Miscellaneous Aviation Articles »

Marlborough Aero Club Fly-in : Cape Campbell

By Allan Udy

A Great Social Trip To A Coastal Air Strip

One of the social aspects of many aero clubs, certainly within New Zealand, but also elsewhere around the world, are the occasional 'fly-in' events where a number of aircraft will fly to a certain location simply to have a get together with other like-minded people. The Marlborough Aero Club (Blenheim, New Zealand) recently held such an event at the Cape Campbell lighthouse airstrip in coastal Marlborough which was well attended by a variety of different aircraft types, and many club members. (See the video link further below)

Ben Morris, Chief Flying Instructor at the Marlborough Aero Club (MAC), noted that the purpose of the event was:

"...to get involvement with both members that have been around for quite a long time, and also newer members or those dipping their toes in so to speak, just getting involvement. In years gone by the popularity of the aircraft competitions we've held seems to be dropping off, so if we can incorporate some other variety such as fly-ins, it gets people really keen, quite excited to get involved. Even simple things like coming out here, having something to eat, chatting to each other, looking at each other's airplanes, is a good social exercise. Then off you go again."

Around a dozen aircraft, and approximately three dozen members of the club attended the 'brunch' at the airstrip. Ben was enthusiastic about the turn-out

" it's also for enthusiasts as well. The one thing that I love seeing with something like this is where people can bring their families out with them -- they can bring the kids and you know other young kids are making friends with other family's kids etc. So there's a place for everybody, everybody can get involved. You don't have to be a pilot, you don't have to be an aircraft owner, and the big thing too is you don't have to have lots of money. That's a bit of a common misconception. Most people around here today work your typical 9 to 5 job. They're just an everyday person like you and me. So, a good social outing."

The Aero Club is hoping to run several events like this a year, so as Ben says:

"Get involved. There's a big push for that (more fly-ins and social engagement) at the moment, so come and enjoy what we have to offer. You don't have to be the world's best pilot and you don't have to be full of money -- just get out here and enjoy it."

For more details about the Marlborough Aero Club, checkout their website:

https://marlboroughaeroclub.co.nz/

Here are a few additional images from the day's event:

Share This Story :

---

Other Stories and Videos:

Please consider subscribing to HMTV, or buy us a drink to support our historical (story and film) preservation endeavours.