Canterbury Aero Club Plans Better Service

Press, Volume CII, Issue 30157, 14 June 1963, Page 13

Canterbury Aero Club Plans Better Service

Plans for the rebuilding of the Canterbury Aero Club’s clubhouse and for the streamlining of its operational facilities were nearly complete, said the president (Mr G. J. Williamson) at the annual meeting of the club last evening. With the club’s rapid expansion. the existing administrative and operational offices had severely hampered efficiency. With new facilities and a critical investigation of its administrative and training procedures the club planned to offer members a better all-round service, said Mr Williamson.

Speaking of the club's branches, Mr Williamson said a total of 471 hours was flown by the North Canterbury branch, a start was made during the year on a further runway, and foundations for a new hangar were already down. The total of 1121 hours logged by the Mid-Canterbury branch —an increase of 370 over the previous year—more than justified the placing of a full-time instructor and aircraft at Ashburton. In his annual report, Mr Williamson said that membership for the year was 750 and that, at least 65 new members could be attributed to the "Star” flying scholarship During the year, 30 members gained private pilot licences —a decrease of 17 on last year. In the previous year there was a rush of student pilots completing their tests before the cessation of subsidies. Eight members gained commercial licences. In spite of the loss of private pilot subsidies in March. 1962, flying activities and membership had increased substantially throughout the

year. It was fortunate that the solid financial background of the club created by its past supporters had enabled it to cater adequately for this growing interest. The following club trophies were presented by a life member. Mr E Clarke: Efficiency Cup (total aggregate points in all competitions). G. Davidson; Harry Walker Cup (formation flying), C. White. D. Lines, and C. Elliott; Rattray Cup (forced landing). N. Pethig; D. Clive Crozier Cup (navigation). G Allen; Watson Jewellers’ Cup (senior bombing), G Davidson; Harry Worrall Cup (senior landing). G. Davidsoi) and N. Pethig (equal); R D. Cairns Cup (junior bombing). W. Mauger: James McDougall Shield (junior landing), W Rushworth; Giles Hilton Memorial Cup (most improved junior pilot), R. Jackson: President’s Cup (most helpful club pilot member). D. lines.

Officers elected were: president, Mr G. J. Williamson; vice-president, Mr B. A. Cullen; • immediate past president, Mr R. M. Buchanan; honorary treasurer, Mr J Olds; club captain. Mr G. J. Davidson.