focusinterview. HDFC President Rod Davison (left), and Senior Flying Instructor Ray Lind (right), showing off the club’s aircraft.
HDFC President Rod Davison sitting inside the club’s newest acquisition.
Pilot Ed Godschalk (left), and Senior Flying Instructor Ray Lind (right), review the finer details of an upcoming flight.
NEW HORIZONS AWAIT Whilst many dream of learning to fly, only a handful ever go on to realise their passion. As the Hastings District Flying Club (HDFC) celebrates 56 years of aviation, Scott Henderson spoke with Club President Rod Davison and Senior Flying Instructor Ray Lind, to hear how recreational aviation has become more accessible and affordable than ever.
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ow many active members does HDFC currently have? Rod: Our club currently has around 160 members, with 40 - 50 people flying regularly. As we are a flight training facility, most of the flying our members do is in training for recreational aviation. What does a member-snapshot of the HDFC look like? Ray: Our membership is very diverse with respect to age, occupation, and gender; this is something we promote. Our members vary from 15 - 92 years of age, so we have school students, professionals from different vocations, and retirees learning to fly. Rod: We find that because of this diversity, an elitist culture does not exist at the club. By sharing a core, common passion for flying, our pilots feel included and welcomed, irrespective of their age, gender, background, or level of experience. What is the first step in seeking recreational flight certification in Australia? Ray: The first step is known as a Trial Introductory Flight (TIF). A TIF involves a 40 minute flight, where you actually get to operate the aircraft under the watchful eye of an instructor, and get a feel for what it is like to fly. Rod: As a taster, we provide the TIF at a reduced rate, so our instructors provide their time and expertise voluntarily. We feel as though this is a great tool in assisting prospective pilots in making a decision about whether recreational aviation is or isn’t suitable for them, before investing in continued training. What philosophy does HDFC take in relation to safety and managing risk? Rod: For recreational flight training, our local
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area is one of the more complex areas to fly in, and we have a very enviable safety record that we are very proud of. Our instructors bring a tremendous level of expertise to the club, with a background in general aviation and tens of thousands of hours of experience under their belts. This has contributed to a distinct culture of safety at the club. In addition, we regularly invite governing bodies, such as the Civil Aviation Safety Authority (CASA), to deliver seminars, with a vision of maintaining currency in pilot safety. Ray: Safety is of paramount concern in all club operations. Pilots are required to demonstrate aptitude in emergency procedures in the event that an unforeseeable scenario unfolds. This ensures all members are equipped with the skills and knowledge to safely negotiate adverse weather situations, air traffic flow, and the very remote possibility of mechanical failure. How is being involved in a flying club beneficial to its members? Rod: In one word - sharing. Being part of a collective group enables members to share the costs involved in flying and maintaining an aircraft. Members can also share amazing experiences. We have flown to Longreach, Hervey Bay, and Evans Head, to name a few. We have also succeeded in a number of competitions and air rallies. There is a real sense of camaraderie you get from flying with other people that makes being part of a club unique. What is usually involved in club competitions? Ray: We hold events known as Pilot Proficiency Days, where pilots practise emergency procedures, sharpen their skills to the standard set during initial training, and have a lot of fun.
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We also hold an annual navigation trial, where pilots plan and follow a set course, using traditional maps. Often, the pilot is presented with a simulated diversion, such as bad weather, and must adjust their plan mid-flight to reach a new set point. How does the club engage with the local community? Rod: Since 2005, the club has offered a scholarship scheme to invest into training the younger generation of pilots. The HDFC gives away 2 - 3 scholarships per year, with around 20 given away by the club to date. Ray: Scholarships are incentive-based, and awarded in partnership with the recipient. The financial commitment contributed through the scholarship is also matched by the recipient; this ensures that all applicants are serious about fulfilling their aspirations to fly. Some have gone on to a career in aviation – one of our former students is now flying for Cathay Pacific as a commercial pilot. What plans are on the horizon for the club in the future? Rod: We recently received a grant from the state government to repaint and install a new roof on the clubhouse, so we are aiming to run an Open Day later this year to officially invite the community to inspect our revamped facilities. The club has moved into 2015 in a heathy state; we currently own two aircraft, our membership base is solid, and there is a good feel about the place, so this year is about consolidating on that.
Ray: We’re looking into extending the amount of training we are able to offer. Our aircraft is constantly booked out with the intense amount of training we do, and with six highly experienced and professional flying instructors, we want to help more and more people achieve their dream of learning to fly. In your opinion, what improvements could be made to Port Macquarie Airport in the future? Rod: Recently, we have seen a dramatic increase in air traffic in Port Macquarie. In response to this, high on our wish-list would be a parallel taxiway to facilitate the safe and efficient movement of general aviation aircraft with QantasLink and Virgin services during take-offs and landings. Any advice for someone who may be considering taking up aviation as a pastime? Rod: Go for it! The only regret many club members have is that they didn’t get into flying sooner. Many put it off because of a fear of the unknown, however the club supports and mentors new pilots through every step of their training. Recreational flying differs quite significantly from general aviation, in that it tends to be much more affordable. The reality of fulfilling your lifelong dream to fly really is attainable, so the best advice I can give is to come out, meet the club, and just do it! Thanks Rod and Ray. For more information, visit the HDFC website at: http://www.hdfc.com.au/