Upload
tim-steele
View
219
Download
2
Tags:
Embed Size (px)
DESCRIPTION
AAC Wingover Jan - Feb 2011
Citation preview
WINGOVER
The magazine of the Auckland Aero Club
January/February 2011
Nationals Competition at West Melton
White Island Trip
Achievements
Upcoming Events
Walsh Memorial Flying School
2
Alter your flight path and drop into the Waitemata Bar for a quiet tipple.
We’ve got a great selection of tap and
bottled beer, wine and spirits, and a deck in the sun that overlooks all the action on the runway.
The bar is also available for your next
company or personal function. Drop in anytime, give us a call or look us up on facebook.
p. 09 299 8590 Ext 206 : f. 09 299 8592
3
Club Staff & Officers
Patron
Merv North President Rob George Club Captain
Craig Pearce Deputy Club Captain Greg Quinn Secretary
Ian Holmes Committee Bill Bennett Jim Fraser Ron Watson Operations Manager
Paddy Lozell Office Staff Kirsty Johns Emma Sinnott Bar Staff Jess Barrow Wingover Editor
Emma Sinnott
Chief Flying Instructor
Sandra Shallard (B) Deputy Chief Flying Instructor Tim Steele (B) Instructors
Jason Woodger (B) Nathan Johnston (B) Part Time Instructors
Andy Lorimer (A) John Ashman (B) Dee Bond (B) Adam Eltham (B) Phil Welcome (B) Nicola Evans (C) Daisuke Kimura (C) Andrew Hope (C) John Kelly (C) T.K. Lee (C) Leo Pardon (C) Aerobatic Instructors Cam Wilson (A) Peter Beaumont (B) Wayne Ormrod (B) Safety Coordinator
Tim Steele Maintenance Controller Nathan Johnston
4
Club President Report
Hi all,
I hope you had a fantastic Christmas and New Years. The year has gotten off to a
fantastic start for the club with the team doing over 370 hours in January and over 360 hours in
February both of which are records for the club so congratulations to all involved and lets hope
this trend continues.
We had another successful South Island trip in February where the team that got through to
Nationals headed down to West Melton for a week. Congratulations to Jim Fraser who came
first in the wildcard entry to the Sir Francis boys and then coming third in the final competition,
to James Phillips who came third in the student manoeuvres, to Darryl
Birchler who came joint 1st in the basic aerobatics category and Wayne Ormrod who came
first in the Intermediate aerobatics. I heard all had a fantastic week and thank you for repre-
senting the club.
A few club members along with two instructors headed on a scenic flight to White Island on
the 26th February. It is the club trips that make us different from flying school and gives a
chance for the club members to get to know one another along with enjoying a lifetime passion.
The club has started a school programme through ATTTO, where students from various high
schools in Auckland have been attending the Aero Club from 9am to 3pm during the week to
complete school credits. This is done through 4 half an hour lessons and also completing dif-
ferent subjects including principles of flight and law etc. I would like to thank the team for their
organisational skills. The first term is progressing well with no problems and both the students
and instructors enjoying the flying during the week.
We had another busy two months with Eddie Alfalahi, Kirill Belov Evan Clinning completing
their first solos, Georgie Roy completing her PPL and Chris Finlay completing his CPL.
Congratulations to all, these are extremely significant achievements.
With the ever increasing flight hours we need to ensure that everyone is pulling their weight as
a club member. Two ways in which this can be done are firstly ensuring that our fuel pad is
kept clear of aircraft, so once you have completed re-fuelling please move the aircraft off the
pad before you start. Secondly we need to ensure that everyone is running on time. Please
check the booking sheet before departing and if you are late leaving you still need to be sure to
be back on time for the next flight.
The 2010/2011 financial year has been a good one for the club, with everyone‟s contin-
ued support we hope to grow the club further in the next year and beyond.
Happy and safe flying
Rob
5
Obituary
It is with great sadness that we inform our members of the
passing of Steve Roberts who died on the 3rd February 2011
after a short illness. Steve was an active member of both the
Aero Club and of Warbirds. Our sincere condolences go out to
his mother, brother, daughter, grandchildren and friends, he will
be greatly missed by all that knew him.
Goodbye Scotty
For those members who frequent the club on Sundays you may have
noticed the impish grin and dulcet tones of Scott Hickey are no longer
to be seen or heard. Scott has left the club for sunnier climes to finish
his commercial flight training with Air Hawkes Bay. Scott manned the
Flightdesk on Sundays for the past 3 years, we thank you for your
service Scott and wish you well, best of luck for the future.
Hello Emma
Replacing Scott on Sunday is Emma Sinnott. Emma, an International
Student from Ireland, is presently studying with the club for her CPL
and C – Cat instructor rating, many of you may have already heard
that lovely Irish accent. A talented girl is our Emma, not only can she
fly a plane and pour a beer she also has creative flare. Emma has
keenly taken on the challenge of the editorship of the Wingover
Magazine; you may have already noticed that the issues are now
coming out with a bit more regularity and are looking professionally presented.
Welcome Emma, we are very pleased to have you onboard.
6
CFI REPORT
Sandra Shallard
The aero club has been generating some fantastic flying hours with the great weather we‟ve been having recently. We‟re currently on track for a 3500 hour financial year (April to March), which is quite a step up from the previous years. Thanks to all the members who have been helping us achieve this goal and to the staff for the hard work and warm environment provided. New to the aero club fleet is a Tomahawk, EZG. This is another great low wing training aircraft and is especially popular with taller members, who have trouble getting comfortable in the other two seat aircraft. Members can hire this for a dual rate of $243 or the solo rate of $187. We are noticing that members are leaving aircraft parked at the fuel pumps, resulting in a back-log of aircraft waiting for fuel. We ask that aircraft are moved off the pumps as soon as refuelling has been completed to prevent this from happening. Please feel free to ask a member of staff or another student to help with shifting the aircraft. With day light saving coming to an end at the beginning of April, we will be holding a night flying ground course on the evening of the 20 th of April for members. As mentioned in my previous report, from the 1st of July 2011 terrain awareness and mountain flying will be tested during flight tests and BFR‟s. To start preparing members for this requirement, the aero club will be holding a mountain flying ground course on Sunday the 8th of May. Those members sitting a PPL will then be required to complete 5 hours terrain and weather awareness flight training and CPL will need to complete a further 5 hours basic mountain flight training. Part of this hour requirement includes low flying training already covered in the PPL and CPL syllabus. Members wishing to attend these courses can contact the flight desk. Safe flying, Sandra
7
Safety Matters
Tim Steele
The summer flying has been very busy, and whilst this has been good for
the club the busyness around Ardmore means that everyone really
needs to keep a very good lookout.
Lately there have been a lot of aircraft (thankfully mostly not from AAC)
who have been joining long final Rwy21 from Clevedon. This is causing a
problem for aircraft who are trying to fly a concise and correct circuit
pattern. The Volume 4 advises against joining long final, and pilots
should only do this when they can conform with the current circuit traffic.
One of our aircraft was recently taken away without tie-downs, and
subsequently was left in 30+kt winds untied. Please ensure that if you
are taking an aeroplane away overnight that you have the correct tie
down equipment. If you‟re not sure what you require, please get a hold of
one of the instructors to show you.
As we move towards winter, different weather conditions will be our
biggest challenge, and if you haven‟t been flying in a while, take a
moment with an instructor to re-familiarise yourself with local weather
conditions before going flying.
Safe and happy flying
Tim
8
Nationals Competitions in West Melton Jason Woodger
A small but enthusiastic team, Bianca and I in JAZ, Greg in FLF and Scott in FVR, made the trip south to West Melton on Monday the 14th February. All were exhausted after the six hour flight stopping at New Plymouth, Paraparaumu, Kaikoura, and finally at West Melton. It‟s a long way in a Grumman, 152 and a 172! That night saw the Auckland crew crash out with pizza that Wayne kindly bought and a few quiet beers...then it was time for some well earned sleep! The Tuesday and Wednesday were practice days which saw me jumping in and out of aircraft and completing a variety of competitions and critiquing our crew including spot landings, life raft dropping, and flying around low level over the Waimakariri River practicing low flying for myself and Greg. The Thursday and Friday saw the bulk of the competitions completed. The Thursday night consisted of a mass BBQ feast in the Canterbury Aero Club hangar at the International airport, the hangar opened out to fantastic views of the international airport terminal and tower. The Friday night was / is the traditional „break out night‟ where, with the absence of competition flying on the Saturday, a chance to let loose a little. The Auckland crew enjoyed a good night out enjoying the night life Christchurch had to offer. The next day was spent preparing for the competition award dinner in the evening which all enjoyed. It wasn‟t a late night as we had to fly the aircraft back the next morning. The good weather meant a slightly less stressful home flight via Omaka and Wanganui. Thanks to all for a fantastic trip, there was and always is an extremely high calibre of flying from our crew and sportsmanship which was most definitely noticed. Highlights of the trip
Munching on jet planes on the way down ... and back, thanks Bianca! Searching for taniwha in the Waimakariri Negotiating airspace inland of Peagusus Bay to find West Melton Greg‟s great controlled airspace radio calls Hyundai Getz Rental with 6 POB.... try work that one out! Jim Fraser enjoying a few red wines on the last night at the dinner..... A good night out on Friday (what goes on tour stays on tour) A certain instructor singing on what he thought was 133.7 but turned out
to be Chch Info.
The following are the results from the competitions. Congratulations to all.
9
10
The team: Wayne Ormrod, Greg Quinn, Emma Sinnott, Jason Woodger, Daryl Birchler, Jim Fraser, Scott Hickey, James Phillips
James Phillips
Jim doing Scott’s tie!
Daryl Birchler
Wayne Ormrod Jim Fraser Jason Woodger
11
Jim Fraser in FLF during
his spot landings Jason practicing his
flying technique
Wayne landing after his competition
A fly-by by the Air Force ‘s
C-130 Hercules
12
It was 6.30pm Sunday. All was quite inside and outside the Aero
Club except for the ticking of cylinders cooling and birds fluttering,
preparing to build yet another nest around a warm engine.
“God I ache all over” said FVR
“Yeah, I hate Sundays”, said FVS.
FVA had got back early “Oh, I had a good day – went for a tootle over to Pauanui y‟know.”
“Huh! We copped the bloody competitions again,” said FVS, “those spot landings! They just
throw you at it – don‟t care how bloody fast you‟re going. I mean, ya hit the spot and „boingg‟
yer off again!”
“That‟s not so bad, it‟s going through those toi-tois before you hit the ground,” said FVR with a
shudder, “it‟s like a slap across the spinner each time. First time I saw that fence I thought it
was a no. 8 bleeding wire. „Ello‟ I thought, I‟m going to lose a few wheels here. I fairly nearly
drained me fuel I did!”
“It‟s them force landings I don‟t like,” said FVA, “half a mile up they just whip yer power off
without saying so much as a by-your-leave. Bloody cold coming down there y‟know, and they
expect you to spring back into action a few feet from the ground. I cough a bit just then, that
makes „em sit up, I can tell you.”
“Actually that‟s „ow I got out of the comps this afternoon,” said FVA smugly. “3 o‟clock- gave
„em the old 300 rev. drop and they brought Ken out and „e only went and fixed it, din‟t „e! I
mean whose side‟s he on eh? So I did it again and they left me in the sun for the day.”
“Course, I „ad a real one y‟know,” bragged FVR after a pause.
“A real what?”
“Force landing.” They looked at him with awe and respect. “Yeah, down in a paddock near
„amilton. Well actually I still „ad some fuel left but „e landed before I had the chance to run out. I
was going to ….
“Still, something to tell the kids innit?” said FVS
“Quieten down a bit at the front chaps.” It was JRE, the new Cessna speaking, “got rather a
long charter tomorrow.”
“Ooh, get you, with your high wing attitude,” said FVA.
“His G1000 has gone to his head,” said JRA bitterly. “I was doing alright till „e came along.”
“Yes, well I have youth on my side (“anyone we know?” lisped FVA) and that‟s what counts
despite your new engine Juliet Romeo Alpha. At least you don‟t have to contend with people
pawing your displays all day long, pressing the wrong buttons and trying to follow that damned
magenta line” answered JRE angrily.
The Art of Plane Speaking
13
“Take no notice lads. E‟s nowt but a fly-by-night. I seen ‟em come and go.” The champ himself
(WAE), known affectionately as The Bucket, had stirred awake at the back of the hangar. “Aye, me
and old JAZ „ave seen it all. You think you „ad it tough. If they treated your pedals like they treat
mine you‟d not last 5 circuits, and me joy-sticks not what it was. What was it then?” The Bucket
looked witheringly at the young FVS and continued “Aye I remember back in ‟78 or was it ‟87…?”
“Leave it out Granddad. Part 91 states that…”
“Oh no SMI is off again. Just cause he flies around in cloud IFR he thinks he‟s something
special, always on about this approach and that approach. You‟d think he‟d be fed up with
Hamilton‟s holding pattern by now,” sniggered FVA.
“Hey, just a-remember you‟s is a training aircraft” Papa Partenavia was outside the hangar
and never missed a chance to bring SMI down to earth. “It‟s me who brings in the money on
how you say charters in this country”.
“Alright old fruit” said SMI referring to papa‟s nickname „banana‟, a name papa didn‟t mind as
its connotations served to reinforce his image of an Italian lover plane.
“Keep your spats on. Part 135 states that …”
“Anyway getting back to my original point, I‟m fed up with the treatment I get,” moaned FVR.
“In the non-instrument circuit we just about went into an orbit downwind! I was gasping. I
could‟ve done with those whatitsnames”
“A turbine, old chap”
Ignoring FVR‟s rants, FVS continued “so what do you reckon about tomorrow‟s weather?”
“Well I saw the instructors laughing so it must be going to hose down”
“Nah that tall one with fungus sent a student off solo with me. He wasn‟t nearly ready but they
needed someone to shout at the bar. Poor bugger was petrified so I pulled off a good one, if I
do say so myself and he walked away like Biggles granddad. Of course he left the master on
but that‟s nothing.”
“Them instructors are abit slow y‟know. It says on my panel „to release brake depress pedals‟,
so he told my pedals all about nuclear war and said if that doesn‟t depress them nothing will.”
“What time is it” asked FVR with a yawn.
“Quarter to nine” said a puzzled FVS.
“It‟s always quarter to nine.”
“That‟s the VSI you nerd – look further to the left.”
“Eh five past twelve”
(sigh) “That‟s the altimeter. Forget it, its late enough. I‟m turning in.”
After a chorus of goodnights the muffled voice of the simulator could be heard …” Fly me to
the moon.“
Moral of the story is don‟t walk past the hangar after having a few drinks at the bar!!
14
Maintenance Bits
Nathan Johnston
Happy New Year everyone!
We have been very busy at the Aero Club and our aircraft are being
flown on a regular basis which is great from a maintenance point of view.
With the hotter more humid weather it is very importance to prime for the
conditions so the starters have the least amount of wear. Below I have
outlined some general guidelines.
If the temperature is around 20 the aircraft may only require two primes
for the first flight of the day and subsequent flights where the aircraft has
been sitting for more than a hour will require only one prime. If the aircraft
has been sitting for less than an hour you can generally get away without
priming.
The engine will give you some clues as to the effectiveness of priming,
for example if the engine fires intermittently but does not start you have
over primed, a little more throttle will help with this. If the engine does not
fire at all and you have not primed the mixture is too lean, try priming
twice only and try again. If the engine does not fire and you have primed,
chances are you have over primed the aircraft and more throttle will be
required to get the engine to start.
A good trick if you are not sure of the mixture is to start cranking with the
throttle in the full idle position (all the way out) and as the engine cranks
slowly advance the throttle. This will adjust the mixture as you crank po-
tentially getting your engine to start.
15
As of late we have noticed the aircraft being left on the fuel pad and con-
gesting the area in front of the aero club. Please make sure aircraft are
not blocking the pumps. If an aircraft is blocking the pumps please let a
staff member know so we can arrange to move the aircraft and remind
the pilot.
If you would like further information on this or any other issue please
feel free to talk to an instructor.
Happy flying
Nathan Maintenance Controller
16
For those of you who regularly fly with myself or Nicola you would have noticed
that, for a couple of weeks in January, a big line through our names on the
booking sheet. Why you ask? Well little did you know that Nicola and I attended
the Walsh Memorial Flying School at Matamata Aerodrome just North of
Matamata volunteering our time as instructors. This was my fourth year in a row
and Nicola‟s first. I am proud that the Aero Club was able to send instructing
staff to the school and hope that the support from the club can continue and
grow for the Walsh Memorial Flying School for many years to come.
For those of you who have not heard of „The Walsh‟ I thought I‟d put pen to
paper and explain a little where we have been and what we have been doing
over the couple of weeks in January. The school provides a safe and exciting
challenge to students between the ages of 16-19 with an open interest in
aviation to join the camp for two weeks. Every January for the last 45 years a
large enthusiastic team of instructing staff and support staff come together and
volunteer their time and services to the students to help them achieve an
introduction to aviation. The course this year had approximately 40 students
who have had little or no flying experience, and about 20 returned students who
have previously been at the school as a student. The returning students have
about 8 hours of flying for which every single student this year completed their
first solo, an amazing achievement. This year most of the 1st year students also
went solo. Students live in tents with communal eating facilities and shower /
restroom blocks. Staff can either tent, or share onsite cabins. Tents are great
until the wind and rain get up!
Airways NZ bring in a mobile control tower for the duration of the school to
facilitate the large amount of traffic. In fact, Matamata airfield is New Zealand‟s
busiest aerodrome during those two weeks. There are approximately 14 aircraft
of which are mainly Cessna 152 aircraft with a few PA38 Tomahawk‟s and a JF
Tecnam. This year the clubs Cessna 172 JAZ was flown down for the 2nd year
students to fly. The RNZAF shows huge support for this event and as such they
provide two of their instructors and two CT4 Air Trainers. A selection of return
students had the opportunity to complete aerobatic ratings in these fantastic
aircraft. The RNZAF also provided a Rescue Fire service for the duration of the
two weeks and also surprised the students (and staff) with a 757 fly by and
C130 Hercules overshoot.
Walsh memorial Flying School
Matamata January 2011 Jason Woodger
17
Various other events take place such as night flying using solar garden lights placed down the grass runway (and people moan about the dimness of the lights at Ardmore!). The Arkley dinner which commemorates George Arkley, who had great involvement at the school, the mandatory dunking with water for first solo‟s, and instructor first solo‟s, the Wings Parade and Awards Dinner where the sponsors of the school are invited to award prizes and present the students with their wings. This year the guest speaker was Richie McCaw All Black Captain and Glider pilot who is a huge supporter of the Walsh and aviation in general. The flying is just as rewarding for the instructors as it is for the students. Why do I volunteer my time every year? The answer is simple, I love aviation, and I have a personal interest in giving back to the community and seeing these young people achieve such a fantastic goal. To take someone who has never been in a small plane before at the beginning of the school to seeing him or her fly solo two weeks later is a real thrill for me. There is a real sense of camaraderie at the Walsh and I only wish I had known the place had existed when I first began learning to fly. It is a fantastic entry point into what will become a long and successful aviation career for the students who attend. On a final note, don‟t try and book myself or Nicola for this time next year because we‟ll be right back down there for the 46th Walsh Memorial Flying School.
The instructing staff
18
Deputy Club Captain’s Report
Greg Quinn
What a start to 2011, the weather, the flying and of course the RNZAC
National comps, which Jason has done a fine job of reporting on.
So my 2 cents this time around is concerned with looking forward to the future
of our illustrious club starting off with building some beneficial and valuable
relationships.
The Nationals held in West Melton at the end of February became more than
just a competition for me, as a newbie to them I was overwhelmed by the spirit
and camaraderie. To be amongst so many people from all walks of life, of all
ages and experience, whom all share the passion and wanderlust for flying
was simply inspirational. I encourage everyone who has not been to get in-
volved in this years comps and make it happen, it's something that you'll not
regret being a part of. From this event developed a bond with one club in
particular, Whenuapai, (www.wascnz.com) who despite having a small turnout
brought with them a keen and great sense of club pride and spirit that I felt
would make a perfect match for us to be involved with in all future club
events.
Now, whilst on the subject I would like to offer a strong handshake to The
Airline Flying Club who have been accepted in to the RNZAC, congratulations
to them and we now look forward to some healthy competition with
our neighbours at AFC and Whenuapai for in the years to follow with regard to
regional and national flying comps and all the other fun stuff we get up to.
The next few months are already looking busy with events so I encourage all
who are able to get stuck in whilst the summer lasts, here are a few of the
things we have on offer thus far:-
• 90 Mile beach landings weekend 26th-27th March.
• Night Flying ground course held at the club 13th April 18:30-20:30
• Trip to Auckland Tower TBC, so please inform the club of your interest.
19
Can I also put it out there that should anyone have an idea of something that they
would like to do then please let us know and we can see if we can make it happen.
On a final note I would like to bring your attention to the new club t-shirts (pictures
are on the inside back cover) of which there are 3 designs that are now on sale
from the front desk for a meagre $30, all profit goes towards future club events so
it's a win, win for all so please be supportive and purchase one or 3 for yourself or
as a fantastic gift.
Until next time.
Greg
Food for thought:-
Confucius say, " Man with hands in pocket, feel cocky all day".
20
White Island Trip
26th February Andy Mundy
Leaving Ardmore
Leaving Whakatane
Arriving at Tauranga
White Island
White Island
On the ground at Tauranga
White Island
On the ground at Whakatane
On the way to Tauranga
The usual pre-flight preparation and briefing started what was to be a perfect day for the trip to Bay of Plenty. With myself and John Ashman in FVR and Jason with Knud Pinholt and David Mellow in JRA our first stop was Whakatane to refuel, where we shared the apron with two Air New Zealand link planes. Then it was off to White Island. Its only 30nm off the cost from Whakatane but JRA and FVR felt very small and lonely that far out to sea. Although when we got to White Island I counted five helicopters on the Island. After a couple of circuits around the island (during which we were able to savour the aromas of fresh sulphur on the down-wind side ) we headed to Tauranga for lunch. Jason was making us all hungry telling us about the great food they serve at the Classic Flyers Museum café. After landing and refuelling we taxied over to the museum and were chased down the taxiway by a classic Stearman by-plane. Just managed to duck into a parking space before the Stearman swaggered past. How dare these modern tricycle gear planes get in the way of a “real” aircraft !! After a great lunch the museum was well worth a visit but needed more time to do it justice and I made a mental note to come back another day. The trip back to Ardmore included some useful instruction on lost procedures and revision of instrument flying (for me at least) with John Ashman providing much good advice as well as many tips on flying in general. Much appreciated by yours truly.
21
22
A Step back in Time with the
Auckland Aero Club
13th July 1948 – The Cyril Cory-Wright memorial trophy, competed for annually
by Auckland Aero Club pilots has been won this year by Mr. D. A. Greig, with Mr.
J.D. Paterson second. The competition takes the form of a bombing contest.
Both successful competitors this year served with the Royal New Zealand Air
Force in the pacific. Mr. Greig being a fighter pilot and Mr. Paterson captain of
bomber aircraft, and both became squadron leaders.
17th Aug 1948 – The Stephenson Trophy, awarded for a test of landing and
general airmanship for pilots who have flown under 75 hours, has been won for
the second year in succession by Miss Mary Kelsey of Onehunga. In the compe-
tition held by the Auckland Aero Club at Mangere Aerodrome Miss Kelsey and
Mr H.Ward tied for first place and Miss Kelsey was judged the winner on a take-
off.
25th September 1948 – The RNZAF and the Auckland Aero Club have arranged
an air display at Mangere aerodrome this afternoon as part of the Battle of Brit-
ain Week programme. The flying display will include formation flying, aerobatics
and bombing. The type of aircraft used will be both service and civilian and will
include Moths, Catalinas, Dakotas and Harvards with the bulk of the flying being
done by the clubs instructors in Tiger Moths. There will be aerobatics by a Har-
vard of the RNZAF and three Dakotas, led by the officer commanding No. 41
Squadron, Wing Commander T.J. McL. de Lange, D.F.C., will be demonstrating
supply dropping and formation flying. The clubs chief instructor, Mr R.J. Pren-
tice, using a Tiger Moth will demonstrate landings, aerobatics and balloon burst-
ing. He will also lead a formation of three Moths in synchronised flying, conclud-
ing with all three making simultaneous landings with their engines stopped. The
AAC in „48
Ardmore aerodrome in „48
23
17th December 1948 – the resignation of Mr
L.W. Swan, managing secretary of the Auck-
land Aero Club, has been announced. Mr
Swan has been succeeded as secretary by Mr
J.E. Beachen of Auckland. Secretary of the
club since its foundation in 1928, Mr Swan
has seen the whole growth of the club flying in
Auckland and has also been intimately associ-
ated with similar develop-
ments in the Waikato. He was appointed at the inaugural meet-
ing of the club and later became managing secretary. He also
qualified as a club pilot some year ago. From an organization of
modest size, the Auckland Aero Club has become the biggest in
New Zealand during Mr Swan‟s secretaryship. It now has 17
aircraft, 860 members and accumulated funds of some £16,000.
19th -21st March 1949 – Over 60 aircraft and about 150 aircraft from all parts of
New Zealand arrived at the Mangere
aerodrome yesterday to take part in the
annual pageant of the New Zealand
Aero Club, which is being held at Auck-
land for the first time. Two trophies were
decided yesterday afternoon, the
Gloucester Navigation Trophy for navi-
gation and time keeping, and the Ble-
disloe trophy for airmanship, landings
and navigation. About 15,000 people
visited the aerodrome during the day, when formation flying, aerobatics and nov-
elty events by club machines, interspersed with impressive displays by Royal
New Zealand Air Force aircraft, made up a varied and entertaining programme.
A feature of the pageant was the exhibition of aerobatics by the Olympia sail-
plane from Australia. It is the most modern type of glider that has been seen in
Auckland.
28th September 1949 – Blown by a stiff northerly, a Tiger Moth aircraft with two
Auckland Aero Club members, Messrs T.D. Faithful and N.S. Mc Quilkin made
what is claimed to be a record journey from Mangere to Gisborne yesterday.
From take-off to touch-down the flight occupied 1 hour 40 minutes, the average
speed being close to 140 miles per hour for the 230 mile journey.
L.W. Swan with Jean Batton
on her arrival in 1936.
L.W. Swan
Waiting for their turn in the pageant from left to
right N.G. Campbell, J.F. Whyte, K.H. Williams,
24
14th November 1949 – A cocktail party to celebrate the 21st birthday of the
Auckland Aero Club was held at the club at Mangere. The guests were received
by the president Dr H.M. Buchanan assisted by Mrs W.J. Sexton, wife of the
immediate past president. A birthday cake was cut by one of the women
members of long standing, Mrs E. Owen. The patron, Air Chief Marshal Sir
Keith Park, who was present with Lady Park, made a brief speech in which he
congratulated the club on its 21 years of progress. The cocktail party was
followed by a dance in the club house which was decorated with balloons and
streamers. An aeroplane propeller with the letters “twenty-one” in silver glitter
formed a striking centerpiece.
The 21st birthday party of the Auckland Aero Club at Mangere
25
Club Achievements
January/February 2011
Evan Clinning completed his
first solo - 1st February Kirill Belov completed his
first solo - 20th February
Eddie Alfalahi completed
his first solo - 1st February
Chris Finlay
completed his
CPL -
30th January
Georgie Roy completed her
PPL - 5th February
26
Upcoming Events
27
New T-Shirts
Now
available
from the
Flightdesk
for $30 all profit goes
towards future club
events
28
Our Mission Statement Auckland Aero Club is committed to developing our member’s
flying skills at all levels. We strive for high levels of flying
competence by providing access to well qualified instructors
and to a wide range of aircraft. From our unique facilities at
Ardmore Airfield, we promote the ongoing development of a
range of initiatives to enhance the flying experience and the
sharing of aviation interest. In undertaking this we aim to
increase the membership of the club, and enhance its profile
in the wider community through numerous aviation related
events and activities.
www.aac.org.nz Auckland Aero Club,
500 Harvard Lane,
Ardmore Airport,
Ardmore P.D.C. 14,
Papakura.
Phone: +64 9 299 8590 Fax: +64 9 299 8592 Email: