References

25 August 2005

Mr Ritchie

Natural Instincts

Pete Richies 4WD

Training and Adventure Specialists

PO Box 224

NGONGOTAHA

Dear Mr Ritchie

APPRECIATION FOR RE-FAMILIARISATION FOUR WHEEL DRIVE TRAINING

On behalf of the Mechanical Transport (MT) Training School, I would like to pass on my appreciation for the Instructor Re-familiarisation Training that you provided for the MT School over the period 27 Feb – 02 Mar 05.

The training was very beneficial, providing the staff with a greater awareness to the finer details in operating Four Wheel Drive vehicles and enabled the MT Training School to maintain the standards and procedures required in the Four Wheel Drive Training environment. You provided an enjoyable learning experience for the staff that provided an atmosphere for open discussion and information sharing, and focused individuals on the training techniques, enabling the staff to practise these skills away from their students. Most importantly the training encouraged teamwork resulting in a better work environment between relatively new staff at the school.

Enclosed is an account from the MT Training School Senior Instructor of the re-familiarisation training conducted and the benefits to the school as a result of the training, for your information and retention.

I apologise for the delay in this letter of appreciation, which is in no way a reflection of the gratitude felt from the training you provided. I look forward to contact with you in the future should the opportunity for further re-familiarisation training arise.

Yours sincerely

J.A. ADLAM

Flight Lieutenant

Flight Commander Support Training Flight

ROYAL NEW ZEALAND AIR FORCE

Ground Training Wing

MINUTE

23 Aug 05

FC STF

MT SCHOOL INSTRUCTIONAL STAFF RE-FAMILIARISATION TRAINING- NISSAN  FOUR WHEEL DRIVE TRAINING – 27 FEB to 02 MAr 05

1. It was identified that Four Wheel Drive techniques have evolved in the public sector and that a performance gap existed between that benchmark, and the standards and procedures within the current RNZAF MT Training School staff, therefore, there was a need to ensure that the MT School instructors knowledge base be extended through instructor re-familiarisation training.

2. The opportunity arose for Six MT School Instructors to carry out instructor re-familiarisation training provided by Mr Pete Ritchie of Natural Instincts - 4WD Training and Aventure Specialists. Mr Ritchie is also recognised as a NZ authority on Four Wheel Drive operation techniques and procedures. He indicated a willingness to provide his services to the RNZAF MT Training School and did so 27 Feb to 02 Mar 05

3. Mr Ritchie conducted similar training for the RNZAF MT Training School in Jun 2004. His knowledge of the current training conducted by the MT School, helped Mr Ritchie to design a suitable training program specific to the MT School needs. 

4. Woodbourne Motor Transport provided the vehicles for training which included the 3.2 Nissan Nivara, the 2.8 litre and 3.0 litre Toyota Hi-Lux and of particular interest to the MT School staff was the training conducted using the 3.0 Litre Nissan Nivara provided by Nissan NZ. With the introduction of this vehicle type into the RNZAF in Mar 05, this proved to be a hugely valuable opportunity to learn about this vehicle prior to use for training purposes by the RNZAF MT School.  The 3.0 Litre Nissan out performed the other vehicle types in its ability to carry out ascents and descents particularly on the more challenging surfaces.

5. Day one (theory) content included :

            a)         Understanding basic 4WD requirements

            b)         Basic mechanics of 4WD systems

            c)         Handling and Dynamics

            d)         Terrain contour and composition recognition

            e)         Environmental and safety issues.

6. Day two (Practical) content included:

            a)         Hill climbing

            b)         Failure to climb

            c)         Descents

            d)         Articulation

            e)         Traversing

            f)          Hazard recognition

            g)         Safety margin assessment

7. Day three (Practical) content included:         

            a)         Refinement of procedures currently delivered to RNZAF trainees.

            b)         Individual assessment 

8. Day three content included:

            a)         Course critique

9. The entire course was of immeasurable benefit to all the MT School Staff, providing a greater appreciation for the finer details in operating Four Wheel Drive vehicles, and for the need to strive for perfection whilst doing so. It provided an atmosphere for open discussion and information sharing, encouraged teamwork between relatively new MT School Staff, focused individuals on the training techniques, and on the need for positive interaction within the training team. It provided the opportunity for the MT School Staff to practice skills away from the their  students, with an opportunity to critique each other, and to be critiqued by Mr Ritchie, with a view to improving all aspects of RNZAF Four Wheel Drive training.

10. Mr Ritchies professional approach, constructive criticism, attention to safety details, his extremely broad operational and mechanical knowledge and experience of Four Wheel Drive vehicles, and his ability to relate this knowledge gave him the credibility he deserves as a Four Wheel Drive Instructor. This made for a most enjoyable learning experience for the MT School Instructors and is of value to the future development and delivery of Four Wheel Drive training for the RNZAF.

11. A final note from all the RNZAF MT Instructional Staff; Mr Ritchie is a fine ambassador for NISSAN NZ, and we thank him for the time and effort provided to deliver the training

K.M. CHARD

F/S

SIMT

Kerikeri

Pete/Deb

Thanks again for a wonderful morning with the VW team from IC Motors in Whangarei.  We had such a good time and once again enjoyed every minute of your very expert teachings.

Take care, drive safe

Regards

John and Jennie Mark

ROYAL NEW ZEALAND AIR FORCE

Support Training Squadron

MINUTE

GTW/STS/4975/48/1

15 Jun 04

OCSTS   (Through: FCGSF)

INSTRUCTOR ADVANCED FOUR WHEEL DRIVE TRAINING - ROTORUA 08 - 12 JUN 04

1.    Over the period 08 -12 Jun 04 the STS MT Training cell instructors undertook an advanced four wheel drive training programme conducted in Rotorua by Mr Pete Ritchie of Natural Instincts.

2.    The training programme consisted of three practical training days covering advanced off-road driving skills, advanced recovery techniques and in-depth discussions to further understand traction concepts for successful completion of obstacles.       

·    The practical driving was undertaken on three different surface types, wet grassy slopes, riolyte rock and muddy bush tracks all of which saw the vehicles perform different to the terrain types we currently train on during our training courses. This allowed for the opportunity to extend the skills of all the instructors and apply different techniques for successful completion of obstacles.

·    The advanced recovery covered the use of vehicle winches with multiple snatch blocks to reduce loading on equipment and allow for different directions of pull. We also covered team recovery, which involves getting vehicles to the top/bottom of undriveable slopes, without the use of winches by utilising the other vehicles in the group. This also covered the use of camlocks and additional wire rope lengths. This was valuable information for us and would be beneficial in the training environment in the case of an accident or in the event of drive train failure to recover the vehicles.

·    The time spent explaining the finer points of traction techniques and throttle modulation allows for a better understanding by all instructors of what happens to the drive in given situations and allowed for us to anticipate what would happen on an obstacle and what would be required to successfully achieve the obstacle at the recce stage. We trialled different tyre pressures to ascertain the effects on traction and saw the advantages/disadvantages and importance of adjusting pressures in different terrain types.

3.    This training has proven to be highly beneficial to all the instructors that attended, as we were all able to learn new skills and had numerous opportunities to practice the skills while receiving constructive criticism from Mr Ritchie on ways we could improve our operation.  Other advantages included the team building aspects for the instructors and the opportunity to operate vehicles in an environment away from students where we could practice skills and learn from, and critique each others driving skills. A benefit for myself as the SIMT School was the ability to assess the level that each of the instructors are operating at and identify any weaknesses, which may require on-going training.

4.     We also had the opportunity to compare the different vehicle types over the same terrain. We had three 3.0 Hiluxes and Mr Ritchie had two of the 3.0 TD Navaras. In all terrain types the Navaras out-performed the Hiluxes, of particular note was the articulation advantage of the Navara. The Navara also offered a superior ability to achieve ascents, particularly on traction reduced surfaces.

5.     We offered a position to Woodbourne MT for a mechanic to attend, to observe the vehicles operating in off-road environments and to see the vehicle “set up” in relation to recovery points and approach/departure angles. This allows for a better understanding from the workshop staff as to our training requirements for four wheel drive vehicles and ways in which we can modify the vehicles to offer the most protection for the vehicle when operating in the four wheel drive environment.

6.     The course has proved to be of benefit to all concerned and the professional approach that Mr Ritchie displayed throughout the training has given the instructors an appreciation of the need to strive for perfection and an awareness of the finer points of detail at all times when training. This can only have positive reflection on the training provided from the MT Training cell and prove advantageous to the RNZAF.

A.M. SIMPSON

F/S

SIMT

Hi Peter,

I'm back in Malaysia now but I just wanted to say thanks very much for an awesome time 13/8/02. Avon and I thoroughly enjoyed ourselves. As a result I have booked the truck in for mods etc…(some we spoke about others I have wanted). I am encouraging Avon to do to Sand trips with you.

Anyway, I wanted to make special mention that I thought you run a very professional operation. Your knowledge, expertise and attention to safety quickly won our confidence which allowed us to have such a great time. I have been actively promoting your services to my friends, family and colleagues in NZ (even those expats abroad).

I'm looking forward to my next adventure with Natural instincts!!  

Best regards
Simon Fa'amoe
Global Services Manager - Royal Dutch / Shell Group

First of all both Rose and I would like to thank you for such an enjoyable week at National Park. And what a week it was, a very interesting one, on both the 4wd side of things and on the personality front.

PT can be head strong at times, but, really his heart is in the right place.

Rose and I had a great time, and it gave her the opportunity to do something that she would never have dreamed of doing, if it wasn't for your presence and guidance whilst driving your truck around the course. I found it most rewarding to see her having a great time with you. She is telling everyone of the experience.

Thanks again Peter, and if you would like any further assistance in the future, please don't hesitate to call me.

Regards,

Murray Sievers 

Dear Pete, Deb and Team

Just a quick thank you for an awesome day yesterday.  Great fun had by all- including us!!

It's really nice to work with such a relaxed and professional group of people especially at short notice.

Look forward to our next adventure.

Kind regards,

Nina Baxter

BIG DAY LTD

25 January 2004

Mr Pete Ritchie

Natural Instincts

PO Box 224

Ngongotaha

NEW ZEALAND

FOUR WHEEL DRIVE COURSE VALIDATION

Pete and Deb,

I would like to take this opportunity to thank you both for the recent validation of the RNZAF four wheel drive course. Your input was valuable and the professional demeanour you displayed and the passion toward four wheel drive training was inspirational to all instructors at the training school. The time you spent upskilling the instructors has further increased their understanding of drive train operation, which allows for better fault detection when students are not achieving objectives.

As a result of your visit a number of changes are to be implemented to our training course. The following summary highlights the key points:

a.    Theory

• Drive train knowledge of instructors of other available systems

• Diff locks use and terminology Centre diff lock and cross locks

• More emphasis on tyre pressures   

• Tyre treads and types

• 3 things that affect vehicle movement - Momentum, friction and gravity

• Practical under body checks, physically go through all checks don’t assume…

• Discuss Constant Velocity joints

• Toyota video, only use the animated part.

b.    Recovery

• Direction of towing vehicle always must drive forward

• Further explain snatch block and how double purchase will increase pulling power.

• All demonstrations out back to be correctly laid out and connected

• Remove any damaged gear

• No need for a weak link utilizing 28mm rope.

• Further emphasis on dangers of working around electric winches. (80% of accidents within 1 metre of winch)

c.    Practical training

• When conducting DI go through each item demonstrating and introduce the need for tyre pressures to be checked daily.

• Reduce tyre pressures and reinflate for obstacles

• Replace stall start procedure with accent failure procedure

• Accent failure demo’s near bottom of slope initially

• Pick up early on faults and use demonstrations as necessary

• Incorporate lesson on sidelings and use track to demonstrate procedure.

• Always drive on the low side to reduce distance of slide

• Ensure chains are correctly laid out with no twists

• Explain different types and damage chains can do.

d.    Recovery Exercises

• EX.1 Have winch vehicle at top and other vehicle at slide off point

• Explain the danger of rope twisting at snatch block and binding winch rope

• Utilise double purchase to reduce load on winch

• EX.2 Ensure deadman plate is angled in direction of pull

• Recheck all connections after snatch block has been removed

• Incorporate camlock use into recovery.

Implementation of these key points will offer the benefit of less unnecessary loading on major vehicle components and a more professional course that is further suited to the workplace requirements of the students, which can only be advantageous for the RNZAF.

Thanks again for your positive input to our training course and it is hoped further advanced training for the instructors can be conducted at a later date.

A.M. SIMPSON

Flight Sergeant

Senior Instructor Mechanical Transport Training

THANKS FROM THE FEROZA GIRLS!!
Haven't had a chance to look in the website yet but we just wanted to say thanks for the great day yesterday, especially from me the driver.

I can't believe what I actually did and if I ever go back (sadly not on my own, need to be in a group) I will wonder at what I did but I felt I was in safe hands and so did my passengers!!!

We didn't get a chance to say goodbye, too busy enjoying the tea and scones but just wanted to pass our thanks on for a great day. I will however check out your website to see if you are down this way at all. (Wellington)

We were the last to leave the taxidermist and having a prolonged chat with him, checked some photographs and when we turned around everyone had well and truly gone by then.

So thanks to both of you, it was great and much appreciated your expert guidance and skill I have gained, especially as the only female novice driver in the convoy.

Adrienne Rehioui
Executive Secretary to
Dianne Yates MP

If you are thinking of a Tag Along Trip, a Tough Trucks Adventure, Commercial or Individual Training in the art of Off-Road Driving or, a Tailor Made Off-Road Trip then Pete and Natural Instincts should be first on your list, it is on mine.

The Natural Instincts Team under Pete Ritchie's direction are a pleasure to work with and the camaraderie second to none. Pete's knowledge, practical advice, instruction in the field, sense of humour and true Professionalism is much appreciated by his clients.

Paul & Muriel Sinkinson - Daletrax Limited - Boroughbridge - UK, share their experiences with you.

As owner of Daletrax Limited, a 4x4 Training Company in the UK I contacted Pete Ritchie of Natural Instincts via the Internet way back in the Summer of 2000.

My wife Muriel and I are regular visitors to New Zealand and on the trip planned for February 2001, I had persuaded her that she would enjoy some gentle off-roading.

Four Wheel Driving rates somewhere below underwater hang gliding in Muriel's love of outdoor activities and in the UK she rarely stepped out on treks with me, despite her driving a Land Rover Discovery on the road daily.

To Michael Reed, Pete Ritchie, Debs and the team from Fully Equipped and
Natural Instincts.

Mike and I would like to thank you and Pete for the invitation to Woodhill Forest last weekend the 8th July. I can say that the family enjoyed the weekend every bit that I did.

Driving the Suzuki 5 door for a short time before being moved to the passengers seat and have my step daughter wanting to take the wheel was more than what I thought would happen.

To want to drive through undulating forest bush tracks, around trees and stumps, down sand hills, through bog holes and wet slippery clay tracks made for a really great day.

My son driving the "J" softtop Pajero was so hooked that he wants his own 4WD and his mate also deciding that this 4WD driving is for him also.

The other people - drivers, all of different age,in all different types of 4WD vehicles made for a great days experience. We all look forward to another days outing with you all.

Thank you from the Hansens.

Pete,

I can only commend you on the course you ran, good balance of subjects, virtually personal tuition, sufficient theory presented in an informative manner on what is a complex subject, good slide presentation with good examples, all this before we got to the exciting bit out in the field.
The tasks undertaken & the way we received hands on experience during the practical training confirmed the value of your course.
Possibly the most important points you made were of "thinking" the activity through before commencing or proceeding along with "hazard ID".

Well done
Alex Crighton
Works Infrastructure
Gisborne

Mighty River Reference