General News
20 March, 2023
Reach for the sky, learn how to fly
The Sport Aircraft Academy is conducting trial introductory flights for aspiring pilots on Saturday March 25 and Sunday March 26 at Warracknabeal Airport. Warracknabeal Aero Club turns 60 this year and to celebrate, have arranged for...
The Sport Aircraft Academy is conducting trial introductory flights for aspiring pilots on Saturday March 25 and Sunday March 26 at Warracknabeal Airport.
Warracknabeal Aero Club turns 60 this year and to celebrate, have arranged for a Melbourne-based flying instructor to come and provide flying training to a new generation of pilots.
The class begins at 9am, and community members interested in gaining their pilot’s licence will be given a classroom lesson and safety briefing, followed by a trial introductory flight and debrief.
Students will be able to fly, taking control of the aircraft under the supervision of experienced instructor, Nicholas Christie.
Mr Christie started flying at Moorabbin and Tyabb when he was 13 years old and went on to become a Commercial Pilot and Flying Instructor.
He is now the Chief Flying Instructor at the Sport Aircraft Academy.
The Recreational Aviation Australia curriculum is formatted for people of all ages, and teaches trainer pilots to fly using light sport aircrafts including the Australian-made Jabiru 160.
The qualification gained through the Sport Aircraft Academy allows pilots to fly virtually anywhere in Australia, and many trainees go on to fly larger aircraft, and fly commercially.
Warracknabeal Aero Club have aircrafts available for hire, and a range of different aircraft types available through arrangements with other organisations, and said pilots can fly from their farm paddock in the Wimmera to the outskirts of Melbourne or Geelong in 90 minutes, or Warracknabeal to Brisbane in around 6 hours.
Mr Christie said his career as a flight instructor was extremely rewarding.
“I enjoy the challenge and reward of teaching people who come with no experience in aviation, and end up being really competent, safe pilots for years to come,” he said.
Having a pilot’s licence can open up a whole new world to adventure.
Warracknabeal Aero Club has conducted club trips to all parts of Australia, including Lake Eyre, Birdsville and the Gulf of Carpentaria, and club president David Ward said they are pleased to be able to offer these lessons locally.
“We are really pleased that Nicholas and the Sport Aviation Academy are able to come to Warracknabeal to teach a new generation of pilots,” he said.
“SAA is able to tailor packages that will suit many farmers, students and aircraft enthusiasts, and are offering us a special deal which includes all of the flying lessons, classroom tuition, learning materials, maps and charts necessary to become a recreational pilot”
Bookings are essential for a trial introductory flight and cost just $200.
For more information contact David Ward on 0418 504 059 or reach out to Warracknabeal Aero Club via Facebook.