The Energy Efficiency and Conservation Authority (EECA), in partnership with the tourism industry, is behind the first of its kind stock take as part of a wider Tourism Energy Efficiency Programme.
Nelson-based aviation specialist Helen Osmaston, of Francis Aviation Ltd, and project co-ordinator Ket Bradshaw, of Wellington, visited the three Wakatipu operators last week.
The stock take involved a review of aircraft design and selection, engine selection, and maintenance as it applied to fuel efficiency.
It covered pilot training and operating, standard operating procedures, route planning, air traffic control procedures, cockpit fuel management technology, constraints to saving fuel, aircraft weight, regulatory authority and approvals, plus aircraft scheduling and efficiency of use.
Mrs Osmaston said flying techniques, such as the correct fuel management of the engine, could improve fuel efficiency, which some tourist flight operators could implement.
Real Journeys line pilot Andy Pye said the initiative was an exchange of ideas between operators and would be a pool of information to draw from to save fuel.
"Real Journeys is monitoring its fuel usage by sector and by aircraft to give us a historical database and monitor any fuel efficiency changes we implement."
The results from the stock takes will be shared with about 45 operators in the Tourist Flight Operators (TFO) group throughout New Zealand.
The aim will be to provide useful information to help operators improve their overall environmental performance fuel and energy efficiency.
Small flight operators spend $150,000-$600,000 on fuel a year.
