Young pilots ready to fly solo at local Aero Club

Nathan Mauchline, Chief Flying Instructor, congratulates WHS student, Cameron Allardice on completion of his first solo flight.

Earlier this month, there were smiling faces at Wanganui Aero Club as Cameron Allardice and Casey Lithgow both completed their first solo flight, and former WHS student Leroy Johnston gained his Commercial Pilot's Licence (photo below).

Casey Lithgow's father, Dean, is a pilot, and Casey has been flying for about a year now.

"I suppose I was influenced by my father and then when I had my first flight it hooked me on it," says Casey. His solo flight was in a Piper PA-38 Tomahawk.

"It was good - it felt really cool." Chief Flying Instructor Nathan Mauchline flew with him to make sure all was well.

"Then he got out of the plane and I was on my own," says Casey. "It wasn't as scary as I thought it was going to be. It was overcast but barely any wind, so it was good."

His first flight lasted about 15 minutes. Casey has since flown more solo flights and plans to make a career out of flying.

Leroy Johnston works for Downer and did his first flight about three years ago.

"It's something I've thought about for a long time, since I was at school. Then I finally bit the bullet and rang the Aero Club and went for an introductory flight. I was hooked from that point on. I started flying lessons in the days immediately after."

Gaining a Commercial Pilot's Licence through the Aero Club requires 200 hours total time as well as 12 theory exams to pass.

"You do six to have your Private Pilot's Licence, which is 50 hours, then an additional 150 hours' flying and another six exams," says Leroy. "Eventually I hope to fly full time, but my next step from here is I'm going to have my Instructor rating by Christmas - that's my goal."

Leroy says he owes thanks to instructor Nathan Mauchline.

"He has invested a lot of time and effort into me."

By Paul Brooks
Wanganui Midweek 13/9/17