However, Helicopters Otago managing director Graeme Gale, whose company runs the Regional Rescue helicopters, said he had not been affected, and neither had any other operator in the South Island.
The incident follows a similar directive issued in Canada on Thursday. It is understood similar safety warnings will be published worldwide during the next few days.
Mr Gale said the recall was a "major problem" in the United States and it would take "a long time to resolve".
"It will be pretty hard on people, particularly if they are busy at the moment. Luckily, it does not affect our aircraft."
- Additional reporting The New Zealand Herald
