Young high flyer works towards ambitions

Waimarino Bulletin, Volume 5, Issue 10, 4 August 1987, Page 7

Young high flyer works towards ambitions

Wanganui Aero Works fixed wing pilot Hedley Watt is a young man with high ambitions. He recently went into business for himself with an air charter service. Mr Watt took up flying fixed wing aircraft when he was 18 and in the space of five years has notched up 800 hours flying time. He began flying commercially with Wanganui Aero Works two years ago and for the last 10 months has been top-dressing. His latest venture is the formation of his own

scenic flights and charter service around New Zealand, registered under the name "New Zealand Aero Tours". Mr Watt has leased a 6seater Cesna 206 light aircraft from a private owner in South Auckland and intends to operate the business as a sideline to topdressing, which declines during the winter months. Initially he has the lease for the winter but intends to extend it if the venture proves successful. Mr Watt, who has had previous charter and scenic flight experience, is optimistic that the business will be well received as it

is the only such service based in the Waimarino and is competitively priced with businesses in Taupo and Wanganui. Mr Watt has lived in Ohakune for the past 10 years and has extensive knowledge of areas of scenic interest. He will also be available for hunting trips and' for people on business trips around the country. Mr Watt described his flight routes as "flexible". "I can take people on a joy ride for just five minutes, or else take them to Christchurch- the policy is to go wherever they want to go," he said.