Operation: Overload Ohakea

VATNZ invites you to join us for Operation: Overload Ohakea, a high-intensity event featuring full ATC coverage at RNZAF Base Ohakea (NZOH) and Palmerston North Airport (NZPM). For one afternoon, the Manawatū region will be the centre of New Zealand’s virtual aviation network as controllers and pilots alike test the limits of these two neighbouring aerodromes.

Ohakea (NZOH) is one of New Zealand’s busiest military air bases, home to the Royal New Zealand Air Force. During this event, the base will be fully open to both military and civilian operations, providing a unique opportunity to experience a diverse range of traffic. Whether you’re flying tactical fast jets, heavy transports, training sorties, or general aviation aircraft, expect a busy pattern and packed frequencies as military and civil traffic share the skies.

Just a few miles to the southeast lies Palmerston North (NZPM), the region’s commercial hub. With regular commercial operations, turboprops, domestic jet services, and plenty of general aviation activity, Palmerston North provides the perfect civilian counterpart to Ohakea’s military operations. Together, these airports will generate a level of traffic density and ATC complexity rarely seen in the central North Island.

Come join us as we push New Zealand's aeronautical military and cargo hub to full capacity in Operation: Overload Ohakea