After a three-year hiatus, Benalla Aero Club will soon have students airborne again.
Flying training is set to resume at the club in the coming weeks.
The Benalla Aero Club and Smartair are holding a fly-in and open day from 10:30am to 3:30pm on Saturday, January 20 at the Benalla Airport.
Benalla Aero Club president Rob Evans said he was keen to see trainees taking to the sky in Benalla.
“We’re very excited to be able to partner with Smartair from Albury, who will provide the instructors and, importantly, the regulatory and compliance support that is essential to operate a flight training organisation,” Evans said.
“The lifeblood of most flying clubs is training pilots who then go on to use the aircraft and facilities of the club, go on flying trips, and importantly, support each other, particularly with respect to safety management.”
The Benalla Aero Club has been operating continuously since 2013 and had been training pilots up until 2020.
Benalla has a long history as an aviation destination, including training 4000 Air Force pilots in World War II.
Evans said its central Victorian location meant the airport was within range of many interesting destinations for light aircraft.
“Two hours of flying from Benalla in a light aircraft can get you all the way to Mallacoota or Mildura in the other direction,” he said.
“Club members have been on some really interesting and enjoyable trips all over Australia.”
It’s not all about the destination; enjoying the journey is what matters.
The RAAus chief flying instructor of Smartair Richard McClelland said he was looking forward to working with the Benalla Aero Club, and was impressed with its solid organisation, safety systems and promotion of high standards of airmanship.
“The Benalla Aero Club has all of the required facilities and aircraft to enable us to train people to get a full Recreational Aviation Australia flying certificate, which allows them to fly anywhere in Australia once they have attained the required endorsements,” McClelland said.
Members of the public are welcome to attend the free fly-in and open day event at the Benalla Aero Club.
There will be a free BBQ, and flight instructors will be on hand to explain the process of gaining an RAAus flying certificate and trial instructional flights at discounted rates.
Evans said it would be a great opportunity to understand the ins and outs of getting your wings.
“Whether you want to learn to fly, you already fly, or if you are just curious and want to find out more, come along,” he said
“You won’t be disappointed. It’s a great opportunity to find out about all things flying.”
For more information, contact club secretary Tony Schneider on 0414 974 965 or go to the club’s website via www.benallaaeroclub.com/