Flying, Family & Fuel on the Way: A Full Wrap-Up of the CHB Aero Club Year

As the year winds down and the “silly season” kicks in, it’s a time of reflection, celebration, and looking ahead. While much of New Zealand slows over the Christmas break, the CHB Aero Club has wrapped up a year packed with flying, progress, and community moments worth celebrating.

Here’s a full round-up — keeping everything that matters.

A Busy End to the Flying Year

November delivered exactly what everyone had been waiting for.

After nearly two months of persistent wind, conditions finally settled — and flying hours surged, with over 50 hours logged across club aircraft. Students and members were back in the air making the most of it.

Training milestones continue to roll through:

• Ed Wilson has transitioned onto Cub KSS and completed his exams

• Ewan Geertson has also completed exams and moved into cross-country flying — even joining a family trip to Dunedin for valuable real-world experience

These are the moments that turn training into true aviation journeys.

Summer Conditions on the Airfield

The airfield is now firmly in summer mode:

• Dry, firm conditions

• Some regrowth after haymaking

• Longer grass in areas, but manageable

On the farming side:

• Half the cattle (heifers) were sold at strong weights

• Replaced with steers to grow out further

As always, farming continues to quietly support the club’s financial position.

Aviation Lifestyle: Beach Flying Adventures

One of the standout reminders of why we fly came on a hot 30+ degree day.

A spontaneous trip to Netherton Beach saw members flying out for a swim — a refreshing and memorable experience. These kinds of trips highlight the lifestyle side of aviation.

Beach landings are a skill anyone can learn, and there’s growing interest — even extending to talks given to other aviation groups like the HB Microlight Club.

Christmas Party — A Club Highlight

The recent Christmas party captured everything that makes the club special.

• Strong turnout from families

• Kids meeting Santa (who arrived by aircraft, of course)

• Bouncy castles, BBQ, and great atmosphere

It’s clear the next generation of pilots is already part of the club culture.

Special thanks went to:

• Jason Wyn-Harris and the organising team

• Josh Calder for the lolly scramble

• Everyone who helped make it a success

  
  

Fuel Facility Progress — Nearly There

One of the most important infrastructure projects is nearing completion.

• The above-ground Avgas fuel facility is underway

• The bund (containment structure) is now complete

• Installation delays mean final commissioning is likely early in the new year

It’s been a long journey — but this will be a game-changer for the airfield once operational.

Weather Cameras Now Live

A big win on the tech front:

• Both airfield weather cameras are now live on the national network

• Accessible via platforms like Aircraft Owners and Pilots Association and Oz Runways

• Thanks to expert help from Ian Sinclair

These cameras are incredibly valuable for pilots planning cross-country flights — providing real-time visibility of conditions.

Club Events & Aviation Community

The club has remained active across the wider aviation network:

• Members attended a RAANZ Roadshow in Feilding

• Recreational Aircraft Association of New Zealand continues to provide valuable updates and support

• The RAANZ Fly-in at Ashburton saw strong participation, despite some travel hiccups (including a flat tyre detour!)

Looking ahead:

New Year’s Day Fly-In (Jan 1, 2026)

• Returning to its roots at Athbey Farm, Woodville

• Celebrating the 21st anniversary

• Hosted by Athol and Betty Sowry

• Arrive before midday, $20 lunch

Supporting Other Clubs & Pilot Development

It’s not just about CHB — supporting neighbouring clubs is part of the culture.

• Dannevirke Flying Club is seeing renewed energy under new Club Captain Gill Phillips

• New students and returning trainees are building momentum

• Instruction support has been provided by CHB instructors and others

Their PA28 aircraft now has a freshly overhauled engine and is performing well.

Admin, Systems & Governance — Now Stronger

Behind the scenes, significant progress has been made:

• Administration is now running smoothly under Wywurri (Sarah & Kim)

• Financial reserves are managed by Stewart Group (Hastings)

• Constitution and bylaws have been fully updated

• Systems and processes are now more robust and future-focused

These improvements position the club for long-term sustainability.

Looking Ahead to 2026

There’s a clear theme heading into the new year:

Consolidation. Stability. Growth.

After years of disruption (including COVID and lack of fuel availability), the focus is now on:

• Increasing airfield utilisation

• Strengthening financial performance

• Building on the strong foundation now in place

As it’s been put:

“Survive ‘25 has become Fix in ‘26.”

A Bit of Fun — Aviation Style

No December wrap-up would be complete without a bit of humour.

The aviation version of “Twas the Night Before Christmas” made a return — featuring:

• Santa flying a Rutan sleigh

• Rotax-powered reindeer

• ATC clearances and glide slopes

• And, of course, a request for “100LL” fuel

A fitting reminder that aviation has its own unique sense of fun.

Final Thoughts

This year has been one of:

• Strong flying activity

• Major infrastructure progress

• Improved systems and governance

• Growing family and community engagement

And most importantly — a club that continues to evolve while staying true to what makes it special.

As we head into the break:

• Enjoy time with family

• Take advantage of the summer flying

• Stay safe in the air and on the ground

Merry Christmas and Happy New Year from the CHB Aero Club.

“Take the spoon out of the sink.”