Plays Rightful Mb Kaitaia Aero Club

Northern Advocate, 11 August 1948, Page 6

Plays Rightful Mb Kaitaia Aero Club

KAITAIA. Tue. (Sp.).—With its recently-purchased Tiger Moth ing aircraft in the air, the Kaitaia Aero Club appears established in its rightful role. For each of the past two week-ends the aircraft has operated from the Kaitaia aerodrome with both' interest to the public and profit to the club.

Short passenger flights have been the main activity, while already two former RNZAF pilots, Messrs R. T. Johnston and N. M. Quarrie, have established sufficient flying time to qualify for their A endorsed licences. Mr F. H. Myers, the club treasurer, has received advice that his commercial B licence has been granted. Lack of hangar accommodation is the biggest present handicap, and will not be removed until the club can provide its own building at the aerodrome.

Ministerial authority for this has been received.

In the meantime the aircraft 1 housed at Mangere and flown to Kai tain each week-end.

Advice to the secretary (Mr A. V. Langman) from the Air Department has authorised the club to proceed with refresher courses for ATC cadet pilots. Each of these courses provides for 10 hours’ flying at state expense. In addition, the club has been asked to advise the number of cadets for which It can provide aircrew training in the coming summer. With a licensed commercial pilot among its ranks the club is now in a position to accept air taxi and special charter work.