WINGOVER January/February 2011 Nationals Competition at West Melton White Island Trip Achievements Upcoming Events Walsh Memorial Flying School
The magazine of the Auckland Aero Club
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
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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
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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 representing 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 different 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 everyoneâ€&#x;s continued support we hope to grow the club further in the next year and beyond. Happy and safe flying Rob
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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.
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.
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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 1 st 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 6
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 youâ€&#x;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 havenâ€&#x;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
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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. 8
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The team: Wayne Ormrod, Greg Quinn, Emma Sinnott, Jason Woodger, Daryl Birchler, Jim Fraser, Scott Hickey, James Phillips
Jim doing Scott’s tie!
James Phillips Daryl Birchler
Wayne Ormrod
Jim Fraser
Jason Woodger
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Jim Fraser in FLF during his spot landings
Jason practicing his flying technique
A fly-by by the Air Force ‘s C-130 Hercules
Wayne landing after his competition
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The Art of Plane Speaking 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.
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“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!!
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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 potentially getting your engine to start.
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As of late we have noticed the aircraft being left on the fuel pad and congesting 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
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Walsh memorial Flying School Matamata January 2011 Jason Woodger
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. 16
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
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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 involved 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.
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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".
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White Island Trip 26th February Andy Mundy
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 downwind 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.
Leaving Ardmore
On the ground at Whakatane
On the ground at Tauranga White Island
Leaving Whakatane
On the way to Tauranga White Island
White Island Arriving at Tauranga 20
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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 competition 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 takeoff. 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 Britain 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 Harvard 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. Prentice, using a Tiger Moth will demonstrate landings, aerobatics and balloon bursting. He will also lead a formation of three Moths in synchronised flying, concluding with all three making simultaneous landings with their engines stopped. The AAC in „48
Ardmore aerodrome in „48
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17th December 1948 – the resignation of Mr L.W. Swan with Jean Batton on her arrival in 1936. L.W. Swan, managing secretary of the Auckland 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 associated with similar developments in the Waikato. He was appointed at the inaugural meeting 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. L.W. Swan
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 Auckland for the first time. Two trophies were decided yesterday afternoon, the Gloucester Navigation Trophy for navigation and time keeping, and the BleWaiting for their turn in the pageant from left to disloe trophy for airmanship, landings right N.G. Campbell, J.F. Whyte, K.H. Williams, and navigation. About 15,000 people visited the aerodrome during the day, when formation flying, aerobatics and novelty 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 sailplane 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. 23
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
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Club Achievements January/February 2011
Chris Finlay completed his CPL 30th January
Eddie Alfalahi completed his first solo - 1st February
Georgie Roy completed her PPL - 5th February
Evan Clinning completed his first solo - 1st February 25
Kirill Belov completed his first solo - 20th February
Upcoming Events
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New T-Shirts
Now available from the Flightdesk for $30 all profit goes towards future club events 27
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: flightdesk@aac.org.nz
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