Description
The Hawke’s Bay & East Coast Aero Club Inc was beaten by one day to becoming the first Aero Club in New Zealand. It has now developed from a small provincial Aero Club into one of New Zealand’s most active air ambulance operators and leading pilot training organisations. Today the Aero Club has three active divisions – the Academy (full-time pilot training), air transport (charters and air ambulance) and recreational activities (Club flying and social events).
The Hawke’s Bay & East Coast Aero Club has provided pilot training programs for 75 years and air ambulance fixed wing services to the HB community for over 40 years. Due to the demands of these operations the Aero Club formed a company, Air Hawke’s Bay Ltd, to manage the commercial day to day operations of the Training Academy and Air Ambulance operations with the Aero Club committee continuing to develop recreational flying activities.
History
With the outbreak of WW II, the Club went into hibernation, with aircraft requisitioned for wartime pilot training. In the 1950-60 period the Club developed in the post-war economy and commenced air service operations providing air charter and air taxi services from Hastings to Wairoa, Gisborne, and the rest of NZ. During this time the Club provided satellite pilot training services from Dannevirke to Gisborne building up these services until they were able to form their own Clubs. In the late 1960’s period the Club restructured its pilot training services back to Bridge Pa Aerodrome at Hastings, where it has remained to date.
In the 1970-80 period the Club carried out major aerodrome development including building additional hangars, changing to a new operations building, sealing the main runway and installing runway lighting.
In the eighties when the Hawkes Bay economy tumbled the Club reached out to provide pilot training services nationally and internationally. Accommodation and classroom facilities were upgraded and added at the aerodrome.
At this time the air ambulances service to the Hawkes Bay hospitals provided by the Club was extended to a 24hr, 7 days a week, twin-engine all weather service and became a priority service.
The Club operations building and aircraft hangars were renovated and expanded, including a large new hangar for air ambulance operations.
In the nineties the Club developed its pilot training courses and received New Zealand Qualification Authority Registration and Accreditation of its Pilot Education programmes. These full-time pilot education activities were brought together as an operational division designated as Air Academy Hastings and are marketed under this trade name. The Club also received recognition from NZ Civil Aviation Authority of its pilot training and assessment activities by being awarded the first full Aviation Training Organisation Certificate in NZ.
The year 2001 saw the commencement of the 3-year Diploma in Operational Aviation Course in partnership with the Eastern Institute of Technology (EIT), aimed at potential airline/charter pilots who graduate with the skills required for this type of flying.
In 2003, a brand-new two-story Clubhouse was built, both for business and recreational activities. The existing Clubhouse was converted into briefing and lecture rooms, for both Club and Academy students.
At present, we have approximately 210 Club members, 21 full-time Academy/EIT students, and 11 staff members.
The aircraft fleet consists of Piper Tomahawks, Piper Archer, Piper Warrior, Piper Seneca I, Piper Seneca III, and a Cessna 172 aircraft. We also have other aircraft available to us including a Cessna 172 and a Cessna 180.
The Hawke’s Bay & East Coast Aero Club has provided pilot training programs for 75 years and air ambulance fixed wing services to the HB community for over 40 years. Due to the demands of these operations the Aero Club formed a company, Air Hawke’s Bay Ltd, to manage the commercial day to day operations of the Training Academy and Air Ambulance operations with the Aero Club committee continuing to develop recreational flying activities.
History
With the outbreak of WW II, the Club went into hibernation, with aircraft requisitioned for wartime pilot training. In the 1950-60 period the Club developed in the post-war economy and commenced air service operations providing air charter and air taxi services from Hastings to Wairoa, Gisborne, and the rest of NZ. During this time the Club provided satellite pilot training services from Dannevirke to Gisborne building up these services until they were able to form their own Clubs. In the late 1960’s period the Club restructured its pilot training services back to Bridge Pa Aerodrome at Hastings, where it has remained to date.
In the 1970-80 period the Club carried out major aerodrome development including building additional hangars, changing to a new operations building, sealing the main runway and installing runway lighting.
In the eighties when the Hawkes Bay economy tumbled the Club reached out to provide pilot training services nationally and internationally. Accommodation and classroom facilities were upgraded and added at the aerodrome.
At this time the air ambulances service to the Hawkes Bay hospitals provided by the Club was extended to a 24hr, 7 days a week, twin-engine all weather service and became a priority service.
The Club operations building and aircraft hangars were renovated and expanded, including a large new hangar for air ambulance operations.
In the nineties the Club developed its pilot training courses and received New Zealand Qualification Authority Registration and Accreditation of its Pilot Education programmes. These full-time pilot education activities were brought together as an operational division designated as Air Academy Hastings and are marketed under this trade name. The Club also received recognition from NZ Civil Aviation Authority of its pilot training and assessment activities by being awarded the first full Aviation Training Organisation Certificate in NZ.
The year 2001 saw the commencement of the 3-year Diploma in Operational Aviation Course in partnership with the Eastern Institute of Technology (EIT), aimed at potential airline/charter pilots who graduate with the skills required for this type of flying.
In 2003, a brand-new two-story Clubhouse was built, both for business and recreational activities. The existing Clubhouse was converted into briefing and lecture rooms, for both Club and Academy students.
At present, we have approximately 210 Club members, 21 full-time Academy/EIT students, and 11 staff members.
The aircraft fleet consists of Piper Tomahawks, Piper Archer, Piper Warrior, Piper Seneca I, Piper Seneca III, and a Cessna 172 aircraft. We also have other aircraft available to us including a Cessna 172 and a Cessna 180.
Contact Details
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