Pilot wins international award

Southland aviation legend Richard "Hannibal" Hayes has become the first New Zealander to receive an international award for outstanding airmanship -- for fighting a large bushfire near Queenstown.

One pilot in the world is bestowed the honour in any year and it was presented to Mr Hayes at the opening ceremony of the New Zealand Air Games in Wanaka on Boxing Day night.

Mr Hayes received the Outstanding Airman Award from Pierre Portman, the President of the World Air Sports Federation (Federation Aeronautique Internationale) for helping to save the lives of others.

Nominated by Flying New Zealand for his work in extinguishing a huge blaze in the hills above Queenstown in November 2005, Mr Hayes was the only pilot qualified for night-vision flying.

The technology was pivotal in fighting the massive scrub fire during which more than 100 people were evacuated in darkness from their homes in Closeburn, Wilsons Bay and Alpine Retreat.

Mr Hayes worked solo through the night to contain the fire in gusty winds of up to 75kmh, fanned by strong heat.

The last time the award was handed out was a joint award to the pilots involved in rescuing people after Hurricane Katrina devastated the United States city of New Orleans in August 2005.

Notorious for shying away from the spotlight, Mr Hayes was unavailable for comment yesterday.