History

Established in 1929, Wanganui Aero Club are a passion-driven Incorporated Society with a rich aviation history, currently run by pilots, for pilots. Our revenue is returned right back into our club, helping us maintain and upgrade our facilities and fleet. Wanganui Aero Club is located in the beautiful

Whanganui region - a fantastic area for aviation endeavors. 

 

Our stalwart Piper Tomahawk trainer owned since the 70’s, and our Cessna 172 for more advanced training and club members are available for pilots new and advanced. Our clubhouse is the perfect place to unwind, with training rooms, a hangar, and a comfy social area to relax and share stories with fellow aviation enthusiasts. With a friendly team of instructors and support staff, The Wanganui Aero Club is here to help you take off.

 

Wanganui Aero Club is adorned with the achievements of prominent aviators who have left an indelible mark on both our club and the aviation community at large. Among them is Trevor Colway (nee Hunter) - a celebrated aviatrix who was the first woman to solo from Wanganui airport in 1932. She and another club pilot Ted Harvie made headlines in 1933 where they flew their Gypsy Moth from North Cape to Bluff creating a national endurance record which lasted for 28 years.

 

Jane Winstone, a foundational member of the Wanganui Aero Club - was the youngest female to fly solo at the age of seventeen, before leaving to serve in the British Air Transport Auxiliary, as did Trevor Colway. The two women were prominent members of the aviation community nationally, with admirable international aviation careers during WW2. 

 

Even today, the Wanganui Aero Club draws inspiration from its storied past, with many of our members proudly owning and flying classic and vintage airplanes, ensuring that the passion and nostalgia of these historic aircraft keep our rich heritage alive - some of which you can see at the annual  Wanganui Aero Day hosted by Wanganui Aero Club.