Autumn News – 2026

Seasonal Update

Summer seems to have been cut quite short this year, with rain, a cold snap bringing snow to the ranges, and plenty of dewy mornings. The airfield was mown and baled prior to the recent gliding competition, and the rain since then has turned it into a real picture — although as I write this, it’s drying out again and growth has slowed. (We’re never bloody happy.)

Gliding Week

Gliding Week lived up to tradition, with the weather arriving along with the competitors. Of the eight days, three were flyable, though the week started with some real gale-force winds. As always, spirits were high and everyone appeared to have a great time, with more than 17 gliders on the field.

OzRunways Seminar

The OzRunways seminar in Dannevirke was well attended and extremely worthwhile. Joe Calder, the New Zealand OzRunways representative, did an outstanding job explaining — in plain language — how to get the most out of the app, while also keeping it current and relevant.

A big thank you to Gill Phillips for organising the day.

Flying & Training Updates

We’ve been very busy on the flying front whenever the weather allows:

• Ewan Geertson has started his cross-country flights

• Ed Wilson is about to follow suit

• Several others are sitting exams in preparation for progressing

When time allows, I’m also flying with four students from Dannevirke, sharing instructing duties with Walter Taber, the Masterton CFI, who lives in Pahiatua and instructs at Dannevirke on his days off.

Woodville Fly-In – The Bone of Contention

A reminder that this Saturday the 27th, we’re flying into Woodville to compete against Hastings and Dannevirke for the “Bone of Contention” claybird shooting trophy.

Details:

• Dress code: Tweed

• Departure: Around 11:00am from Waipukurau

Let me know if you’d like to fly in so we can arrange seats. Private owners with spare seats are also encouraged to get in touch.

What to bring:

• Shotgun (if you have one — otherwise no problem)

• Hearing and eye protection

• Some cash (small charge for ammunition and clay targets)

  
  

Aircraft Updates

Ken Nightingale’s Pulsar microlight has completed its first test flight after nearly a year of meticulous fettling by Ken himself. Jerry Chisum, who has been doing the test flying, is very pleased with the results.

Ken is now getting to grips with the Rans CHB in preparation for flying his own aircraft.

Fuel Update

The recent fuel shock is affecting everyone. Fuel companies have moved from monthly to weekly price reviews, and while we’ve done our best, we can’t absorb these costs indefinitely. Unfortunately, flying rates will need to adjust to reflect ongoing price changes.

Although the avgas tank now sits proudly in its bund at the club, it’s still some way from being operational. Hopefully, there will be fuel available — and affordable — when it finally comes online.

End of Financial Year

The end of the financial year is fast approaching. With our new secretarial team in place, we’re hopeful that accounts can be quickly reconciled and end-of-year financials completed promptly — perhaps even allowing for an early AGM for a change.

Night Flying

With the end of daylight saving looming, we’re preparing for the return of night flying, which we successfully reintroduced last winter. If this is something you’d like to experience, please let me know.

In Memoriam – Max Dixon

Today I attended the memorial service of my friend and mentor, Max Dixon.

Max was CFI at HBEC Aero Club when I began my instructor rating back in 2000. With Don Macdonald conducting my training and Max overseeing and signing off the necessary paperwork, I eventually got there.

In the years that followed, Max was always generous with advice, carried out my annual instructor checks, and conducted many PPL flight tests. A great many of our students earned their licences under his watch.

He will be sadly missed.

View from Above – President Wendy Milne

President Wendy Milne reflects on just how fortunate we are as a club. While many other clubs are struggling to survive, our strong position allows us to focus on sustainability rather than survival.

Key points from Wendy’s update include:

• Improved financial management systems

• Clearer, more accurate budgeting

• Balancing affordability for members with long-term sustainability

• Ongoing engine replacement funding (now $30/hr for some aircraft)

• No landing charges, in keeping with our ethos of encouraging aviation

• Farming activities underwriting the club’s balance sheet

One highlight noted was the steady stream of new students leaving their first lesson beaming — proof that the club continues to thrive.

Wendy also extends sincere thanks to all those who have been working to keep the aerodrome looking its best.

Final Notes

These newsletters are becoming shorter, mainly because smaller updates are shared more frequently — and that feels like a good balance. Contributions are always welcome.

Take the spoon out of the sink.

— Ross Macdonald