Mr Alan Beck, of Eltham, ONZM, for services to agricultural aviation and aviation safety
Alan Beck is a highly experienced agricultural and specialist lift helicopter pilot with more than 20,000 flying hours. He was Chairman of the New Zealand Agricultural Aviation Association.Having been victim of a wire-strike while piloting a helicopter, he initiated and continues to lead the ‘Down to the Wire’ campaign, encouraging landowners to remove wires that pose a danger to agricultural pilots. He assisted with leadership in the aerial control of the Port Hills and Tasman fires. He is a volunteer member of Aviation New Zealand. Mr Beck has supported the Rotokare Scenic Reserve Trust personally and through his business, Beck Helicopters, including delivering materials for walking and upper fence tracks, as well as delivering beehives for a honey project established between the Reserve and Bees and Trees.