It was a case of those magnificent men and women and their flying machines on Saturday, as the North Taranaki Aero Club celebrated its launch with an open day.
Chris Morrison, who has been one of the leaders of the drive to open the club, says the day was away of giving people the chance to come along and see what the club is all about. "We are here because we love flying and we want to be able to share that with as many people as possible. We have a Cessna 172 here available for hire, along with an instructor, so people can take up the opportunity to learn a new skill and enjoy our amazing Taranaki scenery from a new perspective."
An online booking system for the club means people can easily book to take off and land from the airfield, and the club's location in Norfolk makes it an ideal location for many.
Chris says one of the highlights was having a Tecnam P2008 on display for the day, as well as members of the glider club bringing their gliders out so people could try out an alternative form of flying.
The open day was well attended and the summer weather served as the perfect advertisement to highlight the appeal of flying.
Chris says he had started learning to fly at New Plymouth but when their club closed down he had to go to Hawera to finish training.
"There was a gap for people wanting to fly who live in the northern part of Taranaki, so a few of us got together and the idea of starting up a new aero club was born." Operating out of Norfolk Airfield on Upper Norfolk Road, Chris says the club is extremely grateful to the Wisnewski family who operate the airfield.
Chris encourages anyone interested in finding out more about the club to give him a call on 027 216 2560 or to email him: ceemorr@hotmail.com
