Echuca Moama Aero Club will open up its facilities at the Echuca Aerodrome on Sunday, May 25.
Echuca Moama Aero Club is inviting the community to check out the Echuca Aerodrome this Sunday, May 25.
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The club will be offering introductory flying lessons as part of the event, known as a Trial Instruction Flight (TIF).
“If someone’s never had a go on an aeroplane or has had a go on an aeroplane but wants to maybe consider or think about getting their license themselves, it’s the opportunity to basically pay for a TIF,” president Adrian van der Sluys said.
“It’s treated as your first lesson basically.
“So you have a briefing on the ground, get to learn a little bit about the aeroplane, how it works, how the controls work, what to expect in the air.
“Then, you’ll be jumping in the aeroplane... go with the instructor, fly the aeroplane themselves, hands on with the aid of an instructor.”
Participants will have the option of a 40-minute TIF in a four-seat aircraft, a Piper Archer II, in the General Aviation category for $249, or 30 minutes in a two-seat light aircraft, an FK9, in the Recreational category for $199.
From 9am the flying will begin, and will finish up about 5pm.
Bookings for the TIFs can be made by calling secretary Peter Arnold on 0434 940 914.
After years of planning, Echuca Moama Aero Club has resumed its flying instruction out of the aerodrome.
Beginning last month, its first group of students are going strong.
“We haven’t had flying instructors operating out of Echuca for years,” Mr van der Sluys said.
“It’s making a bit of a comeback now.
“Our first group of students are starting to come through now (and) a couple of those are not far off going solo already.”
Echuca Moama Aero Club president Adrian van der Sluys before a formation display in 2023.
Mr van der Sluys highlighted the skills and opportunities that come from learning how to fly.
These include future career paths and new hobbies.
“If someone’s got a bit of an interest in aviation, or whether they’ve got no interest in aviation, just come out and have a look,” he said.
“It might sort of spark up a bit of an interest just to see how accessible it is in their local town.
“The career opportunities that come with aviation, whether it’s airlines, air force, or whether it’s just someone that wants to learn to fly for fun.”
Aside from cruising in the clouds above Echuca-Moama, open day attendees will be able to view a range of members’ aircraft and some will take them to the skies.
They will also provide a free barbecue and have drinks available on the day.
“Anyone that’s interested, even just looking at the aeroplanes... all the club members should have their aircraft out on display,” Mr van der Sluys said.
“Most of them will be prepared to take them out on air side and sit in the aeroplane, show them how they work and show them off.
“There’ll be locals flying the aeroplanes and plenty to see.”
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