Otago Aero Club
Located on the Taieri Plains, the Otago Aero Club has been fostering aviation since 1927.
The Otago Aero Club is the oldest aero club in New Zealand dating back to 1927. Taieri airfield has a rich history and was once an active RNZAF base.
The Otago Aero Club is run by its own members who are all very keen aviation enthusiasts. The clubroom facilities provide a great environment for all members to relax and reflect on past experiences and common interests. Many of our members have been flying here for years and can provide a lot of invaluable experience and tips for any pilot.
There are approximately 90 private and commercial aircraft housed and operated from Taieri Airfield, and the friendly club spirit is evident in all our members. We have a monthly ‘fly-away’ to a destination around Otago, Southland, or Canterbury which are well attended and popular with our members and their friends and family.
Phone
(03) 489–6158
Location
8 Stedman Road
North Taieri
Dunedin, NZ, 9092
Hours
Tues–Fri 9am–5pm
Sat–Sun 9am–5pm
What We Do
Flight Training / U-Fly
Private Pilots License
Commercial Pilots License
Light Sport Aircraft
For Visiting Pilots
Instruction at OAC
General Aviation
The Otago Aero Club has been providing GA Flight Instruction to our membership for many years. Our team of highly experienced flight instructors have many thousands of hours local flying experience. Our staff are dedicated to helping you achieve your goals through personalised training that is flexible to suit your needs. The instructors come from a range of backgrounds with different flying experiences giving you more opportunities and skills to take advantage of.
If you wish to book a lesson towards your Private or Commercial Pilots Licence please contact us on:
Phone: 03 489 6158
Email: info@otagoaeroclub.co.nz
Joe Calder, Chief Flying Instructor (B-Category)
John Penno, Flying Instructor (B-Category)
Henry Luke, Flying Instructor (C-Category)
Harvey Trent, Flying Instructor ( C-Category)
OAC Executive
Meet the executive behind the Otago Aero Club, the organization that has been fostering aviation in Otago since 1927:
Colin Chalmers, President & Light Sport Pilot
Mike Beattie, Vice President, PPL & Light Sport Pilot
Craig Buist, Club Captain, Light Sport Pilot
Damon Himburg, PPL Pilot
Brendan Morrison, PPL Pilot
John Gibert, Light Sport Pilot
Ross Price, PPL Pilot
Gary Montagu, PPL & Light Sport Pilot
Microlight
If you are looking at flying for a recreational pastime, then a Microlight Certificate maybe a better option for you. The Otago Aero Club has 6 experienced microlight instructors available. Combined they have many thousands of hours behind the controls of light aircraft and have flown the length of New Zealand many times. They will ensure you get the most from your flying experience no matter if you want a single U-Fly experience or a full Advanced Microlight Certificate. Our instructors are rated on a variety of common microlights so if you are after a type-rating or instruction in a new aircraft that you have constructed then give our team a call.
Joe Calder, Senior Microlight Instructor/Chief Flying Instructor
Alan Wright, ATO - Microlight Instructor
Gary Montagu, - Senior Microlight Instructor
Warwick Sims, Senior Microlight Instructor
Colin Chalmers, ATO - Microlight Instructor
Instruction Pricing
| Aircraft | Solo Member | Dual Member |
|---|---|---|
| ZK-OAC Tecnam P2008 | $238/Hr | $278/Hr |
| ZK-OAJ Tecnam P92 MKII | $238/Hr | $278/Hr |
| ZK-OPT Vans RV-12 | $208/Hr | $248/Hr |
U-Fly pricing from $130. Learn more here.
Flight Training / U-Fly
The ability to control an aircraft is an exciting and challenging skill to learn. Taking the controls for the first time, completing your first takeoff and piloting your first solo flight are all experiences and memories that will be with you for life.
The Otago Aero Club, located on the Taieri Plains, is a great place to learn to fly. We have an excellent airfield with light traffic volume meaning you will rarely have a delay getting airborne, maximising the amount of flying time for your money. When you are ready to operate in controlled airspace we have the Dunedin control zone just minutes away. The large variety of terrain ranging from beaches, valleys, hills, mountains and plains all within 15 minutes flying time, make the Otago Aero Club the ideal place to learn to fly.
Training is personalised to your requirements in a relaxed club environment. Our professional and friendly instructors will ensure you enjoy your experience at the Otago Aero Club.
We offer training for Private and Commercial Pilots Licences as well as basic to advanced Light Sport Instruction.
News and Events
FAQs
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You must obtain a medical certificate before you are able to fly solo and also to apply for a NZ pilots licence. Medical requirements in New Zealand depend on age and the class of licence you wish to obtain. For a Private Licence you require a DL9 with P endorsement or Class 2 Aviation Medical Certificate. For a Commercial Pilots Licence you require a Class 1 Aviation Medical. Any GP can issue a DL9, or for a Class 1/2 Aviation Medical it must be issued by a certified aviation medical examiner. Each Medical certificate has to be renewed periodically. To find out more about Aviation medicals please talk with one of our friendly instructors.
To obtain a RAANZ Microlight Certificate you must complete the RAANZ medical certificate, any GP is able to do this for you and the guidelines are based on a Heavy Transport vehicle licence. The form is available on the RAANZ website.
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We have a local aviation medical examiner that can issue you with your pilots medical and can be found at:
Dr Robert Morton
Outram Medical Centre
10 Beaumaris StOutram
DUNEDIN
Ph: 486 2150 -
Yes you can fly with glasses, speak to your medical examiner/GP.
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The First step is to Contact us at the Aero Club. Please see our page on becoming a pilot or download how to become a pilot from CAA.
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The main cost is rental of the aircraft, which can vary a little due to fluctuations in fuel price and other variables. Contact us for up to date prices for our aircraft. Other costs include your Pilots Medical, Theory examinations, study material and Flight Test fees. Click here for current training packages available.
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Time can vary and is dependant on a number of factors, such as your own availability and weather. On average students at the Otago Aero Club take between six and twelve months to complete their PPL part time. Training is very much tailored to your specific needs and lifestyle. Talk to one of our Instructors, they will help you structure a training schedule to suit your needs.
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Pilot licences are valid for the lifetime of the holder however there are currency requirements and a biennial flight review, to ensure you are still operating the aircraft safely.
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Before exercising the privileges of their licence all pilots must ensure they hold a current medical, current BFR (biennial flight review) and are current on the aircraft type they intend to fly. Currency on type requires at least 3 take off and landings in the last 90 days.
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You can fly anytime of the year here in Dunedin. There are some seasonal effects to the area yet generally we are able to fly on most days, all year.
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A BFR is a 2 yearly flight review that covers all flying manoeuvres and pilot decision making for your level of licence. This is to ensure that all pilots are still operating the aircraft safely, making appropriate decisions and is up to speed with the current rules and regulations. Our instructors are qualified to carry out this flight assessment.
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The Civil Aviation Authority of New Zealand is the regulatory body which exists to govern aviation in New Zealand and ensure aviation safety.
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To fly in New Zealand you must be assessed to have a good ability to speak, read and understand the English Language as English is the dominant language in Aviation worldwide. Our Instructors will assess you as you learn and all pilots must pass a formal test for English Language Proficiency before applying for their licence.
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Yes you can. Please look at our information under visiting pilots.
Newsletters
Contact Us
Mail To:
PO Box 25
MOSGIEL, DUNEDIN, 9053
For U-Fly's Call:
Office Ph: 03 489 6158
Email: info@otagoaeroclub.co.nz