Spring Winds, Big Plans & Bigger Horizons: Inside a Season of Change at CHB Aero Club

Spring has arrived — but not quietly.

This season has brought some of the strongest winds in recent memory, testing pilots, plans, and patience. Yet, despite the conditions, the CHB Aero Club continues to push forward with improvements, growth, and some genuinely exciting developments.

Here’s what’s been happening.

A Season That Didn’t Follow the Script

Spring usually means drying out after winter — but this year has been unusually dry from the start.

The airfield barely needed to close, with only a short two-week NOTAM period. That created the perfect window to complete mole draining on the southern end — a smart move that could pay off big next winter.

Even the sheep rotation was lighter than usual, leaving the airfield in better condition than expected.

Strengthening the Foundations

Behind the scenes, some of the most important changes are happening.

At the recent AGM:

• A new constitution was officially adopted

• Club rules and bylaws have been reviewed and digitised

• Members will now have clearer, more accessible documentation

These are the kinds of changes that don’t grab headlines — but they make everything run better.

Flying Activity: Weather vs Momentum

Flying hours dipped slightly over the past couple of months — largely thanks to the wind.

But when the weather opens up, members are making the most of it.

One standout moment saw Mike Fitzgerald take his family to Gisborne — a milestone flight that perfectly captures why people train in the first place. As he put it, this was the moment it all came together.

Giving Back to Those Who Give

The club recently recognised the huge effort behind its administration overhaul.

Reuben and Paige were treated to a club-sponsored trip to Wanaka and Balclutha — a small way of saying thanks for the many unpaid hours spent getting systems in shape and transitioning to the new admin team at Wywurri.

That kind of contribution doesn’t go unnoticed.

Investing in the Future: Weather Cams & Infrastructure

A generous donation from the Gabria hangar syndicate has been put to good use — funding new weather cameras for the airfield.

The goal? To connect into New Zealand’s growing network of live aviation weather cams — a valuable tool for cross-country pilots.

The cameras are working locally… but getting them online publicly has proven tricky. If you’ve got technical expertise in this area, the club would love your help.

Maintenance Reality Check

Aircraft maintenance always brings surprises.

A recent inspection of the Cub revealed magnetos in worse condition than expected — despite relatively low hours. It’s a reminder that assumptions don’t replace proper checks… and that aviation rarely offers “cheap fixes.”

Night Flying Returns

One of the more creative highlights recently has been the return of night flying.

With a bit of ingenuity (and some LED camping lanterns), the runway was temporarily lit for several evenings of training and flying. The result?

• Safe, effective operations

• No complaints from locals

• Plenty of positive feedback

Simple ideas, well executed.

What’s Coming Up

There’s a busy few months ahead:

Taildragger Weekend (November)

• Hosted across Hastings and Waipukurau

• Potential visits from Bearhawk and 180/185 groups

• A full weekend of flying and socialising

Christmas Party (December 14th)

• A family-friendly event with BBQ, activities, and plenty of festive spirit

Regional Fly-Ins

• Including the Wanganui Aero Club event (October 12th)

  
  

From Waipukurau to the Outback

One of the most inspiring updates came from former student James Cairns.

From humble beginnings flying locally, he’s now built nearly 2,000 hours in Australia — flying everything from:

• Remote cattle station operations

• Fire and water monitoring

• Low-level survey flying

• Multi-engine and turbine aircraft

It’s a powerful reminder of where aviation can take you — literally and professionally.

New Energy in Leadership

New Club Captain Jason Wyn-Harris is bringing fresh ideas and momentum.

Some initiatives in the pipeline:

• Reintroducing Sunday duty pilots

• Moving toward an electronic aircraft booking system

• Reviving club competitions and events

• Planning club trips and dinners

It’s all about getting more members involved — and making the most of the club.

Fuel on the Horizon

One of the most significant developments underway is fuel availability.

After years of persistence, plans are finally progressing for a 10,000L Avgas tank on-site. Once installed, this will be a major step forward for convenience and capability at the airfield.

Credit goes to the quiet persistence that kept this moving.

Continuous Improvement

From refurbished clubroom furniture to long-term facility upgrades, the approach is clear:

Small steps, done consistently, lead to big results.

The committee continues to work through a full list of priorities — steadily improving the experience for members.

Final Thoughts

Despite challenging weather, this season has been about progress.

• Better systems

• Stronger infrastructure

• More engagement

• Bigger opportunities ahead

And perhaps most importantly — a club culture that continues to grow stronger.

“Take the spoon out of the sink.” — because in aviation (and in clubs), it’s the small things done right that make the biggest difference.