Tenacious, hardworking pilot remembered
GLENORCHY Air coowner and chief pilot Robert Rutherford was a ‘‘tenacious’’ operator who survived and thrived in a tough industry, aviation stalwarts say.
Mr Rutherford (71) was undertaking property maintenance at his Frankton home on Monday when he is thought to have fallen from a ladder and died.
Hank Sproull, owner of rival company Air Milford, said he had long respected Mr Rutherford for his perseverance and how he and his wife, Janet, had built up their company over many years.
‘‘You have to admire him for his tenacity and for sticking with it,’’ Mr Sproull said.
‘‘In the early days it was particularly difficult, but they have stuck in there and done the hard yards.’’
Mr Sproull was saddened that Mr Rutherford had died at a stage in his life when he was ‘‘enjoying the fruits’’ of years of hard work.
Veteran Queenstown aviator Jules Tapper said Glenorchy Air stood out as one of the two independently owned aviation sightseeing companies operating from the resort.
A key to that success had been Mr Rutherford spotting a niche and being the first to offer The Lord of the Rings film location sightseeing flights.
‘‘That was a clever move, because one of the problems we have in this area is the weather is such that if you can fly more than 180 days in the year to Milford Sound, that’s a good year.
‘‘So if you can, you diversify into something else, and that’s what he did,’’ Mr Tapper said.
Veteran Queenstown pilot Grant Stewart said it was a testament to Mr Rutherford’s knowledge and experience that many pilots he trained had gone on to successful careers flying for airlines throughout the world.
He was a ‘‘very approachable’’ man who made a big contribution to the Queenstown-Milford User Group, a body promoting safety for the area’s aviation operators.
Glenorchy Air is one of Queenstown’s aviation success stories, celebrating its 25th anniversary last November.
Operating five aircraft and employing 10 staff, it provides scenic flights, charters and tours throughout the lower half of the South Island.
A company statement said it had temporarily suspended operations as a mark of respect for staff, family and friends.
Police have referred Mr Rutherford’s death to the coroner.
He is survived by his wife and four children.
❛ You have to admire him for his tenacity and for sticking with it