THE AERO CLUB

Wairarapa Times-Age, 29 June 1939, Page 8

THE AERO CLUB

OPERATION CONDITIONS. REPLY TO COUNTY COUNCIL CRITICISM. “There appears to be some misconception regarding the constitution and activities of the Wairarapa and Ruahipe Aero Club,” said Mr L- F- Gray, secretary, in referring to the report of the Wairarapa South County Council meeting held last week. The main object of the club, he added, was to provide flying training and facilities for the promotion and encouragement of aviation. A fleet of aircraft with hangar and workshop and and an aerodrome had been acquired largely by donations, grants to the club and Government assistance. “Our club is the only training centre in the Wairarapa—in fact aero clubs are the only training centres for pilots in New Zealand today, providing ab initio training for Air Force, Civil Reserve and club trainees. There are no Government flying schools where young men can learn to fly. The first stages of learning must be undertaken with an aero club even though the trainee afterwards joins the Nev/ Zealand Air Force. All flying and instructional training is under the supervision of a qualified Pilot Instructor, while the management of the club is upon strictly businesslike lines. Social activities are entirely separate and distinct from the flying, social functions being controlled by a social and Clubhouse Committee. Members very much appreciate the voluntary work of the Social Committee whose activities are not only self-supporting but have also provided finance for general club purposes. The social fund is kept distinct from ordinary club revenue appearing in the balance sheet as a separate item. It could be said without fear of contradiction that not one penny of ordinary revenue has been spent for social purposes since the inception of the club. The clubhouse was built with funds given to the club, by its supporters throughout the Wairarapa. Furniture, wireless and trophies were donated to the club whilst ground improvements and a valuble set of flying instruments were provided cut of donations given by members and others. “The club is not a profit making concern operated with the object of providing dividends or benefits to members. On the contrary past experience shows that it is impossible to meet expenses without the assistance of members, local bodies and the Government. It is only by financial support given voluntarily that an airport can be maintained in the Wairarapa so as to provide facilities for air transportation, and the training of pilots available for Defence purposes. “The majority of pilots trained with cur club have paid' for the whole of the flying done, amounting to hundreds of pounds in the aggregate. These pilots nave given substantial help to the club and together with those trained under the Civil Reserve of Pilots scheme are available, and would offer their services in cases oi national emergency.”