Whanganui's flight school open day gives youngsters a taster

First time flyer Cameron Bell, 11, and second time flyer Kye Mason, 10, before getting some air time. Photo/ Bevan Conley

There's something about being high in the sky that excites Whanganui boys Cameron Bell and Kye Mason.

On Sunday, Whanganui's new flight school held an open day to give the community the opportunity to see what all the fuss was about.

And 11-year-old Cameron and Kye, 10, were not disappointed.

Feeling confident the flying duo jumped at the chance to step inside the cockpit of the plane and take it for a spin.

First time flyer Cameron said he'd never flown from the cockpit let alone take control of the plane but he wasn't scared.

"I've flown as a passenger plenty of times before and I can't wait to give it a go."

Second time flyer, Kye had his first go flying in the cockpit when he was 9 and said he was born to be a pilot.

"I think it's really cool, I love being in the sky and have a good understanding of planes, and you get lots of money being a pilot."

So, after a briefing from two of the school's instructors, one at a time the junior flyers were kitted up and escorted to their plane.

Cameron and Kye each got 20 minutes air time with an instructor and both had the opportunity to take control of the plane.

For Cameron, the experience exceeded his expectations.

"It was amazing, half the flight I had control of the plane...I could see everything from above."

And Kye said it was even better the second time.

"It goes to show how small everything is compared to the landscape, we had awesome views of Whanganui."

The New Zealand International Commercial Pilot Academy (NZICPA) officially landed in Whanganui last month.

The newly built complex, based next to Whanganui Airport, has been catering for 40 students, 12 instructors and 10 planes that have shifted from Feilding.

NZICPA chief executive Phillip Bedford said the purpose for the open day was to recruit new students for the 2018 course and to give the community the opportunity to see Whanganui's new flight school.

"The flight school belongs to ratepayers so it's important it becomes a part of the community.

Instructor Sahil Gupta, 24, gives Whanganui resident Lesley Torrey a lesson on flying. Photo/ Bevan Conley

"And we also wanted the chance to thank all the people who have been helping us along the way."

Mr Bedford said since moving the school to Whanganui three high-school students have already expressed interested.

"We have 10 student loan funded positions available and I would hope they are filled by Whanganui students."

Enrolment selection for 2018 applicants will take place on November 25.