David Martino

I was initially employed on a two year temporary contract by the Amiri Flight to train UAE nationals who were flight dispatchers and flight operations officers. Upon completion of that training task, my contract was made pemanent and my responsibilities were broadened to develop a back office Navigation and Performance section. Major achievements included implementing a new flight planning system and being a key member of the team which achieved ETOPS certification.

I moved from Navigation Services into Flight Dispatch to project manage the set-up of the ANZ domestic flight planning desk when this function was centralized at Flight Dispatch in AKL. This new role also included developing and conducting regular refresher training for all ANZ flight dispatchers; international and domestic. I also became a member of the three person team of flight planning system key-users providing on call 24/7 system administration and support.

As a member of the ANZ Navigation Services team I was responsible for maintenance of all the navigation and policy databases in the company flight planning system, and also for the content of the FMC navdbs on company aircraft. This involved maintaining AIPs of all countries ANZ flew to and over to assess the effect of any AIP changes on our network. I also became a CAA Approved Type Rating Instructor for the subjects of Navigation and Flight Planning.

After leaving the Air Force I enjoyed beating the streets of Christchurch in my van for two years as a self employed contract driver for NZs leading courier company. Very early starts, very late finishes on the go all day. Enjoyed every minute of it! I was marking time while waiting for a sutiable opportunity to return to the aviation industry.

I joined the RNZAF as a trainee Navigator in January 1983. After successful completion of Officer Training (3 months) and then Flight Training (12 months), I spent 4 years flying operationally. In 1988 I successfully completed Advanced Navigation / Navigation Instructor Training (4 months). I spent 3 years as a Navigation Instructor becoming the RNZAF Chief Navigation Instructor during that time. In 1991 I became a Recruiting Officer for the RNZAF. I attained the rank of Flight Lieutenant.

Leadership, military studies. Aeroscience, airmanship, compasses and magnetism, electronic navaids, heading references, long range (area) navaids, maps and charts, meteorolgy, navigation and celestial navigation, performance, principles of flight, radio and radar.