welcome to the Wairarapa aero club
Masterton - Hood Aerodrome
About
The Oldest Aero Club in the region
Founded on the 16th of September 1929, the Wairarapa Aero Club has been a long-standing part of Wairarapa history. The Aero Club over the years has trained generations of pilots, seen visits from notable aviation figures (Sir Charles Kingsford Smith and Jean Batten) and owned and operated a number of different aircraft.
Flying opportunities
The Wairarapa Aero Club offers a variety of options for anyone interested in learning to fly, as well as for licensed pilots. For those who want to experience flying firsthand, we also offer introductory trial flights in a light aircraft, at $180.
Microlight Flight
The club has two Tecnam Serria P2002 aircraft which can be used for microlight flight training or hirage to club members.
If you are interested in learning to fly one of our microlight aircraft we suggest you contact the club for an Introductory Flight.
PPL possibilities
A Private Pilot License is a recreational license that allows you to fly an aircraft as a pilot in command with friends and family on board.
The New Zealand syllabus consists of dual and solo flight training, instrument flying, terrain and weather awareness and cross countries.
CPL possibilities
To obtain a Commercial Pilot License, you need to complete six CPL theory subjects (Human Factors, Air Law, Meteorology, Navigation, General Aircraft Technical Knowledge, Principals of Flight), and a minimum of 200 hours of flight time covering the New Zealand CAA CPL syllabus.
Young Falcons program
Wairarapa Aero Club is looking for a group of young and keen individuals, who all share something in common, an interest in aviation!
The ages we are looking for are 14-16 years old.
If you’re on the verge of this age group, still fill out and send an application through.
"When you have once tasted flight, you will forever walk the Earth with your eyes turned skyward, for there you have been, and there you will always long to return."
- Leonardo da Vinci
Try it or join us…
The club offers Introductory Flights for people who are interested in having a go in a light aircraft and are interested in learning to fly, as well as flying or social (non-flying) memberships.
facilities
Wairarapa Aero Club has numerous facilities available for use by both members and visitors
The Aero Club has large club rooms with a great family-friendly Aero Club bar that operates every Friday evening from 5 pm. We have a great selection of well-priced drinks and often run events for club members at weekends.
Waylaid or Visiting? Stay With Us
A secure and comfortable bunk room is available for waylaid or visiting pilots and their passengers, with access to toilets, showers, and a kitchen.
For enquiries or advance bookings, please contact the Club Captain.
upcoming events
Working bees, courses, meetings and much more there’s always something happening. Check our calendar regularly so you don’t miss what could be just the event for you.
FAQ
Frequently asked questions
We’ve put together some commonly asked questions to give you more information about the Wairarapa Aero Club and it’s operations.
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Yes, you get to take over the controls alongside one of our experienced instructors.
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You can take a trial flight at any age but to get your pilot’s licence you need to be 16 or over.
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Your choice to attain a Microlight Flying Certificate, a Private Pilot Licence or a Commercial Pilot Licence, will determine the type of training you will need. Please contact our Chief Flying Instructor for the relevant information. Or see the different flying options and training information under the different sections on this website.
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Different medical certificates are required under each of the three flying classes that we support; Microlight Certificate, Private Pilot Licence and Commercial Pilot Licence.
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To be a flying member of the Wairarapa Aero Club costs $100 per annum. An Introductory Flight is $170 and prices vary depending on which type of aircraft within our fleet you wish to fly.
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You will need to complete a type rating and have a current medical, as well as be a flying member of the Wairarapa Aero Club to hire one of our planes. Please contact our Chief Flying Instructor for more information.
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Even if you are not planning to learn to fly, you’re welcome to join the club as a social member for $75 or $100 if you are going to fly.
We have two latest generation Tecnam Microlight aircraft and a Tomahawk
We have many social events, workshops, guest speakers and a regular Friday Night Bar and a draw for club members.
A huge mix of members from Airline Pilots, Agricultural Pilots, Commercial Pilots and learners and members who just like talking aviation.
Comfortable clubrooms and an outdoor swimming pool.
how can we help?
Questions not answered yet? Get in touch, we are here to help.