High flyers honoured for key aviation role

ACCEPTING the 2018 Aero Club of the Year award is not the only celebration on the calendar this year for the North Queensland Aero Club.

Former Civil Aviation Safety Authority chief executive officer and director of aviation safety and current Royal Aeronautical Society Australia Division president Mark Skidmore will be on hand to present the award to club members on Friday night.

The recognition came as the Mareeba-based organisation prepares to mark its 70th birthday.

North Queensland Aero Club member Nathan Bridge, who has been part of the group for 11 years, said the award was the recognition of all of the hard work and dedication that everyone in the organisation has contributed since conception.

“It’s a big year for us,” said the chiropractor, who uses his licence to get to remote practices across the region.

“We will be holding a runway dinner later in the year and a large air race to celebrate our birthday.

“We’ve got about 100 members who come from all walks of life.

“Flying up here is so popular because for a good part of the year we’ve got nice, stable weather. And geographically there are reasonable distances, so flying is a feasible way to get around.

“There are heaps of beautiful places to check out and most places have a landing strip.

“In aviation everyone is pretty helpful. If you want to go to Cobbold Gorge, they’re pretty accommodating, they’ll organise a pick up for you and show you around.”

Mr Bridge said he was inspired by a flight trainer and now Qantas captain, and former client, who encouraged him to start taking lessons.

The main base of the North Queensland Aero Club was originally established at the Cairns Airport in 1949, providing flight instruction and charter services across the remote Cape York Peninsula.

A decision to move the club to Mareeba was made in 2015 to improve training opportunities.

The club also provides social activities for members to share their passion.

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Picture: BRENDAN RADKE SUCCESS: The North Queensland Aero Club has been voted as the best aero club in Australia. Club members Nathan Bridge and Mark Aitken have been with the club for 11 and 42 years respectively.