CLUB HISTORY
The Whangarei Flying Club had its genesis in 2001 when a small group of enthusiasts made the decision to purchase a new generation microlight. The machine chosen was a P92 Tecnam Echo and it proved to be a very good choice. The club’s primary objective was, and still is, to provide safe and affordable flying.
For the first two years of operation, Dargaville was used as a base and the club operated under the auspices of the Northern Wairoa Aero Club. It was then decided to shift the base of operations to Onerahi airport at Whangarei. Hangar space was available for rent.
Two more successful years of operation saw the club in its own hangar with comfortable club facilities attached. The building of these new quarters was accomplished almost entirely by the voluntary effort of club members. There is room in the hangar for five aircraft and it is usually fully occupied. Three of the aircraft are available for hire by club members. These members include a wide range of ages and experience. Some have logged thousands of hours as airline or commercial pilots. Many have held private pilot licences and some still do. Ages among members range from nineteen to eighty years.
In December 2008 it was decided to sell the club’s long serving Echo trainer and purchase a new Tecnam Eaglet. This has proved to be an outstanding training aircraft and the club is presently experiencing a healthy increase in membership.
Connecting People with Aviation
The Whangarei Flying Club brings together individuals, new students as well as seasoned pilots, who wish to experience the joy of flying while continuing to learn and advance their flying skills and proficiency. We provide readily available, affordable, safe and efficient aircraft for our members' use.
Inexpensive Flying
The Whangarei Flying Club operates on a non-profit basis, so our rates are based on the true cost of flying and maintaining our fleet. The costs are recalculated frequently to make sure they are reflecting current fuel and maintenance costs and trends.
Aircraft fees are charged as wet tach hour. The term "wet" means that fuel and oil are included (you get reimbursed if you have to fill up off-field).
Well Maintained, Safe Aircraft
All aircraft are fully equipped with communication and navigation equipment. The club puts a priority on maintenance and all "squawks" (reported problems) are addressed immediately by the volunteer maintenance coordinators for each aircraft.
The club allows you to take the aircraft away for overnights, summer weekends and longer trips. We have a few restrictions in order to ensure fairness.
Club Aircraft
The Tecnam P92 Eaglet trainer, ZK-WTF, is the mainstay of our clubs. There is a $99.00 per hour charge for the aircraft plus $5.00 landing fee and a fuel surcharge at Whangarei.
The ZK-LPA, ALPI Pioneer XL 200, is a privately owned aircraft and is also online for more advanced pilots to use.$100.00 per hour plus $5.00 landing fee and fuel surcharge at Whangarei, $10.00 goes to the club. This aircraft runs a hour and minutes Hobbs meter to record time flown.
All prices include GST.
Social Events
Committee meetings are held monthly at 11 am on the 4th Saturday of the month followed by a lunch. Members bring and share dishes for the luncheon and a group of ladies organise the lunches with great enthusiasm.
This is a good time to bring along potential new members for a trial flight and to catch up with other club members. These meetings are open to all members and members are invited to give comment and input into all aspects of club life.
The committee members are the folk who have the final responsibility for decisions after the input of members.
Meetings are chaired by the current President with the Secretary / Treasurer and a quorum of committee members present to enable the decision making process. There is a $5 donation for the meal, which helps with the running of the club.
Airport
We are located at Hangar 10, Onerahi Airport, Whangarei. That is where we keep the aircraft and where we have our club facilities.
Are You Convinced?
If this has convinced you to join the club, and we hope it does, you can contact us using our contact form, call the hanger at (09) 436-4053, or ring one of our members: Bob Foster at 027 491 9810, Jack: 09 436 1115, Lou: 09 434 3305, Drew: 436 1797 or John at 435 4222.