Club outlines the costs of learning to fly

The Wanganui Aero Club was established in 1929 and was one of the first flight training establishments in New Zealand.

The club has been training recreational and commercial pilots for more than 75 years. Based at the Wanganui Airport, it is operating at an uncontrolled airport with minimal congestion, which means you waste less time on the ground holding for other aircraft, and more time flying.

Flying is not as expensive as you may first think; the Wanganui Aero Club offers some of the best aircraft training rates in the country, from introductory flight training through to commercial licence and instructor ratings.

There are also a wide range of club trips and competitions to participate in.

The Wanganui Aero Club aircraft is charged out at an hourly rate. Dual training is with an instructor on board, and solo hire is when you are flying by yourself. The club believes in giving you a clear idea of the cost to avoid any surprises down the line.

The club’s aircraft: PA38 Tomahawk training; PA38 Tomahawk solo hire; $210 p/h and $190 p/h

Instructor hire for own aircraft $57.50 Introductory flight (30 min) $120. PPL packs — steps to your licence: Flying Solo pack (15 lessons and equipment) $3600; Consolidation pack (8 lessons) $1800

‘The Builder’ pack (12 lessons) $2300; ‘Advanced’ pack (12 lessons) $2500; ‘Finishing Touch’ pack (5 lessons) $1100.

You can start learning to fly or just

‘Flying is not as expensive as you may first think; the Wanganui Aero Club offers some of the best aircraft training rates in the country, from introductory flight training through to commercial licence and ’ instructor ratings.

enjoy the experience with a flying instructor, and it’s an ideal personal gift.

A gift for friends and relatives — grandchildren and grandparents all ages; a prize for club draws and competitions; rewards for outstanding students; recognition for hard working employees; thank you for brilliant team members; thank you for exemplary citizens; a holiday treat.

Wanganui Aero Club stages aviation events and competitions throughout the year such as forced landings without power, bombing, life raft dropping, aerobatics, inter-club fly-ins to name but a few. Non members are welcome to come along and get involved with the ground judging or just watch the fun and enjoy a barbecue. If you are really lucky you may even get a free flight.

■ For information please contact 06 345-0914, email:info@wanganuiaeroclub.co.nz